Hi, I have some tips for learning Spanish.

Question

many of the electronic devices you use today have the the languages switched in them to spanish. Cell phones, gps devices, even TVs and VCRs. There are tons of great podcasts to help you learn on the go. Spanishdict has all of there learning videos available through podcast. Rent movies that you know have spanish dub and subtitles, that way you can watch and read so you get it two ways to help understand what it going on. Watch the movie in spanish as many times as you can before watching it in english. get as good of an understanding out of it as you can. Basically, just immerse yourself into the language. The more so you do, the quicker you will catch on and learn. Everyone learns at different speeds though, so don't get discouraged if you don't seem to be learning as quickly as you thought you would. Unfourtunately, the older you are, usually means the slower you will learn a new language if you only know one. The quickest learners usually are children that are just learning their first language before they get to set in the ways of one. Just keep immersing yourself as much as you can and you will eventually catch on. Try not to think things like "if this were in english it would make no sense!". Spanish is structured differently than english and sometimes it is hard to understand why something is said a certain way in spanish when it is said quite differently in english, different languages and different cultures as well. Learn about the cultures of spanish speaking countries to help yourself understand how and why they thing and say things the way they do. You may end up being very interested and end up learning about things you've never even dreamed about. There are many wonderful cultures out there that a lot of us don't know the first thing about. Obviously, if you are at this website, you already know about the wonderful learn spanish section and this great question and answer forum. I am greatly appreciative of spanishdict for providing us all with the great service. But above all, don't give up Good luck in the learning everyone and keep it up!

Best way is chatting with someone who actually speaks Spanish. On a recent car trip across the US, I met Spanish speakers just about everywhere! - 0057ed01, Nov 23, 2009

Answer 1

Unfourtunately, the older you are, usually means the slower you will learn a new language if you only know one.

I have a theory concerning that observation. Older brains are full of life's other lesson's so there's less room to store new ideas. As for younger minds, how can I describe it gently: still "empty-headed"?

Sorry, you set yourself up for that so well, that I couldn't pass it up.

[old man][1]

[1]:

lol. :) - cheeseisyummy, Nov 23, 2009

you're actually not too far off with your comment. It is because when you only know one language, you get set into the single way of thinking of that language and if you don't keep up with learning new things your brain gets more set in its ways. - Ben-Kapity, Nov 23, 2009

This is not always true for all people, but that is why it is generally easier for children to learn, and also a very good reason to always keep up with trying to learn new things, it keeps your brain younger! - Ben-Kapity, Nov 23, 2009

Answer 2

Your enthusiasm energizes me. Thank you for re-energizing me! And by the way, my B-day was very recent so I am debating between an old wheelchair or a new hi-tech hover-round!