Cdrtom wrote:
Guys,
It's been my experience that spanish proficiency is a two pronged issue. I have enough grammar and vocabulary to make myself understood in most instances; the real challenge is comprehension of native speakers' speech.
I studied German for 2 years, and can tell you that, contrary to popular belief, Spanish is more difficult than German (IMHO).
Latinos speak faster than Europeans, and have more of a tendency to slur the ends of their words. If I watch a German war movie, then a Spanish telenova, I can comprehend the German better, not because I know more German, but because the Germans articulate their words better.
I concur. Comprehension is definitely the real challenge. And it's amazing how few working girls take that into account and instinctively try to modify their speech so we can understand them better (one of the reasons former ZB'er Leidy has always been a favorita - she excels at that).
Whereas before I would have considered myself a solid "3" on the scale, my Spanish has suffered as I've dedicated myself to learning Portuguese. Now all the way through Pimsleur Level 3, my spoken Portuguese has practically pulled even or even surpassed my Spanish - though I'm still much better with written Spanish, having gone through some grammer workbooks.
But following the next venture to Rio in April, I'll be diving back into the Spanish to prep for Medellin in May, where I'm really going to need it...