Immersion is the best way to learn Spanish. Immersion involves being surrounded by Spanish speaking people. The language learner is forced to learn Spanish by speaking it to communicate. The idea is that the more a person uses Spanish the sooner he will learn it.
Daily speaking and listening, reading and writing in Spanish are more easily accomplished in a Spanish speaking community. But immersion in a Spanish speaking country is not always possible. The following way to learn Spanish simulates immersion. The key is to learn and practice Spanish every day.
Materials to Learn Spanish
Google “learn Spanish” to discover many websites with grammar, vocabulary and tips to help you learn Spanish. It also helps to purchase a Spanish to English dictionary, a Berlitz guide, and a Spanish textbook. Find audio materials at your local library.
Listening to Spanish
Before speaking Spanish, know how it sounds. Use a Spanish textbook to learn pronunciation. Then find Spanish materials for listening. Giving time to listening will help you later in comprehending the spoken Spanish of a rapidly speaking native. Listening will help your own speaking too.
Spanish listening materials include music with lyrics, Spanish movies with subtitles, and Spanish television. Use Spanish audio books that are translations of books you have already read.
As you listen to Spanish learn the cadence of the Spanish language. Speaking aloud what you hear will help you learn words. Listen repeatedly to your Spanish materials.
Reading Spanish
Read real Spanish. Using children’s books to learn Spanish provides simpler language. Pictures aid comprehension without the need to resort to the Spanish dictionary. Be sure to read aloud for practice speaking Spanish.
Read the Spanish books you have already heard. Learn current vocabulary by reading an on-line Spanish newspaper. Combine speaking and reading as much as possible. This will help you remember and recognize Spanish words.
Speaking Spanish
After you learn some Spanish passively by reading and listening, get active and start speaking Spanish. Use your Spanish textbook to learn fundamental Spanish grammar. Learn Spanish verbs in particular.
Find a conversation partner to help you with speaking. Join a Spanish conversation group or small class. Volunteer where others are speaking Spanish. Learn Spanish with a household member so you are both speaking daily.
Practice by speaking to yourself in Spanish. Use Spanish conversation CDs in the car. Carry a Berlitz guide to Spanish so you are ready for speaking opportunities.
Writing Spanish
Keep a daily journal of the Spanish you learn. Have a section for Spanish vocabulary and idioms and another for notes on Spanish grammar.
Write short journal entries in Spanish using your newest Spanish vocabulary. Make to-do lists in Spanish. Go back to your audio materials and try writing the Spanish you hear.
How well and quickly you learn Spanish will be equal to your commitment. Set aside at least an hour per day for a month to learn Spanish. Give maximum time to speaking Spanish and your simulated immersion will soon pay off.
