How does someone not immersed in Spanish, stay sharp after the course is over?

Question

I have been trying to learn Spanish for years now, but because no one around me speaks Spanish it's hard to really pick it up. I know immersion is the best way, but I don't believe I'm moving to Spain anytime soon.

Answer 1

I understand completely. I have no Spanish-speaking people in my life other than the TV.

I read the news, listen to podcasts (newsinslowspanish.com is my favorite), tune into the radio sometimes, and rent movies that have Spanish soundtracks. I also have a tutor from Guatemala that I talk to on Skype. It's really cheap and fun.

Answer 2

You know, Chris, we have so many resources now that weren't available 20 years ago. It's pretty easy to spend an hour or two of virtual Spanish immersion every day.

You need to hear it and see it with all the means Marianne said: podcasts, news, movies, TV, radio-

And you need to speak it out loud. CD sets are great for that. A cheap one that has a lot of benefits is Learn in your Car Spanish.

Another one that I think is superior in very many ways is Learning Spanish Like Crazy It's more fun to listen to, and I think it helps you speak better. It's also more expensive ($100 for thirty, 30 minute lessons in a download). And I still go back to "Learn in Your Car" sometimes for different vocabulary, or for shorter listening, or for a change of pace.)

I understand Pimsleur is similar to Learning Spanish Like Crazy, and you can probably borrow that one from your library.

I think sets like these are a great help to learning and retaining Spanish.

Greg, is "Learning Like Crazy" for intermediate students too...or just beginners? I loved Pimsleur's intermediate CDs for my car and speaking aloud. - --Mariana--, May 4, 2010

Learning Like Crazy II - Lessons 31-60, is for intermediate students. - Goyo, May 4, 2010

Thanks, amigo! - --Mariana--, May 4, 2010

Answer 3

I read Spanish language newspapers, listen to Spanish language news and podcasts in the car, and watch DVD's with the Spanish soundtrack. I also record myself reading out loud. It's not as good as immersion, but it's better than nothing.

Answer 4

I listen to a lot of Spanish podcasts when I'm out running in the streets. Also I watch You Tube videos in Spanish. If you can find some Spanish speaking pen pals that can help to keep your writing skills fresh too.

Answer 5

I listen to la música de Shakira and try to translate it.

Answer 6

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15.

You have a little time but a month before September 15 start looking in the newspaper and other resources for events happening in your area. There you can meet people that speak Spanish and maybe make a few new friends.

Answer 7

I'm a mere beginner, but I like to select the spanish audio or subtitles on DVD's I know well, and try to keep up. I don't know if it helps, but its good fun.

Answer 8

I watch novelas, listen to music etc. I used to read el mundo

Answer 9

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all your answers and it might sound like I'm making excuses not to do the work. Actually, I'm just trying to strike up a dialogue with people in a similial situation. Goyo your right about all the different media that is available now compared to just several years ago, Marianne thanks about Skype still haven't tried it, and the rest of you for all the tapes and comments.

It's encouraged me to try some of the things again I've tried in the past.

Adiós,

Chris

Answer 10

keep going back

Haha, that's my favorite way! =) - eagleswing865, May 4, 2010