Learning progress?
Hi all
This is more of a general question but I just wondered how quickly people are finding they can progress with their Spanish by using this website?
I have been doing the lessons and flashcards most days for the past 3 weeks and have reached lesson 2.5. I feel I have the basics to ask for certain things but could not really hold a proper conversation.
What sort of progress are other people making and are there any tips/methods you can suggest for learning the language quicker?
Thanks
James
7 Answers
To tag onto KevinB's point, there are options to find opportunities to speak to native Spanish speakers and practice that don't involve courses. I live in one of the Portland, Oregon suburbs, and every library nearby has an "ïntercambio" program where they bring native English and Spanish speakers who are learning the language together to teach each other- I plan on doing that once I get a little better with Spanish (because I am too shy to just jump in), but they all state beginners welcome. You didn't put in your profile where you are, but if you check your local libraries events calendar you might find something.
. A great website for listening to spanish is http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/spanish/mividaloca/
It's very difficult to teach yourself a language. Barring moving to a Spanish speaking country (and even that doesn't work if you don't try), talking to Spanish speakers is the next best way. Taking classes with real people is a good method. You might see if your local community college offers them.
The fastest way to learn Spanish is to move to a Spanish speaking country, but even then it takes a couple years.
As for doing things on the internet, using conjugation trainers in conjucton with this site is good for memorizing all of that. Reading newspaper articles is good for developing vocabulary, and reading them aloud is a good exercise as well--do it over and over in small chunks at first until it flows smoothly. This allows you to practice speaking without having to think of what to say.
Also, I think, good is to watch a Spanish movies with subtitles (or TV), stopping it and translating and repeating what you heard here, or listening and translation the songs. At this way I learned English after learning grammar and dictionary.
Also,when you have a time, try to describe all around you or what are you doing in Spanish.
So, with this site you can learn grammar and enrich dictionary, but for practice your Spanish you need extra method (for me - it's films and songs).
Hi Vic, corrections below without altering too much of your content.
Also, I think, it is good to watch Spanish movies with subtitles (or TV), stopping it and translating and repeating what you heard here, or listening and translating the songs. This is the way I learned English after learning grammar and dictionary.
Also,when you have a time, try to describe what is all around you or what are you doing in Spanish.
So, with this site you can learn grammar and enrich your vocabulary but to practice your Spanish you need an extra method (for me - it's films and songs).
Thanks everyone. Some very useful tips. I have been watching a few basic spanish videos with subtitles but I think I need to improve on my basics before I will really benefit from this.
With regards to Stadt's answer, I live in Birmingham in the UK. I have done some internet searches but there do not seem to be any groups like the ones you suggested, just actual spanish lessons, which are quite expensive.
Vic, I must apologize to you. I think I have deleted your post by mistake. I offered a couple of corrections and when I checked, Eddy had already posted corrections. I quickly deleted mine but then there was no sign of your post.
