Textbook spanish and spanish in real life

Question

Hi, I have two questions, I'm currently a first year college student on summer vacation. I have to take spanish when I come back. So I'm brushing up spanish that I learned in high school (took 2 years). My question is this, is the spanish you learn in school really helpful for talking to spanish speaking people? I mean I did well in my spanish classes, but I never can hear and comprehend when a native speaks. So I'm just wondering what are some study tips I can practice for this summer.
My second question is this, I'm pretty sure I can test out of spanish 1, 2, 3 when I get back, and then start with level 4, 5,and 6. But I feel that my listening skills are horrible. I'm wondering if it's better if I started over from the begining or go on to more challenging courses if I wanted to improve my listening skills?

Thanks A lot, I know that was long.

Answer 1

Spanish books are playing good role in our Spanish real life. When I was joined college, I also read some Spanish books. volunteering in argentina

Answer 2

You know what helps me? Reading about the Dodgers on losdogers.com in Spanish. I actually have learned some new ways to express myself there. I am not much for watching TV. Listening to Spanish music helps, but I'm not in a position to look up words I don't know as I am when reading.

Answer 3

I can only auto-create a new thread, but not figure out how to auto-reply to a thread.
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Answer 4

Thanks, well i'll get started on that. I absolutely love spanish music though for sure. But are we talking about those songs that are designed for people to learn or are we talking about La Oreja de Van Gogh and Julieta Venega type of songs?

At your choosing. It's ok to start simple and progress as you feel more comfortable with the language. I have tons of music from Monica Naranjo, Rocio Jurado, Rocio Durcal, Gypsy Kings, Malu, Alejandro Sanz, Azucar Moreno, Celia Cruz, and so many others. A good mix never hurts, and if you get a good mix from artists from various countries, you get a feel for various regional vernacular.

Answer 5

Thanks, well i'll get started on that. I absolutely love spanish music though for sure. But are we talking about those songs that are designed for people to learn or are we talking about La Oreja de Van Gogh and Julieta Venega type of songs'

Answer 6

Hi, I have two questions, I'm currently a first year college student on summer vacation. I have to take spanish when I come back. So I'm brushing up spanish that I learned in high school (took 2 years). My question is this, is the spanish you learn in school really helpful for talking to spanish speaking people? I mean I did well in my spanish classes, but I never can hear and comprehend when a native speaks. So I'm just wondering what are some study tips I can practice for this summer.

My second question is this, I'm pretty sure I can test out of spanish 1, 2, 3 when I get back, and then start with level 4, 5,and 6. But I feel that my listening skills are horrible. I'm wondering if it's better if I started over from the begining or go on to more challenging courses if I wanted to improve my listening skills?

Thanks A lot, I know that was long.

Chances are, if you took Spanish in high school you weren't taught by a native speaker, which may explain why you have trouble understanding native speakers. Your ears aren't accustomed to it. If you want to improve on your listening skills, you may think about watching Spanish programming, such as Telemundo, or find Spanish flicks on Youtube. There are also Spanish news websites that have news clips in Spanish. I have also found these on CNN Espanol. I also suggest investing in Spanish music, which will aid your listening skills. Listening skills are a very important aspect of language, whether it be native or non-native, and many college courses incorporate listening into the structure, so perhaps you'll be alright.

As for your first question, yes, it is helpful. Those classes are designed to give you a basic introduction into the language, but some contend that the way it is taught is counterproductive. I tend to agree because you can't really compartmentalize learning a language, meaning teaching reading, then speaking, then listening, then writing, or any given order. Normally, these skills are learned simultaneously. Immersion is always best because it's the survival instinct that takes over, forcing you to learn, but not everyone can afford immersion trips to Spain or to other Spanish-speaking nations.

Hope that helps.

Have a great holiday.

Regards,