For some people, learning Spanish or any other foreign language can be quite easy, while others may exhibit difficulties in the pronunciation, grammar, or just remembering the Spanish words. As a beginner, how can we learn Spanish fast? Fast does not mean that understanding and speaking Spanish would come overnight. Learning a foreign language would take time, but there are steps which can help us learn quicker.
Learning and Making Mistakes
Everybody starts with the basics. You could start by reading self-study books, buying language-learning software or getting a tutor or a friend who could teach you the basics. Get a Spanish dictionary. This would be able to help whenever trying different methods of immersing yourself in the Spanish culture. Dont get overexcited and start remembering about 30,000 words in Spanish. Keep in mind what words are commonly used and stick to conversational Spanish at first. Once you already know the basic, then you can proceed to intermediate level.
Make mistakes. People are afraid of making mistakes but mistakes make you a better person. You learn from it. The same goes with language-learning. Language teachers would say that committing mistakes would show that you are indeed putting some effort into learning. You make mistakes in Spanish because you are participating in activities like conversation or writing. When conversing with a local or native Spanish speaker, they would often appreciate a person who tries to speak Spanish even with a lot of mistakes.
Stay Motivated and Consistent
Some people would give up after a few weeks or months into the language-learning program. They may cite different reasons like conflict with work or family. This may also be a common problem with those who are self-studying, especially if they lack self-discipline. When learning a foreign language, being consistent is a major problem. Some would say that they are just doing it for fun and nothing else.
You could motivate yourself by taking you next vacation in a Spanish-speaking country or location. Or, promotion could even be a motivation. Being bilingual is a big plus for those who are looking for better career opportunities. Spanish is one of the major languages, with almost 400 million speakers around the globe.
Learn the Culture
Learning a foreign language also means that you are learning a part of the culture of that country. To better understand the language, culture immersion is important. Watch Spanish movies and telenovelas (dramas), listen to Spanish songs, dance to their music, read their newspapers and books. You could even treat yourself to a Spanish dinner and practice with the menu.
Get a Spanish-speaking Friend
Nothing beats getting a native-speaker to help you out. You could get a neighbour or a fellow worker who is Spanish-speaking to help you out practice you Spanish. You could even get into a local Spanish conversation group, get into Spanish speaking chat rooms, or have a Spanish penpal online.
Learning Spanish is not an overnight matter. Mastering a language would take years, since language is constantly changing or dynamic. You should allow yourself to learn on your own pace, set realistic goals and appreciate your improvements.