Spanish Toolkit: Learn Spanish Now! » textbook spanish http://blog.spanishtoolkit.com Tools, Tips and Strategies for Language Learning Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:24:09 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 Learning Spanish… http://blog.spanishtoolkit.com/learning-spanish/ http://blog.spanishtoolkit.com/learning-spanish/#comments Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:13:53 +0000 Joseph http://blog.spanishtoolkit.com/learning-spanish/ Spanish can be easier than you expect. But, you need to beware of falling into the "Textbook Syndrome." If you do, you will struggle forever instead of making language earning a joy.]]> Learning a language such as Spanish can be easier than you expect. But, you need to beware of falling into the “Textbook Syndrome.” If you do, you will struggle forever instead of making language earning a joy.

The “Textbook Syndrome” is the study of a language as if it were a class in history, biology, or government. In this inefficient and ineffective method, you…

  • Memorize Vocabulary
  • Memorize Grammar Rules
  • Memorize Word Spellings
  • Memorize Verb Conjugations
  • Memorize Exceptions to Everything

Major problems are associated with the “Textbook Syndrome.” The “Textbook Syndrome” strategy…

  • Is Boring
  • Relies on Short-Term Memory
  • Is Subject to Rapid Decay in the Amount of Retention
  • Promotes Cramming and Focus upon Grades for the Next Test

The “Textbook Syndrome” is a “One Trick Pony” in a “language circus” that needs a menagerie of “entertaining and colorful attractions.

The “Textbook Syndrome” fosters the technique of reading through a textbook (with novel, strange words) and trying to pronounce the words as if they were English words.

The “Textbook Syndrome” also takes you through a series of vignettes such as coffee shops, classrooms, bus stations, whatever. These windows into the world of the foreign language don’t portray learning as it really takes place.

In fact, the “Textbook Syndrome” produces results where the student earns a grade of “A” for three years of high school Spanish and two semesters of college Spanish, yet cannot communicate with people on the street in Mexico City, Buenos Aries, Lima or Panama City. In fact, this level of skill isn’t enough to speak Spanish to America Citizens in San Juan, Puerto Rico; or to Cubans in Miami, Florida, or Mexicans in El Paso, Texas.

This is because the “Textbook Syndrome” relies on “paper and pencil” demonstration of language skill, while the real world relies on…

  • Habitual Responses
  • Dynamic Personal Interaction
  • Culture
  • Slang and Idioms

Real language is communication-smart. “Textbook Syndrome.” language is test-smart and communication-dumb.

Grammar lessons and workbook homework are accomplices in the misdemeanor of the “Textbook Syndrome.”

But, real language learning produces accomplishments, not accomplices.

The steps to real language learning include:

  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Writing

But you do not have to become proficient in writing in Spanish before you can communicate in Spanish.

In fact, you need to jump right in and communicate the best that you can, right from the start.

In the real world, you will find that the “Grammar Sharks” and the “Pronunciation Tigers” don’t exist. These are the mythical beasts that the “Textbook Zealots” have scared you into fearing.

In reality, Spanish speakers come from a culture of warm, friendly, caring and supportive people…people that feel pleased that you are bothering to learn their language, even though you “don’t have to.”

Continue visiting Spanish Toolkit at every opportunity to pick up skills and tools for learning Spanish in a practical and rewarding way.

Related Links:

Clase Chevere | Clase Chevere Blog | Spanish Toolkit Blog | Spanish Conversation Web 2.0 | Language Study Lab Web 2.0 | Clase Chevere Web 2.0 | Spanish Toolkit Web 2.0

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