Taking advantage of everyday opportunities to practice your Spanish

Question

I see a lot of posts here on the best books, CD's, web sites, etc., for learning Spanish. Those are all fine, but none of them are as good as actually using the language in real life. Depending on where you live, you may very well be surrounded by native Spanish speakers more than willing to talk to you and help you practice. Most people are flattered when you ask.

Today, for example, I had to get some work done on my car. The driver's window was off the track, so I took it to a shop to get it fixed. I heard the installer talking to another customer in Spanish. When he was working on my car I asked him what you called a particular car part in Spanish, He grinned and started talking to me in Spanish. We had a long conversation about current events, etc. I considered the money spent a good deal - I got my window fixed and had a Spanish lesson at the same time.

Anyway, don't be shy. If you don't use it you'll never be able to use it.

• Kevin, you're absolutely right! - RaulSpaniard Jan 7, 2012
• What an inspiring story. Thank you Kevin - patch Jan 7, 2012

Answer 1

Well then Billy and Annie you'll just have to get on Skype more often.

• estoy de acuerdo! - billygoat Jan 7, 2012
• I have seen afrightening picture of a headphone, an item lacking in this house, besides I'm terrifed of insulting the Queen - annierats Jan 7, 2012
• AndI've no idea how to get started on it or what number to ring... - annierats Jan 7, 2012
• C'mon Annie she really is a pussycat. - Yeser007 Jan 7, 2012
• It's age, that's what hampersme. You young with your modern devices! - annierats Jan 7, 2012
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Answer 2

Kevin, you clearly don't live in Tiverton, England. If I could, I would...Ojála que pueda.

If you want to learn some of the Russian languages, that would be easier around here, these days.

• lol touche! - billygoat Jan 7, 2012
• I thought all you English took holidays in Mallorca and Torremolinos. Kidding. That's why I said, "Depending on where you live...". Here in the U S Spanish is almost ubiquitous. - KevinB Jan 7, 2012
• We do, Kevin. That's why these parts are nowadays English speaking... - annierats Jan 7, 2012
• 18,000 people living in Tiverton, one of them has to speak Spanish! Put up ads! - rabbitwho Jan 7, 2012
• Gosh rabbit, are we that many? You're right, more effort might pay. I do know a venezuelan in Exeter, actually.. - annierats Jan 7, 2012

Answer 3

Unfortunately where I live I could have a conversation lots of languages, eg Chinese, Indian subcontinent, Polish, Romanian, Albanian, Arabic, you name it...................but Spanish, not a chance lol.

• One roman invasion was one too many, perhaps? - annierats Jan 7, 2012
• As a fellow Brit - I hear you buddy - patch Jan 7, 2012
• Maybe Spaniards aren't waterproof, and they just melt after a week or so in England? - annierats Jan 8, 2012

Answer 4

Kevin, you are absolutely right. I must admit I am pretty fortunate to live here in Denver where often times the first language I hear when I walk out of my house is Spanish. Also, here there are a wide variety of Spanish speakers. For example, yesterday I spoke with people from Puerto Rico, Peru, El Salvador and Spain. In fact I'm actually having second thoughts about studying abroad in Mexico or Spain this summer because there are so many opportunities right here. That being said, it amazes me that so many people study so hard but yet rarely actually speak the language. Often times my fellow students and I, who are all at least at an "advanced" level, will go across the street from campus to a Mexican restaurant (Las Fuentes) and many don't even try to converse which just blows my mind! Also, there are many people learning Spanish at my work place yet few take advantage of the fact that over 50% of our staff are native speakers. Unbelievable! Honestly if you live in the U.S. in any major city I think you should have no excuse not to practice the language. From what I have seen nearly every city at least has Spanish meet up groups that are absolutely free. I love grammar and the classes that I take in the pursuit of my Spanish degree, but I also think that having spontaneous, meaningful conversations is the only way to truly develop something close to fluency. No matter how much time you dedicate to studies, the level you place at on online tests, etc. , you need to use it!

Answer 5

I will elaborate a little on the difficulties that we northern Europeans have: In my town, there are 4 learners ( above school-age). The course has now been abandoned. In the next little town there is a band of 5 of us, at different levels, but we have great fun, with an excellent profesora, about once every 2-3 weeks ( private evening course, as and when at least 3 people and the profesora can come).

I go on holiday ( Indeed, mallorca has featured!) and try to practise, there is a slight problem in that all the people there try to practise their English on me..I perservere! In fact, the breakdown of a hire-car, provided me with the opportunity to talk for some time, on the phone, to the hire car company, to explain that the car had died( this prhase doesnt work, for your information) and where we were, and what to do. I then managed to sustain a very long conversation all the way back to base with a rather surly rescuer ( an hour of how bad the European economy is!). So, you're right, best thing is: Sabotage your hire car and also the electric cooker so that you have to talk to people! It works!

I'm not sure my husband was quite so pleased with events as I was...

• It feels so unfair, I walk into a room and everyone stops speaking Spanish and start speaking English, practise English with each other! Speak Spanish with me! They say they feel silly speaking English with other learners. Ufff! - rabbitwho Jan 7, 2012
• Rabbit, once in Spain I had an idiot conversatio with young Spaniard, he persisted in English and I in Spanish, it was laughable. - annierats Jan 7, 2012
• Although we understood each other well..My husband seemed unnaturally amused. - annierats Jan 7, 2012
• I loved reading this Annie - patch Jan 7, 2012
• Gracias, Patch. - annierats Jan 8, 2012

Answer 6

I don't encounter opportunities every day but I do try to take good advantage of the many opportunities that come my way in life..There are definite advantages in England being a multicultural society and for me the greatest is having and meeting people who speak the languages you are trying to learn

When I was in London last December I was in a long queue outside waiting for an audition for a national talent competition. I got talking to a man and found out he was from Spain and so we began a conversation in Spanish. He was from Madrid and his children were taking part in the competition.

Later on, while waiting at the last stage to enter the room and speak to the judges, I began talking to a lady from Colombia and we had a fairly long chat in Spanish. I could understand everything she said. Her young daughter was dancing in a group and was waiting for an audition. I spoke briefly to her daughter in Spanish.

On another occasion I was playing the piano for a private party (work) and had the opportunity to socialise during the meal time and so I met a Spanish lady called Conchita and she was evidently very pleased that I could speak her language. Her accent was easier to understand that the man from Madrid. I don't know why but I sometimes find that Spanish native women easier to understand than some of the native men. Funny it should be that way

• I went to London once, 2 years ago, and indeed, there were Spanish speakers on a bus. I nearly followed themm home, just to overhear more. - annierats Jan 8, 2012
• lol@Annie you were obviously enthusiastic to learn more :) - FELIZ77 Jan 9, 2012

Answer 7

Kevin, you clearly don't live in Tiverton, England. If I could, I would...Ojála que pueda.

I must say, the United States is the place to be if you are learning Spanish. That is other than countries official or unofficial first language is Spanish. I can't think of a time in recent years especially, when I went out somewhere and didn't hear at least one person speaking Spanish. All of our stores are bilingual and cater to Spanish speaking customers. All of our grocery stores have aisles of food dedicated to people wishing to prepare foods from Latin American countries. We can't even make a phone call without hearing:

"Para continuar en español oprima las dos."

Last week, a kind Mexican waiter settled a dispute about Spanish vocabulary between my daughter and me. Thankfully, he sided completely with me.

Thanks for this post Kevin. It is a reminder to insert ourselves into the lives of the Spanish speaking people in our neighbourhood in order to take full advantage of ways to practice in our daily lives.

Answer 8

Lol I wish I had that opportunity but in Canada there are hardly any. Here in Ottawa, a good chunk of city speaks French. All Canadians have to learn French in elementary school. Spanish is a pretty popular language course at my university though.

I'm hoping to go to Spain or South America this year, and get that real life practice.

• Goos luck, it's what we have to do. - annierats Jan 8, 2012

Answer 9

Kevin, I think you are right. I've always been alble to pick up a little Spanish here and there by working with native speakers. Two years ago we went out of our box and invited the Mexican family that lives across the holler, who speaks very little English, to come over for dinner. Since then our families have become very good friends. We celebrate Christmas, New Years and Birthdays with them and are very fortunate to experience their holiday traditions. They get to learn English and we get to learn Spanish. Next year, If they can get papers, we are going to travel with them to their home town in Mexico.

• Here and there. - kenwilliams Jan 7, 2012
• Fantastico! - Jmarie Jan 13, 2012

Answer 10

Aquí en mi pueblo pequeño, en los Estados Unidos, busco las personas que hablan español en el mundo de los trabajadores, o cuando voy las compras en el supermercado.

Por lo general, si sonriso y trato a decir una o dos palabras a cada persona al lado di mi, o detrás de contador, yo los encuentro.

Hay que estar abierto todo el tiempo!

• Here in my small town in the States I look for people who speak Spanish in the world of the workers, or when I go shopping. Usually if I smile and try to say a few words to the person next to me, or behind the counter, I find them. - Jmarie Jan 13, 2012