Learning a language will gain you benefits both physically and psychologically. A multiple-language user is more competitive in his career; he might also have access to immersing in exotic culture more easily.
Spanish, mainly used in America and Spain, is the fourth-most spoken language–after English, Mandarin, and Hindi. If you are interested in Latino culture and have a passion for learning this magical language outside countries like Mexico and Spain, this article will help you.
Preparation makes perfect
- Recollect the past learning experience
Your past is the best teacher. If you have already spent several years on leaning language, you know where the traps might be. The time you wasted on ineffective ways allows you to reconsider and introspect. To save time and find out what method works for you, going over what you have learned helps to be ready.
- Similarities between English and Spanish
If your mother tongue is other languages other than English, and you already have an advanced level of English, you will get a bonus through this go-over experience. In the other case, an English-native speaker will surprisingly find that he knows quite a bit of the Spanish language.
There are some characteristics shared between the two languages. Although English is a Germanic language while Spanish is Romanesque, a portion of these two language sources is intertwined and is influenced by each other. Researches show that Spanish is among the languages most close to English. Similarities exist in grammar, vocabulary, and structure in both language system.
Start from the basics
- Pay attention to pronunciation
Pronunciation is an up-front work for language speaking. Spanish pronunciation is different from English even though they have the same alphabet. With listening practice as well as enough understanding, you are on your way improving.
Start by becoming familiar with vowels– “a,” “e,” “i,” “o,” and “u.” These letters 5 make a huge role as they never sound silent in Spanish words, and they always say the same. Unlike English speaking, practising diphthong–a combination of two vowels–improves your understanding by not dragging out each vowel’s sound.
When you are pronouncing the consonants, note that “h” is always a symbol of silence. Remember to mark the letters “b” and “v” in the same way.
- Tricky grammar
A proper grasp on grammar ensures the quality of language output. Effective general interaction requires a keen sense of language, which benefits from figuring out a conversation by understanding grammar.
As a romance language, Spanish grammar is similar to French and Italian. However, the conjugations and the use of verbs is notoriously tricky to handle. It usually takes a few years to have a real mater on Spanish grammar. In the meanwhile, as a grammar inflected language, verbs convey primary information include tense, mood, number, and person. Spanish language system indicates the charming character of the Latin root.
To begin with, concentrate on the present tense for a few months. Gain yourself necessary training before tackling the complexities as grammar learning is not a cakewalk. Besides, figure out the gender when you counter a new noun, and review it in your notebook from time to time.
Useful Tools
- Listen to the podcast
Listening helps you conveniently improve the language level. Whenever you are walking your dog, doing the laundry, or participating in other unengaging activities, a podcast episode is a great choice. Podcast like Coffee Break Spanish and Notes in Spanish are my favourites.
- Read books in Spanish
It seems to be out of the comfort zone during the early studying period. However, this practice can be enjoyable with proper engagement, especially when you like reading. Pick up your favourite book –in this case you are easily motivated–in Spanish edition, and keep reading regardless the popping unfamiliar words. Rather than check in the dictionary every time, remember the words that come up with high frequency. As long as you know the plotline, a unique experience with the book is on the way.
