How to learn the Spanish language in 7 easy steps

Spanish is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. Knowing Spanish will help you in various ways, whether you want to study abroad in Buenos Aires or improve your college applications. Spanish is a beautiful language with many layers of meaning and a long linguistic history. It can transport you worldwide, from South America to Spain and even to the Pacific Islands. Continue reading to know how to learn the Spanish language.

Download an app

There are numerous excellent apps for learning Spanish. When selecting one, remember that it should be compatible with how you’re learning the language (on your own) and comprehensive enough to take you through at least two language levels.

Numerous smartphone apps are available to help you learn the fundamentals of a new language. Duolingo is a popular app for studying and learning Spanish that is free, enjoyable, and interactive. What’s the best part? You can use these apps for a few minutes each day as your schedule allows. After a few sessions, you’ll notice that your comprehension has grown significantly.

Give an ear to podcasts

Podcasts are also an excellent resource for practicing listening to native Spanish speakers. You should probably begin with podcasts geared toward Spanish language learners because they contain simple vocabulary spoken slowly and clearly.

While learning a new language on your own is possible, it is beneficial to hear the natural cadences of native speakers. When you are learning Spanish, downloading or subscribing to a few podcasts, such as News in Slow Spanish, can significantly affect your pronunciation.

You can start listening to Spanish podcasts for native speakers once you’ve mastered it. The vocabulary in these podcasts is more complex, and the podcast hosts speak at an average, native speed. Using this type of podcast will significantly improve your listening comprehension skills.

Watch Spanish movies

Spanish films and television are excellent ways to expand your vocabulary and improve your comprehension. If you’re just starting, watch Spanish movies with English subtitles. Try watching Spanish movies with Spanish subtitles when you’ve progressed past the beginner level.

It may appear strange to watch and read in Spanish simultaneously, but it works wonders. Reading abilities develop much faster than listening abilities. You can significantly improve your pronunciation by reading and listening together.

Watching films in Spanish is an excellent way to learn about regional accents while experiencing different Spanish-speaking cultures. Fortunately, Mexico and Spain, the two countries with the most distinct Spanish accents, are the most prolific producers of Spanish language features.

Start a conversation club

Why not organize a weekly conversation with friends or family who are also trying to learn Spanish? (If coordinating a location is difficult, you can do this via video chat.)

Since you might have a limited vocabulary at first, choose a topic for every session that complements the words or vocabulary you’re learning (e.g., weather, household items, cooking, school). Choose a scenario you will likely encounter when using Spanish and role play. If you want to study abroad in Argentina, you could pretend to order traditional Argentinian asado to make the session fun.

Find a way to incorporate food into your conversation group and go the extra mile because delicious food improves everything. Plus, if you have snacks, your friends will be more excited for every session in the future.

Carry a Spanish dictionary

Carry a small Spanish-English dictionary with you at all times to help you expand your Spanish vocabulary. Suppose you don’t know the word for something in Spanish; look it up and memorize it immediately.

Spanish-English dictionaries come in various shapes and sizes, with the smallest fitting in a pair of jeans pockets. If you drive or simply carry a backpack, messenger bag, or purse regularly, it should be no problem to keep one with you at all times.

Opt for language classes

There is no denying that enrolling in a Spanish class will keep you accountable and committed to learning the language. Whether you sign up for a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level, having an instructor to guide you, a group you can practice with, and homework to reinforce your learning is a huge plus.

Costs vary depending on frequency, location, and quality, so do your homework before investing your hard-earned money in a course.

Visit a Spanish-speaking country

Traveling to a Spanish-speaking country is one of the best ways to learn the language. Even if you’re a beginner, an extended trip or study abroad program may be the best way to ensure that your second-language education includes practical experience.

Aside from the benefits of language learning, your time abroad can be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Some programs will place you with a host family and a school where Spanish-speaking people will surround you.

Immerse yourself in only communicating in the language you are attempting to learn. It is the best way to learn as much as possible and quickly.

Key takeaways

• To ensure a strong hold over your language, you must consistently practice and join a class for better results.
• Start listening to Spanish podcasts. They will help you to build pronunciation and vocabulary. It’s a fun way of learning.
• Watching Spanish movies will help you with the dialect. They will help you with real-time language improvisations. You can watch movies with subtitles initially and slowly without subtitles.

Did you find this blog informative? If so, do express your thoughts in the comments below. Click here to contact us for more information on how to learn the Spanish language. We would be happy to assist you with your queries.

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FAQs

Q1. Can you learn Spanish in sixty days?

Answer- According to the US Foreign Service Institute (FSI), if you study Spanish for one hour per day, you can attain fluency in 480 hours. That’s a little more than a year.

Q2. Does listening to Spanish while sleeping help?

Answer- Listening to Spanish in your sleep can improve your vocabulary memory retention. Furthermore, you can save energy by learning Spanish while sleeping. You can make learning the words easier by using this technique.

Q3. What level of Spanish is considered fluent?

Answer- If you want to learn Spanish, aim for a C1 level where you can speak and express yourself fluently. A C1 level does not imply that you understand every word in the language but indicates that you can handle most conversations and some difficult topics. The C2 level represents complete mastery.