Learning Fluent Spanish

Question

I'm trying to learn Spanish on my own. I have Rosetta Stone, but can anyone suggest other ways in which I can become fluent? I heard watching Spanish TV series was a good way to pick up on the language. I don't have any native speakers in my family, so I'm trying to figure out what would be the best way for me.

Answer 1

Te mando por PM algunas paginas web donde yo suelo ver las series de TV, tanto en español como en versión original subtitulada, si alguien mas quiere que me lo diga por PM

Can you PM me too, Neox? I'd like to see those TV series as well! :D - Helado_eclectico, Jan 28, 2014

Neox, yo también quiero conocer esas páginas de series españolas!!! - samrodrigue_z, Jan 28, 2014

Answer 2

Duolingo is surging in popularity (and is free). I use SpanishDict and Duolingo daily.

Duolingo is the poor man's Rosetta Stone, but that doesn't make it any less effective. The Immersion exercises are also really awesome. - Helado_eclectico, Jan 28, 2014

Answer 3

One really good idea is to go to the "learn" tab on the top toolbar on select "learn Spanish". You find four levels of interacive video courses, all free.

For basic grammar, I have always liked the Michel Thomas courses. You can usually find these in your local library for checkout.

For workbook materials, the "Practice Makes Perfect" series is very good.

Thanks Noetol. Never tried those workbooks. I'll put them on my list. - vevans, Jan 28, 2014

That's exactly what I use (except the courses on this site. The flashcards irk me). Great answer! - Helado_eclectico, Jan 28, 2014

Answer 4

I also have Rosetta Stone which I have found great so far, I know there are many reviews whereby people are not too fond of the software but it has really helped me so far and it has been a good way to learn for me, however that being said I do not rely soley on Rosetta Stone. I find the grammar section on this website really helps as Rosetta Stone does not go through the grammar due to the 'immersion' concept they use, so I do recommend going over the grammar sections on this website and I am sure it will help you whilst using RS. I also read a lot of the newspaper websites such as El Pais and Marca for reading throughout the day and listening to Spanish radio streamed from the iPhone. Lastly have a look on the internet for some Spanish tb programs I know TVe (Spanish national broadcaster) have many tv shows you can watch for free.

Thanks for mentioning the newspapers - bookmarking those. - vevans, Jan 28, 2014

Answer 5

You have to make a lot of Spanish speaking friends and spend a lot of time with them. That is how I learned. No classes or websites. My Husband is from Latin America. I started inviting his friends and other folks from his country over for dinner once a week. I had to start using the little bit of Spanish I knew to communicate. That built my confidence and then I started using it outside of my home. I wouldn't call myself fluent but I am very proficient in conversation and have been for about 10 years now.

This is really the best way to learn, but many people don't have access to native Spanish speakers in their vicinity (like me). You can still chat with 'em over the Internet, of course. - Helado_eclectico, Jan 29, 2014

I don't know any native Spanish speakers, and everyone around me who learns it only does it for highschool. I'm the only person around here who's actually interested in learning it to be able to speak it. - Ghosthawk, Feb 6, 2014

Answer 6

If you want fun kid-friendly Spanish programming on YouTube, check out the channels I am subscribed to. For real-world practice I strongly recommend finding opportunities to volunteer in your community. Searching United Way for "spanish" or contacting service organizations that support the Hispanic community in your city may give you an opportunity to partner with an English language learners who are just as eager to learn and practice English as you are to learn and practice Spanish.