Studying the language . . . again.
Hello, all! My name is Kaitlyn and I'm coming back to the study of Spanish. I know a fair amount of vocabulary and grammar, but I never became good at actually speaking Spanish. So far, my language "skills" are not very practical, and I would really like to do my own studying outside of the classroom and change that. Are there any recommendations out there for a returning student? I can't afford to travel, so gaining practical skills in Spanish-speaking areas is highly impractical. How do you gain practical use and a true command of the language?
4 Answers
Vocabulary and grammar are both extremely important, but without putting what you know into use developing conversational skills is almost impossible. I'm not sure exactly where you live, but typically it is very easy for most people in the U.S. to find spanish meet up groups in their area. Also, look for bilingual volunteer work, try to make Spanish speaking friends, seek out others who are also interested in learning the language, etc. The point is that if you really want to learn to speak well you have to be willing to put yourself out there.
Besides actively seeking people to speak Spanish with, I would recommend a few other things. Set your computer, phone, and other devices to Spanish. This forces you to think in Spanish and it makes searching for phrases, idioms, or almost anything you have questions about much, much easier. Find music and literature that you like in Spanish and analyze them thoroughly. Make sure you understand the structures that you see as well as the vocabulary. I would recommend actually writing out the native definitions to words, not just the translations. Keep a daily journal and write your thoughts out in Spanish. Don't worry about your mistakes, just write what comes to mind as best you can. You can always go back and correct your mistakes, ask questions about what you have written, etc. Doing this also gives you the opportunity to look back at things you have written before, which helps you see your progress. Read/watch everything you can in Spanish. This goes along with setting your computer in Spanish. Once you do this there is an endless amount of news, literature, youtube videos, etc. available to you in every subject imaginable.
In short, to really learn a language well you have to make it an important part of your every day life. You have to speak it, read it, write it, live it and love it.
I agree with Pescador--you have to immerse yourself at home with your computer language, online newspapers, movie soundtracks, Spanish radio, etc.
Flashcards were my number one tool for vocabulary. I would do 20 a week with new words and look at them before bed and when I got up...saying them aloud and using them in a sentence.
Also, consider getting a Skype tutor with whom you can practice speaking.
Glad to have you back on board, amiga!!
Personally, I've made dramatic progress over the last 3 years reading a monthly magazine called Think Spanish. I read, on average, about 1.5 hours every single day of the year. I've gone from something like high beginner to low advanced for lack of a better description. I also find this particular website particularly useful.
Finding spanish speaking friends, going to a spanish speaking church, finding friends on skype could all be helpful.
