subject: How To Learn Spanish While Living In Mexico [print this page] No doubt about it, the easiest way to learn Spanish is to place yourself in a situation where it is necessary for your daily survival that you master the language. There is no place like Mexico to do so; the people of Mexico are very understanding of the "gringos" who come across the border and do not speak their language, and while they may occasionally take the opportunity to sneer and abuse the fact that the fair skinned tourist standing before them doesn't understand a word they are saying most of them will be willing to help you learn how to find your way around.
The best way to learn the language while in Mexico is to keep your mouth closed and your ears and eyes open, particularly in public areas such as the market or the beach. You will hear the repetition of certain words and phrases that you will quickly pick up on and that will help you to get through the day.
You will also find that the more you listen and pay attention to what is going on around you the easier it will be to understand. Remember, this is how you learned to speak English in the first place; by listening and watching the people around you. Pay attention to the gestures and subsequent actions that follow the words and you will be able to understand what it is that you are seeing.
Bear in mind that you are going to learn to understand the language long before you learn how to speak it properly; however, do not let that discourage you from practicing as often as possible. The people of Mexico may occasionally laugh when you make a mistake; however, they will often be quick to correct you if they can understand you, and you can file this knowledge away for a later date.
Reading the various signs and flyers around town will also help you to grasp onto the language. Some will be simple, such as those at the airport (many of which will be in both English and Spanish for the benefit of their tourists) while others will be a bit more complex and require more effort. Fortunately, many of these will have pictures or be posted in places which will help you to understand precisely what they are talking about.
While learning the language in Mexico is all well and good, it is going to be necessary for you to go about your daily business while you are learning. This is going to instill in you a whole new appreciation for the people from Central America who dare to come across the border; it is inconceivable that anyone would ever volunteer for such torture!
Fortunately, due to the large number of tourists that visit Mexico from the United States and the fact that many children in Mexico are taught to speak English from a young age, you will probably be able to find someone who speaks English well enough to figure out what you are trying to say. Take a dictionary and phrasebook and do your best, and don't give up hope; the more you practice, the easier it will become.
