Below, are some useful tips for studying Spanish.
If you have more questions, let me know…
- TIP 1: Don't get disappointed. Learning a
language is an uneven process. In the beginning you will think you are learning
a lot, but after a time it will seem as though you are learning less and less…
These impressions are correct. One of the world's great truths is, "the more you
know, the more you know you don't know". So, don't worry. And, don't give up!
Consider this, learning a language never ends. Smart people learn new things
about their own language every day…
- TIP 2: Stick with your program. Set up an agenda
of when and what you are going to study. 'I have no time' is a sorry excuse. If
you really want to achieve something, there is always time. Once you make a
schedule, stick to it. A minimum of 60 minutes of study, per day, is recommended.
- TIP 3: Set goals. If you don't set goals, you
won't be able to verify if you are progressing as planned. Be reasonable in goal
setting. 'I want to speak Spanish in one week' is unreachable…
- TIP 4: Don't force yourself. Studying requires a
lot of energy. If you are tired, you'd better stop and rest. You will be a more
productive afterwards…
- TIP 5: Ask when you don't know. If you can't come
up with an answer to your question, dare to ask someone who can help you. Don't
lose time bumbling around in the dark.
- TIP 6: Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Nobody
is perfect… The important thing is that you use Spanish. If you don't use it you
won't make errors -that right- but nobody will be able to correct you and you
won't learn anything. Another truth… "use it or lose it".
- TIP 7: Use your Spanish. It's one thing to learn
Spanish, but you have to put into practice to make it grow. Any contact you have
with Spanish speakers, insist on speaking Spanish. For instance, when you go to
a Mexican restaurant, speak Spanish with the waitperson. Another thing, the
Internet is an incredible and immediate tool to get in touch with Spanish
speaking people…
- TIP 8: Don't limit yourself in learning Spanish.
The richness of Spanish is nurtured by the over 20 countries and cultures,
worldwide, that contribute their own flavor to it. Gaining insight into them is
exciting and rewarding, and you will be the richer for it.
- TIP 9: When choosing learning materials for
Spanish, take into account the following:
- Books. Check if audio files are included in order to learn the right
pronunciation. If the book contains exercises, make sure that the correct
answers to the exercises are provided. Remember, price and the number of pages
are not indicators of quality.
- Audio and video courses. Very useful if you easily absorb new information
through listening. Make sure the course includes at least some written material.
- Computer software to learn Spanish. Make sure to buy software which has been
available for at least one or more years. New software often has 'imperfections'
which can cause you a lot of trouble… Make sure that the software is compatible
with your operating system and hardware!
- When you plan to enroll for a Internet / Online course, make sure you have a
fast Internet connection!
- TIP 10: When you decide to attend a school,
consider the following variables…
- Quality of the teaching staff. More expensive schools often have better
prepared instructors because they invest more in training and salaries.
- Check the amount of real hours of class you have a day. 4 hours of classroom
study should be a minimum.
- One-on-one instruction is the best, but if you want to attend group classes (which
is often cheaper) make sure a group does not exceed 5 students.
- Does the school provide you with the possibility to use your Spanish in a
natural environment (outside the class room) with the help of professional
teachers? Often, the local families who offer accommodation won't speak Spanish
to you, and if they do, they aren't pro's. They are unable to correct you when
needed.
