Im looking for good methods of compiling small sentences without referring to notes?

Question

To expand on my question, Im looking for methods of putting together small sentences (In Spanish) without referring to notes, and not going into a memory blank or panic when in a situation of possible conversation? Thanks

Answer 1

Mark, when you say a simple sentence in English, try to create a sentence in Spanish that communicates the same idea. It does not need to be a direct translation, but get the same idea across. Start with simple sentences. Once you are more comfortable creating the sentences in your mind, you will be more comfortable creating them in conversation.

That's the technique I use, anyway.

Answer 2

To take a little different tact from the ideas you have been given, to work on practicing saying sentences as opposed to just generating them, I just try to talk to my wife and friends in Spanish. Since not a one of them speaks Spanish, this is very low pressure, because they have no idea what I said. Then I can think about for a little while and decide how I should have said it. I have no idea if this will be a successful strategy, as I am not particularly good at speaking yet. But I do throw it out as an idea, because I also freeze with indicision if I have to talk in front of someone who does speak Spanish, because I don't like to make errors, and this is getting me closer to being able to just say a sentence freely.

It does annoy my family and friends to no end though.

Answer 3

Speak with natives and accept that you are going to make mistakes. Think more about the flow of the conversation that what you or anyone else is saying. If you have access to a 2 year old learning your native tongue, watch them while thinking about what I just said.

I knew I would stimulate someone to say just go out and make the mistakes with my answer. :-) - Stadt, Aug 29, 2011

At least I didn't say to go out and drink 12 21 oz beers like I did yesterday afternoon ;) - lorenzo9, Aug 29, 2011

For me, that does help me to be able to go out and make the mistakes, so it really is not bad advice- if you meant 1-2 and not 12 (I think I would be unable to speak any language with 12). :-0 - Stadt, Aug 29, 2011

Answer 4

I would suggest something else: find something you are really interested in, and focus on understanding the content even though you don't get every word. If you get stuck at some point or a word is essential to understand what you are reading, you'll be eager to look it up in the dictionary, rather than being anxious about it. You'll learn while you enjoy, without feeling uncomfortable and without realising you are learning.