Hello everyone just starting out learnin Spanish

Question

Hello everybody I'm new to this site just starting out learning Spanish so any tips are welcome, I have met a nice girl from Buenos Aires Argentina so learning Spanish so I can talk to her and I would like to be fluent by the end of the year when I travel there. Anybody that has learnt Spanish here I would like to know how long do you think it takes to be fluent? could I learn within a year? some say 6 months? I will try to learn for a few hours each day and also going to put on Spanish tv here and watch the news etc to learn more and see what I can pick up, I guess repition is good hey, any tips are welcome from fellow learners, thank and I wish you all luck in learning

"learning" and "learned" - 002262dd, Mar 11, 2012

Answer 1

¡Hola Englandsfinest y bienvenidos a spanishdict.com!

I know how Brady feels. If we say it might take longer to become fluent then 6 months or a year, maybe we've discouraged you and we don't want to do that.

Here, we offer video lessons, an English/Spanish dictionary for a one word search, an English/Spanish translator for a phrase (which is not always the most fluent, because a machine doesn't understand feelings and intent or slang, but it is a start), the Q&A forum, and of course, people, the members who want to learn English and/or Spanish.

We do have some rules and they are found here. We encourage you to work with the video lessons and immediately begin to participate in these two games, English Word of the Day, and La Palabra del Día. They are found by clicking Q&A on the blue bar, and then Games. Those two places are very active and it helps people to get to know each other. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, as you'll see it's how we learn along with the repetition. Use what you know and always try first then we will help you along. The more you do, the more you'll understand not just here but with your TV work and reading.

I started Spanish because there is a family in Florida who are native Puerto Ricans. I've visited a couple of times and their smiles told me my attempts were worth the effort.

Thanks for coming and checking us out. We hope we will become one of your options to learn.

Sorry, I get a little wordy! But there is so much here! - bandit51jd, Mar 11, 2012

Answer 2

Welcome Englandsfinest! It's a fantastic idea that you are travelling to Argentina. I have heard that the only way to develop a true sense of the language is to submerge yourself completely. However, (and I hate to burst your bubble), I have also heard that it takes many years to become truly fluent. I'm sure that by 6 months your Spanish will have grown to a whole new level, but I doubt that you will become fluent (especially if you are just starting to learn.

And yes, watch all the Spanish TV you can and read, read, read! That helps you pick up a great sense of vocabulary. Another tick I have up my sleeve is listening to Spanish Music. I absolutely love Spanish Music, and it helps me a ton! It sounds like you've got a pretty good schedule planned out for yourself, though

Good Luck!

Hola Brady. I didn't realize you were from Chicago, I'm about 2 hours south! - bandit51jd, Mar 11, 2012

I'm assuming you are enjoying the wonderful weather that we are having right now, no? :-) - BradyLabuda, Mar 11, 2012

Yes, I went out to do an errand and there were lots of joggers and couples out with their dogs in the park. I try to go to Homer occasionaly and I just discovered Middle Fork near Penfield the other day. - bandit51jd, Mar 11, 2012

Answer 3

Listening to music is a fun part of learning Spanish. For an introduction to a variety of artists and styles, as well as English translations, go to youtube and search for Learning Spanish Songs, posted by escorpio 123. They're fun! Escorpio makes a few wee mistakes with translations, but they're insignificant and it's a great service to us learners. A FABULOUS website for listening practice is http://www.laits.utexas.edu/spe/index.html
Have fun--it's a wonderful language!