¿Debo entender más?
Hello!
My new neighbors are Colombian, and ever since they heard that I speak a bit of Spanish, they have always spoken to me in Spanish, refusing to use English unless absolutely necessary. I find it quite charming and amusing, although I’m often embarrassed because I really have to struggle sometimes to make sure I’m getting my grammar, verb tenses, and syntax correct. I haven’t made any particularly noteworthy gaffes yet, even though they will be incredibly patient and understanding when I do. But to me, that’s exactly the problem. I wish I didn’t have to think and translate within my head and re-read and replay messages and all that. Every time I am working with the Spanish language, I try to understand but my brain won’t always cooperate.
This brings me to my main point. I’m 16 years old, and in my 4th year of Spanish education (classroom style) at my school. I’m just worried that after all this time, my comprehension and speaking skills are nowhere near fluent. For example, to test my proficiency, today I watched an interview with Belinda - mi cantante favorita - and only understood the main things they were talking about. The small little asides and jokes between the host and Belinda were lost on me.
I hope I am not coming across as too impatient. It is just that after all this practice, I do not understand why I still have so much trouble speaking with native Spanish-speakers...
My question is whether you think this type of slow progression is normal or not (given the fact I’m not in any immersion setting). I’ve come to the point where I’m starting to feel desperate and unaccomplished, even though most of my Spanish-speaking friends and acquaintances say my pronunciation and Spanish are pretty good. I guess I’m just so fearful of making mistakes that I dread interacting in Spanish because I don’t want to be seen as silly, or worse, the incompetent gringa.
Gracias for any advice.
8 Answers
Metjumps, I think you are doing it great, I can see that your skills for written English are excellent. Maybe you want to be as good in Spanish, but it takes time.
I've been studying English for years since I was in junior high school, and I still have troubles to understand some TV shows, movies or songs. So my advice would be to be patient and keep seeing programs in Spanish. Nowadays, thanks to YouTube, you can search and find thousands of videos in Spanish. I would recommend you to see all kind of videos, from music, to sports, from recipes to hobbies,
Saludos!
Excellent, excellent post! Please stick around, you'll be an asset here. 
This type of slow progression, as you say, is perfectly normal for these circumstances. Classroom style language studying has its limitations and it is possible that even after four years it simply has not presented you with the necessary amount of practice, let alone immersion, that you need in order to feel confident. I guess different people need different amount of practice and some (like me) need to do it a billion times -- literally a billion times -- before it's automated to the point where it doesn't bog down your thought process. In this respect, school, even though it may feel like a lot, still falls short of the mark.
A number of people here have underlined time and again that the most important thing is to relax and not to be afraid to talk, mistakes and all. I know I struggle to take this advice myself because... well, you nail it. Perfectly.
Relax and let go. Granted, it's a bumpy road, nothing like the smooth fluent-in-30-days journey they promise us. Mistakes are unavoidable but don't let them prevent you from speaking. In the majority of cases making mistakes doesn't make you look silly in the eyes of the listener, only in your own eyes -- if you allow it.
Abrazos,
Hola metjumps, Never be afraid to speak. It is the only way to learn to communicate-- and that is your goal. Those who say "I took 4 years of Spanish and I can't speak a word of it" are those who never used the language. If you speak and make a mistake you can always work with it, fix it, deal with it, figuring it out yourself or with the help of your friends. If you don't speak (due to fear of making a mistake) then you'll never be able to learn from mistakes. This is how you grow and improve. Sounds like you're on the right track with a great attitude. Don't wait for opportunities to use the language-- create them. Use Spanish (for even the simplest things) wherever you go throughout your day with anyone you think may speak Spanish. This way you will train yourself to internalize the language and "think" in Spanish-- not just "speak" Spanish.
Metjumps, as Manity said, classroom language has its limitations. I would say quite a lot, certainly as far as speaking and understanding a foreign language. I would recommend your supplementing your classroom learning with an audio course so you get into the rhythm and sound of the language.
In that regard, I really like the Pimsleur course for Spanish. I had a basic background in languages, but the Pimsleur course REALLY helped me. The speakers are native Spanish speakers, and it makes you repeat things to help you get it right and helps with your accent. Finally, the method really helps you to remember new words and phrases.
Finally, how would you feel if a Spanish speaker tried to speak to you in English but wasn't very good at it? I imagine you would be very patient, kind, and helpful to him or her. Your neighbors, I am sure, feel the same way. They are probably very pleased you are trying to learn their language. I wish I had a Spanish-speaking neighbor to practice with!!!
You're going to be fine. Accept the opportunity to practice your Spanish gratefully. If you're interested in the Pimsleur course, send me a private message if you want to know more about it.
Buena suerte!! 
Hello, metjumps. I don't really have anything to add to the excellent advice you've received in this thread. I just wanted congratulate you on your post above. It shows a level of expression and attention to detail that (and I hope I'm not unfairly stereotyping, but having read for the last fifteen years writing samples and applications from high school seniors for writing scholarships, I don't think I am) is rare in a sixteen-year-old. I have a feeling that you will be diligent in your pursuit of fluency in Spanish and that you will achieve a high level of proficiency, however long it takes.
Don't worry about it amiga.
We have all been in this boat.
Just take it as it comes.
You will get there.
Hello Metjumps,
Welcome to the SpanishDict forum
Thank you for your honesty in sharing your struggles with speaking the language !
I am sure that many English speaking natives reading your post can relate to the things you are saying!
I even struggle here sometimes when I have answered a question in the forum, and later receive a correction/corrections from a native, which I welcome because in my heart I really desire to improve, and end up feeling very stupid for getting it wrong! :(
In my worst (darkest) moments, like earlier today when I received a respectfully given correction from one of the Spanish natives that one of my basic sentences with accompanying English translation was not correct: 'Él come todo', (he ate everything) I felt soooo stupid inside because I thought that people (especially natives) would think that my Spanish was soooo bad because I couldn't even translate what appeared to be a simple sentence and would never trust my judgement again! :(
I have even thought of giving up Spanish...but I persevere despite wondering at times if many of the Spanish natives here think that I am rubbish (terrible) at speaking their language ...so I can certainly relate to some of the points you have been making!
It takes time and patience (especially with ypurself)
but above all: Practice!
Hi Metjumps:
I am really glad that you came back and are now becoming quite a participator in our great website here.
All of the advice that has been given you is fantastic. I can only add my experience in coming "the other way" coming from Spain and learning English. What really helped the most was the total immersion experience of living in the US. In relatively no time I was speaking like a native California Girl.
Spanish speakers are usually quite thrilled when a foreigner especially Americans make their effort to speak Spanish. They are usually over courteous about it and will say things like, "¡Qué bueno, hablas español mejor que yo!" You will hear this many times if you spend time in the Spanish-speaking culture.
Just keep on practicing and following the various recommendations you have seen here.
Mucha suerte, chica,
de una amiga española,
Daniela
