subject: 7 Rules To Help To Learn Spanish Fast [print this page] Forget the common wisdom that states that to learn language there is no quick and easy approach. Here are top 7 rules if followed can make you realistically learn to speak Spanish quickly (we are talking few months).
Rule Number 1. Learning Spanish has to be FUN
The most important part of learning Spanish is to be engaged and interested.
Choose the learning method that keeps you motivated and is fun. Don't try to memorize words or repeat boring drills, but find the most appealing way to learn Spanish that suits you. This can be watching your favorite movies in Spanish instead of English, listening to popular Spanish songs, finding Spanish language software that offers variety of learning tools and so on.
Rule Number 2. Remember "Less is More"
Get your Spanish basics down first. Even if you only learn one thing really well (i.e. counting numbers), you'll have gained an overall sense of achievement, enthusiasm and confidence that you've mastered a part of the language. That's a big step in building a strong foundation.
It is interesting to note that in everyday conversation people use around 1500 words. There is little point in trying to learn too many Spanish words that you most likely not use at all. Instead, try to put into practice whatever vocabulary you have.
Rule Number 3. Learn Spanish survival basics
This is the backbone and meeting point of all conversations:
Choose to learn a handy Spanish phrases, such as "How much is it?", "Where..?" ,"the bathroom".
Once you have learned the very basics, you have created a good foundation on which you can easily start building up your Spanish.
Rule Number 4. For Spanish Verbs- learn Present Tense, "I" forms and always the "polite" or formal form (over the informal)
You want to communicate to locals in the most rudimentary way, but not collect grimaces. Spanish language have a formal (or polite) vs. informal way to address people in conversation.
For example, Spanish has two sets of pronouns that mean "you". First is the familiar informal "you," which is t in the singular and vosotros in the plural, and the formal "you," which is usted in the singular and ustedes in the plural. Many Spanish speakers take this seriously as a sign of respect.
Rule Number 5. Learn Spanish general sentence structure
Sentence structure is the backbone of any language, everything around it is just a dressing. Make sure you get this right and you are instantly way ahead into speaking Spanish. Spanish sentence structure is slightly different from English, so better make sure you know the rules otherwise you might sound a little awkward
Rule Number 6. Immerse in Spanish, surround yourself with the language
Immersion is simply doing everything in Spanish. If you're religious for example, you should go to Spanish church. If you like movies, switch to the dubbed version (and no excuses). Make friends with Spanish speakers and go out; get a social life. The more listening practice done in Spanish the easier it is to learn Spanish and eventually speak Spanish well.
Find Spanish speaking pen pals or friends on skype, engage in Spanish speaking forums. Don't be shy, instead be active and your Spanish conversational ability will increase in a very short time.
Rule Number 7. Do something EVERY day. Do not procrastinate
Even such simple step as listening for 10 minutes a day to Spanish audio lesson or singing along the easy song will help you to get used to the sound of the language that eventually settle into your long term memory.
The hardest part of any job or commitment is to keep doing it no matter what. Try not to procrastinate, but practice, practice and practice every day.
The next logical step and probably the best way to learn Spanish quick is to buy yourself a Spanish course which you can follow as if you were having classes. There are many effective Spanish learning courses available that will keep you motivated in the long run. If you are motivated and persistent, with a good Spanish course you should be able to make meaningful Spanish conversation in few short months.
