High School Spanish
What are the most popular resources among high schoolers to learn Spanish? What other websites/dictionaries/apps do they use? Any information would be helpful!
2 Answers
I was part way through answering this, when I lost the draft! I cannot help you on apps because although I have a tablet I do not use many apps. There is a lot of information on this site - reference section, grammar, links and videos. However, I already had sites I liked when I joined so have never made the effort to navigate the site.
I and others have recommended books, movies and other resources.
When you learn a language you need to reach a good level in Speaking, reading, writing and listening. My speaking is not as good as my other skills so I know I need more practice. It is just embarrassing if you ask a [rehearsed] question then do not understand the reply.
It is important to revise regularly if you don't want to rely on an app when you try to speak or read.
If you just want some fun and everything else be up to your teacher, try lyrics training. Music is a brilliant way to learn vocabulary and to get used to your chosen language.
Dictionary I use word reference. I know they have an app, but I haven't tried it. There are two bilingual dictionaries, Cambridge being better for colloquial phrases, a forum where phrases are explained, a monolingual dictionary and a link to RAE the main dictionary.
Places to check grammar a. Bowdoin
Includes exercises
b Jehle
This site belongs to a former professor who has a knack of explaining those awkward grammar points
c Ver taal
This is a site run from Holland but can be read in English. It has lots of information plus good listening exercises with the answers available. It includes excerpts from news items from rtve [Spanish national tv]
- BBC I'm based in the UK so am used to the resources on the BBC
a El Mundo
BBC reports and videos in Spanish Mundo
b.Mi Vida Loca
An interactive travelogue
- Podcasts these can be by way of lessons or once you are more confident totally in Spanish
a Notes in Spanish
A site in Madrid run by an Englishman and his Spanish wife. Goes from beginner to advanced. Notes in Spanish
b Spanish Obsessed
Run by an Englishman and his Colombian wife.
c The Spanish Podcast Run from Barcelona. Transcripts and grammar points
d A mi aire A podcast from a language school by a lady from Madrid
e SBS This is from Australia and is about news items. Will be too advanced at the moment
- General
a ticele
A good site particularly for Spanish subtitled short videos
b A blog of Spanish teacher in Italy
Lots of good infographics and other material
c Profe ele blog Has lots of information including videos
Other suggestions
a sign up for veintemundos - free electronic magazine a different article each edition.
b. The transparent language blog
One of the contributors, Laura has her own website with lots of advice about TV music and videos from beginners to advanced.
c. Look up the twitter feed of a Spanish speaker you like - Antonio Banderas, Gael Garcia Bernal or a writer. You don't need a twitter account. Many blogs also have a twitter feed
d Have Spanish music or radio in the background
e Try listening to some Spanish TV many of the recent programmes on rtve have subtitles and a transcript
f Read some items from a Spanish paper or news feed. El Pais has a small section in English so you could read in both languages Eg The mystery of Laura
I think that after time spent in formal classes, students should travel to a Spanish speaking country to attend two weeks of immersion in culture and language.
