Is reading spanish for hours a day a way to become competent?
I've been reading El Diario for a week and a half now. I read about 30 to 40 articles a day and look up a word from each article. I figured the more I read the faster I'll absorb the language, but I heard if I keep this up I won't learn as much because I'm cramming too much for my brain to process. Is my method effective? Should I take it a little slower? I hear of people studying for hours and hours and I just feel so motivated by that. What do you think?
Thanks everybody!
5 Answers
It's a tremendous way to build vocabulary. Do be aware that newspapers tend to use a particular style of writing, so you may want to mix in some books and magazines.
It also doesn't help your listening or speaking skills all that much. I'd recommend listening to BBC Mundo news podcasts and TV and movies in Spanish, as well.
And, in the end, you're going to have to talk to someone.
I was reading prensa.com for a few months before visiting Panama (prensa.com is published there). It helped my reading skills more than my speaking skills, but that's not so bad. I learned a lot about the regional news and culture before arriving there, and improved my reading skills tremendously. Just note that written language differs a bit from conversational forms.
I think it depends on the person's method of learning. If you use the words repetitively, it sticks better in the brain rather than using the word once and then having to remember what it was 2 days later. The same is with english, I looked up the word "dilapidated" when I was in highschool, and the only way I was able to remember the word, let alone write it, was to constantly include it in my writing.
A good example is the Pimsleur method. (I also recommend using pimsleur for learning spanish as you can listen to it anywhere and it uses the repeating method).
But like I said, it depends on the person, if you find it more effective to do it your way, then keep up the good work. 
(It will definetly help with your reading skills mind you XD )
yeah definitly. i read all the time and without realising it all the verbs and their conjugations are stamped into my mind. i hardly notice until i start writing myself and im like.. wait, how do i know that verb.. its a great way to learn
Reading is good way to learn vocabulary. But I agree with you don´t try to do too much at once. You may want to start with something simple. I find I can understand newspaper, but I would be completely lost with a book.
