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For the Bi-lingual: Best ways to improve your Spanish
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Author:  Ltrain [ Mon Jul 26, 2010 12:51 pm ]
Post subject:  For the Bi-lingual: Best ways to improve your Spanish
Having visited several Spanish speaking countries before, I would say the most frustrating experience is not being able to express what's on your mind to someone in their native tongue.

Or, how dumb you feel being around sevreal locals KNOWING that you're the topic of conversation, but not able to follow what they're saying because of your limited knowledge. Also to mention, that what little YOU know that you've just heard THEM say, you don't completely understand because they speak it too rapidly.


I still visit too infrequently, as of now, to be around the language on a regular basis. To the point to where it would be part of my routine, that is.


I've gotten a lot of the basics from the few phrasebooks that I have and watching television with the subtitles on it have been helpful, by giving me additional phrases that would be used in everyday conversation.



Any other suggestions or other methods to try?
Author:  Orange [ Mon Jul 26, 2010 2:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: For the Bi-lingual: Best ways to improve your Spanish
You can find Spanish speakers online. The social networking sites are filled with people who would love to talk with an English speaker. You can take turns practiing your Spanish and them practicing their English with you.
Author:  Whosear [ Mon Jul 26, 2010 8:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: For the Bi-lingual: Best ways to improve your Spanish
This is a great post. As a former Spanish/ESL teacher (isn't it impressive that I try to assert my competency?) and one who began to learn Spanish in my 30's, I will state that opportunity and motivation are the two key aspects.

If you have to manage life in dah States, then you have to find a program that you can squeeze in. You may not become as competent as a native speaker, but learning a language is done in small steps. First, you must find a program that works within your schedule. There is the, Spanish in 10 minutes a Day booklet that gives you the vocabulary to handle your two-week trip. It also gives you a foundation to build upon, if you decide to put in the effort. (Disclaimer: I sell the prevous edition)

Once you have a base, and experience communicating in Spanish and being understood, then you can stay there (visitor), or move on. If you don't fee motivated to do so, don't worry, MY experience in learning Spanish is that I gain a hell of lot, then hit a plateau, then motivation returns, and I begin anew.

There is no one right way to learn another language. First, what do I want to be able to do? Set your goal and find a program that plays to your learning style. Second, decide how far you want to go (remember: small steps). Third, once you gain a degree of competency, practice with the putas. After all, they are after your business. Ask them to critique your Spanish. If they are hesitant, lay down 10 mil in front of them and say, it I am angry with your opinion, this is yours. (Caution: they may tell you how they really feel towards the Gringo). Actually, they may be impressed.

There are a, <<monton>> de programs out there. Start with basics, build and then practice (If Fear is your copilot, remember: lack of pu*sy makes me brave) Eddie Murphy, 48 hours.
Author:  Del Rey Dave [ Tue Jul 27, 2010 12:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For the Bi-lingual: Best ways to improve your Spanish
After taking 4 semesters of Spanish I lived in Colombia for a year. After 3 months I was able to think in the language. That is when you become truly fluent. It's been 20 plus years and Latinos are still amazed at my ability to speak there language. So much so I have to try and convince them that I do not come from a Spanish heritage. So, take classes first then live in a place where you must use the language 90% of the time.
Author:  Orange [ Tue Jul 27, 2010 10:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For the Bi-lingual: Best ways to improve your Spanish
Marry a Latina who speaks no English, you'll be fluent in 6 months. :P
Author:  Ltrain [ Tue Jul 27, 2010 4:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: For the Bi-lingual: Best ways to improve your Spanish
As was stated, immersion IS the best technique, but also difficult to do, when you're not around many people whom you can practice on.

This is where the Internet has become an invaluable tool, as it enables you to connect with others all over the world, if need be, from the convenience of a computer laptop.


That being said, I've been currently looking into a couple of online programs. They offer interaction with native speakers who can correct your many inevitable mistakes.

What I've heard consistently from others is that, even with these online offerings, you have to find the time and the discipline to learn and practice something new EVERY DAY.


Which can be a task when you're going through the routine of your everyday life at home, (after all, SOMETHING always seems to come up to divert your attention), but it's something that I want to do.
Author:  Del Rey Dave [ Tue Jul 27, 2010 9:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: For the Bi-lingual: Best ways to improve your Spanish
LT, good points. I happen to live in South Florida and since the 25 years ago that I came back was always able to utilize my Spanish. Also frequent trips to Latin America.
Author:  Isra123 [ Wed Jul 28, 2010 2:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: For the Bi-lingual: Best ways to improve your Spanish
Like Orange said !!

I think it was Mark Twain who said; "The best way to learn a language is with a native woman in bed".
Author:  Stephnparkr [ Sat Aug 07, 2010 3:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: For the Bi-lingual: Best ways to improve your Spanish
According to me the best way to improve your Spanish is that you can make a spanish friend if not possible in real world than in virtual world (online) and be in touch with the helpful learning spanish site.
Author:  Witling [ Sat Aug 14, 2010 12:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: For the Bi-lingual: Best ways to improve your Spanish
Some steps for anyone getting started:

1. Learn the alphabet (and the way each letter is pronounced). There are no long and short vowels. Each syllable is pronounced. Use the accent marks where found.

2. Understand the concepts of masculine and feminine nouns and verbs and how they change depending on who or what is being referenced.

3. Learn to count to 100.

4. Learn the days of the week, the months and how to tell time.

5. Learn the Spanish words for: Who, What, When, Where, How, How Much and How Many.

You can practice these things anywhere, even driving. Just keep repeating them over and over in your head.

Try this website for a starting point:
http://www.studyspanish.com/

Just remember every little bit you pick up will be repaid in that much better of a time.

Have fun,
Wit
Author:  Maxbass [ Tue Aug 17, 2010 4:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: For the Bi-lingual: Best ways to improve your Spanish
As an adult, I find learning a foreign language far more challenging than I had hoped. I recently picked up a DVD series called Fluenz due to the rave reviews on Amazon. It's amazing. It takes a very intuitive method toward teaching you the language.

A standard lesson follows this general pattern.

1. A few voice actors are put in a situation (say a customer & waitress at a restaurant). The actors go through a scripted conversation using the words from the lesson. Spanish & English subtitles are provided. You can turn either or both sets of subtitles off as you listen to the conversation a few times.

2. Next, the hostess (Sonia Gil - hottie) explains the words you heard in the conversation.

3. Multiple choice. 5 Spanish phrases are on the left, 5 English phrases on the right. You have to match them correctly to move on.

4. Ten or so Spanish words or group of words are shown with a PLAY button next to them. You play the word over as many times as you think is necessary to get the pronunciation correct.

5. Next Fluenz give you a bunch of Spanish phrases (one at a time), you have to write down what it means in English.

6. Next you're given English phrases, and you have to put them in Spanish.

7. Words & phrases are spoken (no text) in Spanish, and you have to type them in Spanish.

Each lesson throws in tests of things learned in previous lessons to keep reinforcing everything you've learned up until that point in the program. You won't feel like you have to return to take previous lessons.

Anyway, it's hard to convey how it works. See if there is a sample lesson up on YouTube. They don't waste time teaching you to say "The fence is red". They teach you practical Spanish that you're likely to use in daily life. If only they had a monger version, we'd be set.

Maxbass
Author:  Paco [ Tue Aug 17, 2010 4:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: For the Bi-lingual: Best ways to improve your Spanish
Burger King/McDonalds. Respectfully announce your learning, normally when the register is worked by a nice looking latina. Tu Profesora.

It's scored some free play every once in a while, at minimum I'm prepared to order a burger in CR!
Author:  PacoLoco [ Tue Aug 17, 2010 5:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: For the Bi-lingual: Best ways to improve your Spanish
Maxbass wrote:
I recently picked up a DVD series called Fluenz due to the rave reviews on Amazon.

Anyway, it's hard to convey how it works. See if there is a sample lesson up on YouTube.
Maxbass

Gracias Maxbass. Never heard of Fluenz, it looks great in regards to keeping you interested and thinking- http://www.youtube.com/user/fluenz#p/a/u/2/km4nmk6ze_k
Review- http://learnspanishrapidly.com/fluenz-s ... eview.html
Author:  Paco [ Tue Aug 17, 2010 8:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: For the Bi-lingual: Best ways to improve your Spanish
I was never impressed with the demo's that Rosetta Stone gave in airports, but just looked at Fluenz online. Ordered the 5 dvds for $518, as it appears they have it right. Hoping to learn a bunch before my Oct trip. I'll give a review when I get the dvd's and take some lessons.
Author:  Paco [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 8:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: For the Bi-lingual: Best ways to improve your Spanish
Ok, just finished session 2 on disc 1 of Fluenz. Prior to this CD, I had a decent grasp of some basic conversation, but it's all coming together! The DVD really does walk you into each conversation, explains things, tests your skill/retention.

So, I now understand "how" to learn a new word, and apply into a well formed sentence.

Not fully endorsing the course yet, but thought I'd share some progress. It's given me hope for my Oct & Nov trips to CR and December trip to PTY. Hopefully I'm done with disc 2 or 3 by Oct!

Oh! Yes, Sonia is really hot. 8)
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