Extra practice

Question

Are there any videos or other web sites that you would recommend that would help me practice what I am learning here. I have just started spanishdict but I am having trouble saying some of the words. I can remember what I learn, but I feel like I might forget if I don't actually practice talking with someone or watching actual dialogues.

Answer 1

Hi Kendellbrook. Well, you’re motivated. That’s a huge step in the right direction.

I think you should try to connect with a live “practice conversation” group. Depending on your area, that might be a possibility. Are you taking a class? You should try to meet with other people if at all possible. Trying to learn only by way of the computer just doesn’t work.

However, here are some sites that may help you:

A place to connect with others (maybe a Spanish speaker/English learner with whom you could practice speaking, e.g.): My Language Exchange.

Here are a couple of sites for practicing listening comprehension:

Short video clips are available here, and there are things you can do for free: LoMás TV.

Please check out Destinos as well! The episodes are a little dated. But they were designed specifically for Spanish learners: slower speech, interactive vocabulary help, etc. And it’s all on a free website now: Destinos.

¡Buena suerte!

Great answer!!!! - jessicamccall117, Apr 17, 2013

Agree. Good stuff. The podcasts Coffee Break Spanish and Spanish Only Spanish are good too, with the latter being more advanced. - rogspax, Apr 17, 2013

Thanks for this feedback. I will definately try these! - kendellbrook, Apr 19, 2013

Answer 2

I watch Extra frequently and other shows.(however it is cheesy) Sometimes I'll even listen to popular Spanish music. There are flashcards on this website. But I use Quizlet.com for flashcards. Study Spanish is also a great website.

Ultra cheesy, but still good practice if you can get through the blond girl's dialogue being 100% angry yelling. Good beginner stuff, which I still benefit from too. - rogspax, Apr 17, 2013

Very true, she does get angry and there is the different Spain pronunciations - jessicamccall117, Apr 17, 2013

thank you I will try this! Gracias - kendellbrook, Apr 19, 2013

Answer 3

Hola, bueno yo hice 2 post con texto y audio, por si te sirve para alguna palabra.

http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/238481/listen-and-learn-part-1-escucha-y-aprende-parte-1

http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/238802/listen-and-learn-part-2-escucha-y-aprende-parte-2

thank you I will try this! Gracias - kendellbrook, Apr 19, 2013

Answer 4

There are so many resources and materials out there that you could never get through all of them. If you haven't already, I would recommend turning all your computer settings to Spanish. This forces you to think in Spanish a lot and to search for things using Spanish phrasing. It may seem hard at first, and you may get frustrated, but this will definitely help improve your Spanish. These are a few of the things that have helped me: translating music I like (really easy to find videos on youtube and most lyrics on the internet), watching news/shows (you can find them from just about every country), listening to history shows in Spanish. Basically, if you look hard enough you can find audio of just about anything you are interested in Spanish.

As far as speaking goes, I would recommend trying to interact with as many native speakers as possible. I'm not sure where you live, but in most major cities it is pretty easy to find Spanish conversational groups. You can also try volunteering in bilingual settings, salsa dancing, etc. I personally find it much more natural/comfortable talking to people in person, but if you don't have anyone available I guess online chatting may be your last resort.

¡Estás por buen camino!

thank you I will try this! Gracias - kendellbrook, Apr 19, 2013