Spanish Toolkit: Learn Spanish Now!

Consistency means exposure through a flexible combination of books, tapes, CDs, TV and radio shows, interaction with native speakers, and online resources.

In a way, learning a new language is like exercising. You make steady and solid progress from consistent effort.

Learn something about the new language every day, even if the learning is a small component. Review counts, even if the time spent in review is minor.

And, test your progress. Everyone has a unique learning style, and some strategies work better for some people.

Once you discover what works for you, stick with that strategy. Hint: The methods that you like most are probably the most effective ones for you.

But, not all methods that you enjoy may fit into your schedule. For example, you might enjoy community education conversational language classes, but you have to cook dinner and take care of the children. But, you could engage the children in learning words from your target language, and learn from the repetition, from reading stories in the target language to them, then translating…

So keep an open mind and discover what works for you. Then, stick to the strategies that you make progress with.

Here are some ideas:

Vocabulary Lists:

Vocabulary lists are an obvious way to approach a new language.

Most people will list the words to be learned in a vertical list along the left side of a page, then list the translations for those word down the right side of the page.

Techniques for using vocabulary lists include;

• Say each word in the left column out loud three times, and then look at the translation on the right
• Avoid learning the words “in order,” by skipping around in a random pattern
• Cover the left column and look at the translated words, then to recall the new language words by saying them aloud

Phrase Books:

A phrase book can increase your command of ordinary phrases.

The phrases that you learn will provide some functional command of the language, but you need to learn more than the contents of a phrase book to be fluent in a language.

One benefit of a phrase book is that they format is usually small and portable. This is helpful if you carry the phrase book with you, and study it during spare moments.

Ad Hoc Free Minutes for Study:

A phrase book and flash cards So you say you want to learn a new language but don’t have time to study? No problem! By carrying a good phrase book with you wherever you go, your learning time will take care of itself. Be alert to using little pockets of time that are otherwise wasted during your daily routine:

• Waiting for appointments
• Waiting in lines
• Sitting in traffic
• Traveling on public transportation
• While on hold

CDs, Cassette Tapes, Voice Recorders, MP3 Players:

Portable CD players and “Boom Boxes” can play language tapes. Tapes used to work in cars, but cars don’t come with tape players any more.

Use a cassette recorder if you can find one. Use a voice recorder if you can afford one, or, use a microphone and speak into your computer. The problem with all of this is that you either have to…

• Record and listen in one place
• Convert voice files from one medium, i.e., tapes to digital
• Convert computer files to CD or MP3
• The various gadgets get expensive if you purchase them all
• Older (and therefore cheap) language programs come in older formats

A voice recorder/ MP3 playback device, if you can afford one, is probably the best solution for modern, on-the-go study and review of language skills.

The voice recorder/ MP3 playback device provides a passive way to learn…unless you design and record your own study materials.

But, these devices provide exposure to the target language while driving (be careful not to use both ear buds), exercising, doing chores and housework, or walking the dog.

Using portable devices turns ordinary time into productive learning time. Computer folks would label this as “Multi-Tasking.”

Speak Up, Talk:

Talking to people is the best way to make that new language stick in your mind. Repeating vocabulary words is important, but using words in context is more powerful.

But nothing beats conversing with a native speaker of the target language, especially a friendly and patient person who enjoys the fact that you are learning his or her language.

Internet Resources:

The Internet provides a wealth of information and a treasure trove of learning aids for language learners. For example:

Key Pals:

E-mail is a great way to practice a new language.

Find a friend that is a native speaker, and exchange friendly E-mail messages.

Ask your friend to correct your grammar and to suggest other words to express your ideas.

Modern E-mail systems now even allow the use of special characters, i.e., characters with additions such as accents, tildes, and other marks. Be sure to spell the word correctly, even if it takes a lot of extra effort to form these characters with an “Alt-Key” and number combinations.

Communicating with a “Key Pal” will improve your vocabulary, grammar; and lead you to a better understanding of the culture behind the language.

Mail Groups/ News Groups:

There are Mail Groups/ News Groups that can help you learn a new language. These are found , such on such directory sites as Yahoo™.

Link to the Yahoo™ Spanish Group Portal

These Newsgroups also are a great way to network with other language learners.

Websites abound in every language. Many site provide basic lessons, as well as audio clips that demonstrate the correct pronunciation.

You can find several online dictionaries that assist in composing with your new language.

But, beware the translations that sites such as Google™ or AltaVista™ provide. These tools are great for getting a quick scan of a Website of information in the target language, but do not trust these translations to provide correct grammar, syntax or the correct meaning for the part of speech that was used.

But, don’t get tangled in grammar issues when you begin learning a new language.

Try to learn the rules intuitively before studying grammar because grammar is a “fun turn off.”

Also, avoid trying to memorize everything (particularly by using your short-term memory).

Attempting to memorize all the rules and nuances of a language means learning a fantastic number of rules. This number of rules exceeds our human brain’s ability to handle so many discrete bits of information. This results in stress and frustration.

So, set realistic expectations for the amount of time that it will take for you to practice the language that you wish to learn. Then, commit to following through with the fun of learning and the joy of accomplishment.

Everyone has enough time to learn a new language if they set out to find the time, and let nothing stand in their path. A strong desire to master the language is the most important factor in actually learning a new language.