The Best Way to Learn Spanish: Easy Methods to Become Fluent
We’re going to take a wild guess and say that learning Spanish has been on your bucket list for quite some time, along with an array of other challenges?
While having goals is always a good thing, it’s important to take steps towards actually achieving them, otherwise what’s the point, right?
If you’re keen to learn Spanish and become fluent in this popular language, you’ll have to put in the work. Here are a few helpful tips on the best way to learn Spanish and begin chatting like a local.
7 Helpful Tips on the Best Way to Learn Spanish
Whatever your motivation is behind wanting to learn Spanish, don’t put it off any longer.
The achievement of learning a new language is like no other feeling. You get a chance to prove to yourself and others that you’re never too old to learn something new – and what could feel more empowering than that?
Unlike many other global languages, Spanish is easy to learn and actually pretty uncomplicated. It’s also easier because English and Spanish share the same basis as all Romance languages.
This means that the spelling of certain words may be different, but the pronunciation is close. The key is to master the Spanish family vocabulary first.
Here are a few tips to help you along your journey:
1. Make a Habit Out Of Practicing Spanish
Another key component in becoming fluent in Spanish is to be consistent in your practice. Make a point of speaking Spanish in some way, shape, or form on a daily basis.
It’s a well-known fact that a habit that sticks is created in less than a month. Practice your Spanish pronunciation, vocabulary and conversation skills every day in order to gain some traction in your fluency.
2. Enlist the Help of an Online Tutor
This is a fool-proof way of almost doubling your results in learning Spanish successfully. Compared to an actual classroom environment, one-on-one tutoring is a game-changer.
A classroom focuses on a group of students who are each learning at a different pace. At most, you may only have a couple of interactions in Spanish throughout each class.
A personal tutor is 100% focused on you, as the student, which gives you a 100 percent chance to speak and practice your Spanish with an expert. If you’re looking for a good place to find an online Spanish tutor, Italki.com is your go-to.
Keep in mind that if you’re looking to learn Spanish from Spain, choose a Spanish tutor. If you’re looking to learn the Latin-American dialect of Spanish, opt for a tutor from Mexico, Colombia or Bolivia.
3. Engage in Language Exchanges
This is a brilliant way to practice your Spanish with someone that actually speaks Spanish. In today’s technological world, this is easier than ever.
There are a number of portals online that allow you to search for language exchange services with native speakers from all over the globe. Italki.com is one such platform that allows you to find participants who are willing to chat over Skype.
Set up a day and time at least once a week and commit to 30-minutes of English speaking, then 30-minutes of Spanish speaking.
4. Make Use of a Flashcard App
Yes, this old-school method of learning is still doing the rounds, only this time, it’s available in technological form.
Flashcards are a great way to learn Spanish vocabulary and focus on the correct pronunciation of each word. And as you may have guessed, pronunciation in Spanish is the key to nailing this language.
There are a number of flashcard apps out there, but the best option is to use one that incorporates spaced repetition software. Essentially, the app learns which words you are familiar with and tests you on those less frequently. It also learns which words you struggle with, and tests you on those more often.
A great flashcard app for learning Spanish is Anki.
5. Learn Spanish By Listening To It
One of the best ways to learn any new language is by immersing yourself in it. Another smart way to boost your Spanish fluency and familiarity with pronunciation is by listening to Spanish podcasts.
Podcasts are a great option because they literally fit into every part of your life. You can listen to them while you do menial tasks, while you’re commuting, cooking or even just relaxing.
If you don’t already listen to podcasts, you can simply download the Podcast app on iOS or the Stitcher app for Android. From here you can download or stream Spanish podcast episodes and quickly learn the lingo.
6. Read, Read, Read in Spanish
No matter what language you’re learning, reading is a phenomenal tool to familiarize yourself with how the words look.
Reading Spanish will also teach you how sentences are constructed. Essentially, this will help you to understand how to string your vocabulary together in a conversation.
If you’re struggling with certain words or phrases which keep coming up, make a point of translating it and committing it to memory. This way you are always learning something new as you’re reading.
If this method of learning Spanish seems intimidating, simply pick out one of your favorite books you’ve read before, but in Spanish. You’ll know and enjoy the storyline and probably be able to absorb the Spanish translation far easier.
7. Join a Spanish Language Learning Community
Whether this a physical group of like-minded learners or an online community, learning Spanish with others can really help.
This offers you a chance to engage with others who are also struggling with the language and you can learn from one another as you grow. A Spanish language community offers support and encouragement in the pursuit of a shared goal. This could be all the motivation you need!
Engage With a Supportive Learning Environment
Whether you’re a tutor, teacher or student looking for the best way to learn Spanish or teach it, find all the tools you need right on this website.
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