tallman33

I'm a total newbie to Spanish. I've only spoke English my whole life, but I want to learn Spanish. Do you have any tips for me?

Lalaguayaba

The easiest and cheapest way to pick up a sense for what the language is will be to go out and buy a 'Let's Learn Spanish' book. Check out 4 or 5 of them until you find one that suits your learning style, and then do the exercises.

Bonuses go for the books that come with a CD or DVD so that you can hear the language. I believe I said in another post that 'ear training is NOT a joke'--and it isn't. Spanish isn't usually modulated like English, that is--it may not rise or fall from start to finish in a phrase. That can make it sound really quick, fluid and monotone. And until you have a few words, you won't be able to tell when a sentence starts and stops; a key problem in learning another language is listening for the vocal cues provided by the inherent nature of the grammatical structure.

Watch a few movies that you are really familiar with in Spanish; I totally recommend starting with the 'Star Wars' movies--not only does just everybody know the plot, characters, etc., but you will be able to get a little laugh at the sound of dubbed voices. Darth Vader will never sound the same again!

Have fun, and cheers!

tallman33

Thank you very much.

I never thought of watching movies I knew while. I thought of just watching Spanish TV or movies, but I don't know why I didn't think of watching one where I already know the general dialogue
and plot.

Lalaguayaba

Yeah, watching films that you already love totally helps! Watching Spanish kids' cartoons is also good, because the language is so simple, and well illustrated with pictures that it is easy to comprehend.

And once you get some reading skills, try reading the Spanish version of your favorite online paper. That way you can read the article in English, and attempt it in Spanish--and go back and forth for clairification. Its a great way to pick up new vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.

Cheers.

themark

Maybe you can find a class? I can't imagine they are too expensive. The good thing about a class is that it also gives you a chance to meet new people. Usually adult classes are laid back and fun, nothing like grade school.

Lalaguayaba

I took a class after speaking broken kitchen Spanish for years; I had a decent vocabulary for kitchen items and tasks, and a large stock of basic phrases, but I didn't have the grammatical framework upon which to hang all of this random information. And I found that taking a class was the best way to cement all of this stuff inside my head.
Taking a class at your local community college will run you about $400 for a semester, plus about $100 for your text and workbook. Of course, your local school has all that info...

I found that the teaching workbooks I got @ the bookstore for $20 had the same exercises for a very small expense; its a good way to get a feel for the language, what you might find easy to learn, and what you find hard to learn (and can concentrate on when in class, so you get the most bang for your buck.) Of course, none of it makes much sense if you don't spend time listening to and trying to speak Spanish.

Have fun!

Cheers.

panamapal

I imagine it would be easier to learn a new language while living in a country where that language is spoken. That would make sure you have the incentive to get the best out of the class. You don't want to spend $500 on a class and then not use what you learn.

Lalaguayaba

My point exactly! Why not just use that $500 for a plane ticket, take your cheap workbook, and buy a pitcher of beer for some folks for a 'free' lesson? It's a lot more fun than a class, and you will quickly learn what 'real' vs. 'book' Spanish actually are!
Nowadays, I have a tendency to bring whatever Spanish book I'm reading at the time into a bar with me, and have a chat about it. In P.C., its really easy to find folks who read Unamuno, Marquez, Neyruda or (and ppl will love you for this) Bolivar, and want to see what you think about it. No problem if you happen to be reading the English translation--all these books are easy to find, all the authors are famous, and you'll find some Nobel laureates amongst them.

Latin American literature - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cheers.

themark

Great wikipedia link! I don't know if I am good enough to read whole books in Spanish, but I'll try.

You're a very knowledgeable person Lalaguayaba. You're helping everyone out all over the boards.

PanamaPat

Some great ideas here! I learned Spanish through the Pimsleur CDs, watching Spanish movies, and taking classes in Spanish speaking countries. When I'm not in a Spanish speaking country, I still watch a movie at least once a week to keep my Spanish on an acceptable level.

Patricio

Meeting and making friends with people from Panama is the best way to learn the language and the way of life.
If you have friends they will help you with the mistakes you make.
Also taking lessons is important too ,a good teacher is a must.

vla

It is also good to take advantage of the Internet. Get involved in forums such as this one, subscribe to free email newsletters. This will keep your interest alive and help you from getting discouraged.

Some great resources online:

Learn Spanish Free Online
Learn Spanish for Free Online | Free Spanish Lessons | Spanish Vocabulary | Spanish Grammar | Basic Spanish
Learn Spanish
English to French, Italian & Spanish Dictionary - WordReference.com

Check them out. Good places to start.

seashore

Thanks for posting those resources, vla. I'm sure they will help many people out, and not just the OP.