subject: Quick Hints To Help You Learn Spanish [print this page] Whether or not you've ever spoken a single word of another language, you can learn Spanish. It is widely believed that new languages must be hard to learn, but it's something anyone can pick up. Being able to speak more than one language gives you an instant advantage in many ways. For one thing, it makes traveling to other countries much easier. It's also very likely that people right in your own city or nearby speak Spanish, making it useful at home too. If you only speak one language and want to learn another, Spanish is a very good choice. Here are a few hints that should make the learning process easier.
Find a good tutor, if possible. CDs/books can be very helpful. But with a tutor at your side, you can receive help and answers you just can't get from a book or CD. Tutors are usually fluent in the languages that they teach. They can teach you about the different dialects within the language you are learning.
If you will be traveling to a Spanish speaking country, learning the local dialect will help a lot with better communications. More importantly, a tutor can tell you about the casual uses of the words you will be learning. Language CD's and books are usually more formal in what they teach. However, you can learn slang from a tutor.
You can take a course. Many people feel intimidated to learn a language along side others. It's common to have to speak the language outloud in front of the whole class. This intimidates many people.
But it's a great thing to do, no matter how many blunders you make in front of everyone. That's the best way to learn because everyone else is learning, too! Everyone can participate in making silly mistakes! That's much better than doing it in real life where you people may be less forgiving of your mistakes.
And remember that practice makes perfect. Even if you feel silly you should practice speaking your language as often as possible. Even if you aren't great at putting together whole sentences, using the words you know in place of your native language regularly will help commit those words to memory. As an example when learning Spanish, substitute 'uno' for 'one' and 'cena' for 'dinner.' By using the words often they'll become second nature to you. You'll know and understand the new words when you hear them used. 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 how to speak Spanish, or any language, doesn't need to be an experience in frustration. The net is full of helpful ideas and cool tools to help you. The key to learning a new language, whether it is Spanish or anything else, is to be open to it. Your mind will more easily absorb the knowledge when it is open. It will be much harder for you if you try to make it sound similar to your own native tongue.
