Let’s Finally Learn How to Speak Spanish!
Learning Spanish has been on your to-do list for a while now, hasn’t it? Whether it’s for travel, work, or just for fun, the idea of finally being able to hold a conversation in Spanish is super exciting. But where do you start? And how do you stay motivated? Don’t worry— we’ve got you covered! We have a Total Beginner online Spanish class starting on August 3rd (Saturday)– AND to accompany it, we have a fun guide below to help you learn Spanish. Disfrutalo!
1. Set Realistic Goals
First things first, set some goals. Think about why you want to learn Spanish and what you want to achieve. Did you know the majority of our Spanish learners are simply learning for self development? Learning Spanish is fun and so applicable to daily life, both locally and abroad. If your goal is to learn for lifestyle reasons, you are not alone. Setting simple goals such as: “I want to be able to hold a basic conversation with native Spanish speakers”; “I want activate the Spanish I have already studied, but am not using”; or “I want to be able to speak Spanish on my next trip to a Spanish speaking country.”
2. Immerse Yourself
One of the best ways to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. Surround yourself with Spanish as much as possible. Here are a few ideas:
- Music: Listen to Spanish music. Not only is it a great way to learn new words and phrases, but it’s also super fun! Try artists like Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, or you can go old school with Gloria Estefan’s 90’s Spanish classics: Lo Mejor de Gloria Estefan.
- TV Shows and Movies: Watch Spanish TV shows and movies. Start with subtitles in your native language, then switch to Spanish subtitles, and finally, no subtitles at all. Some great shows to check out are “La Casa de Papel” (Money Heist) and “Cable Girls“
- Podcasts: Listen to Spanish podcasts. There are plenty of podcasts out there designed for language learners. “Coffee Break Spanish” and “Notes from Spanish” are great places to start.
3. Practice Speaking
The best way to learn to speak Spanish is, well, to speak it! This can be the most intimidating part, but it’s also the most important. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Language Exchange: Find a language exchange partner. There are lots of websites and apps where you can find people who want to practice speaking your native language in exchange for speaking Spanish.
- Talk to Yourself: This might sound silly, but talking to yourself in Spanish can really help. Describe what you’re doing as you’re doing it, narrate your day, or even practice conversations in the mirror.
- Take a Class: If you prefer a more structured approach, consider taking a Spanish class. This can be online or in person, whatever works best for you. ABC Languages Spanish class offerings.
4. Use Apps
Language learning apps can be a great supplement to your studies. They make learning fun and interactive, and you can practice anytime, anywhere. Some popular apps include:
- Duolingo: Great for beginners. It covers the basics and makes learning fun with its gamified approach.
- Babbel: Offers more in-depth lessons and focuses on conversation skills.
- Memrise: Uses spaced repetition to help you remember vocabulary.
5. Make Mistakes
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s a natural part of the learning process. The more you practice, the more mistakes you’ll make, and the more you’ll learn from them. So, embrace those errors and keep going!
6. Stay Consistent
Consistency is key when learning a language. Try to practice a little bit every day, even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes. The more consistent you are, the faster you’ll progress.
7. Join a Community
Join a community of Spanish learners. This can be a local language group, an online forum, or even a social media group. Being part of a community can provide support, motivation, and additional practice opportunities. Meetup.com is a great place to start.
Final Thoughts
Learning Spanish is a journey, and it’s important to enjoy the process. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and have fun with it. Remember, the goal is not just to learn Spanish, but to connect with people and cultures in a new and meaningful way. So, what are you waiting for? ¡Vamos a aprender español!