If you want to learn Spanish on your own, you would do well to follow a few powerful tips. It is a good start for those that want to visit Spanish-speaking countries to study or work. Listed below are 20 such tips that can free you from a traditional learning program.
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Spanish grammar basics
Learning grammar can be a challenge and only be perfected over time. Fortunately, Spanish grammar is relatively simple and can be grasped very soon. There are many textbooks available for beginners, such as Hugo Spanish in 3 Months that will help with the basics of grammar.
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Create a word bank of common Spanish words
Learn as many words as you can- as words form the building blocks of any language. Create a word bank of the most common words and phrases in Spanish focusing on the pronunciation.
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Maintain a Spanish notebook and translate words often
Install a Spanish translation app, or carry a notebook and jot down translations as you learn new words. Practice them often, and until they form part of your conversations, and the grammar will fall into context, too.
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Make yourself Spanish flashcards
Flashcards are a great way to learn if used in the correct way. There are loads of Spanish flashcard apps that will help you learn new words, which can be used in simple sentences.
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Learn from Spanish apps
Language apps are a great fit for the whole self-study process. They are interactive and engaging. Some such apps are Duolingo, Busuu, and Memrise, and they offer an opportunity to get a few language exercises completed quickly.
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Make use of Spanish social media
Social media like Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest are accessed every day, and multiple times a day! It’s a great way to gain familiarity with the language.
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Plan a trip to Spain
Interacting with locals and native speakers is a great way to gain confidence from a conversational standpoint. It helps with grammar and recognizing context and can improve language skills.
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Spend time in Spanish-speaking environments
Make an effort to hang out where native speakers do. Head to salsa clubs or restaurants or join a Spanish conservation group to give you the exposure you need.
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Listen to Spanish radio channels
Once you have reached a certain level of fluency, listening to the radio gives you the opportunity to improve your pronunciation.
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Listen to Spanish podcasts
iTunes is well-equipped with a great list of Spanish podcasts and many of them will help you understand the various dialects and nuances of the language.
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Listen to Spanish songs
Listen to Spanish songs and sing along when you are doing your chores. Understanding the lyrics will make it a good learning exercise.
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Maintain a Spanish blog yourself
Practice your writing skills and maintain a blog with basic content. Write as often as you would like to, and on a topic that interests you.
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Buddy up with a Spanish speaking partner
If you are a part of a group, it is easy to buddy up with a partner or make friends with Spanish speakers to give you the opportunity to practice your speaking skills.
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earn from a Spanish tutor online
If you need to practice speaking Spanish, there are plenty of tutors available online who can help you. A short, one-on-one session with a tutor around 4 to 5 times a week will be ideal.
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Dictations
Practice words the traditional way. Ask a Spanish speaker to dictate words and write them down. It will help with your spelling and your listening comprehension will improve.
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Read Spanish news
If current events interest you, tuning into a Spanish news channel will be of great help.
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Watch movies and TV shows in Spanish
You can learn new words and the nuances of Spanish speech. You may need to watch it more than once – first with subtitles, and then without.
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Change your phone settings to Spanish
Almost all of us use mobile devices throughout the day. Changing the settings to Spanish keeps the language in front of you all the time increasing your familiarity with Spanish.
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Try gaming in Spanish
Online games are always popular. You can play with one person or be part of a group. Start with the basic level and move on to advanced gaming. It is a fun way to absorb a language.
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Attempt learning Spanish through food and recipes
What better way to experience Spanish than by trying recipes written in Spanish or watching cooking videos in Spanish. You also get to try out the recipes!
There you have it! A way to skip regimented programs and take on the challenge of learning on your own. Hopefully, these powerful tips will help you on your self-learning journey.
