Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Are You Trying to Learn Spanish?

By Mathew Nicks


If you don't speak a second language, thinking about learning Spanish may seem a little intimidating. Maybe someone told you to begin with Spanish as it's easiest to learn.

The truth is that most languages are easy to learn, you just have to figure out what kind of learning tricks you want to use to make the process simpler. A lot of helpful tips are available so learning Spanish won't feel difficult. Feel free to try these tricks:

Find a Spanish course available on CD. They're great if you're a bit shy to learn a new language. You can just listen to how the words are spoken and then used in a sentence. The learning material is as good as any classroom. But with a CD you won't have to worry about making mistakes in front of the classroom. And with a CD, you'll be able to practice Spanish if you're traveling, etc. You can just use a CD player, or you can download lessons on an MP3 player and you're all set! You are not limited to one central location for your learning.

Read out loud from books in Spanish to get a feel for how the language flows. Another good way to practice speaking is to go somewhere that fluent Spanish is spoken; listen carefully and then later try to duplicate anything you can recall. This process can show you how to use proper inflections and using words in the right order and even the way idioms are used in Spanish. Start practicing this whenever you can; you may be surprised to find that it's fun. It can be a kind of game, or like making music.

Always try to improve your 'ear' for language. Some languages have more of an oral-emphasized than written. If the language is 'alive,' then it will be important to learn how to listen to it.

It will also help you to watch Spanish TV and movies. This is easy because there are plenty of Spanish TV broadcasts, and most movie rental stores keep a foreign language section. Doing this helps you to learn the proper pronounciation of Spanish. If you can't find someone to speak Spanish with, this will help you a great deal. Just turn on the subtitles when you watch. Then, as you learn to identify parts of speech and words, you can turn off the subtitles and see how much you understand. If you keep at it, you'll be learning more and more.

If you practice, then you'll achieve perfection. Even if you feel silly you should practice speaking your language as often as possible. You can help remember words by using them in place of the words in your native language. For example, if you are learning Spanish try using "cena" instead of "dinner" or "uno" for "one." By using the words often they'll become second nature to you. You'll be able to recognize the spoken words when you hear them. That is the best way to start piecing together translations when you speak with people who are fluent in the language you are trying to learn. Learning Spanish, or any other language, does not have to be frustrating. There are lots of hints and tips that you can put into play to help you learn. The key to learning a new language, whether it is Spanish or anything else, is to be open to it. A more open mind helps you to more easily take in the knowledge. If you try to force a foreign language to sound like your native language, you'll only make it more difficult.




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