Most people study a foreign language at some point in their lives. This may be while at school or collage, for ones career or simply for enjoyment and personal interest. Knowing that most people do study a foreign language, why is it that the vast majority of us are monolingual?
In a word, it all comes down to motivation. It’s fair to say that in school we didn’t study languages, we were taught them. Yes, I do think there is a difference. Learning a language is not necessarily difficult, but it requires a good deal of time. Don’t be fooled by some of the ads you see suggesting that you can learn a foreign language in a couple of weeks or for just one minute a day – if this were true, we’d all be speaking one. Learning a foreign language is time consuming and requires dedication and most of all: motivation!
It’s important to note from the outset that we are all capable of learning a foreign language! The mere fact that you’re reading this article right now suggests you’ve already successfully learned English, probably as a little baby! So if you managed it as a baby, it should be a piece of cake now, right? Well, as it turns out, it’s not quite as simple as that. When you were learning English (or whatever your mother tongue happens to be) you were immersed in an environment full of English words, conversation, television and radio. A foreign language is ever so more difficult because we are not subconsciously subject to it, we have to make much more of an effort; be it by spending 10 minutes reading a book, listening to music or watching a foreign film. It’s essential that we continually subject ourselves to the language that we’re learning. See: Five Top Tips for Learning Spanish
Unless you have a special need to learn the language, such as moving to a foreign country or professional requirements, staying motivated can be fairly tricky. The most important thing to remember is to keep your learning varied! If you spend days trudging through dust laden grammar books, it won’t be long before you start doubting why you’re learning the language in the first place. Studying Spanish (or any other language) doesn’t have to be a drag. It can be extremely interesting. The first thing to do is identify what interests you. If you’re in love with rock music, why not find a good Spanish rock band and sing along to the lyrics. If you adore romantic movies, why not watch a few in Spanish (most DVDs come in several languages). If you’re a real sucker for poetry, there’s plenty to choose from.
So you see, learning doesn’t have to be boring, quite the contrary in fact. I would suggest that to be truly successful in learning a foreign language, you must enjoy yourself doing so!
You should find that structuring your learning will be far more beneficial than simply wandering from text book to text book and topic to topic with no real organization. This could mean developing a timetable in which you spend one day reading and studying a certain grammar book and another day practicing with your favourite Spanish audio course etc. You should also find that this method will keep you motivated to achieving your ultimate goal of speaking Spanish (or any other language for that matter) fluently. It is achievable!
Whatever the motivation, we can think of leaning Spanish as our ultimate objective. The ways in which we go about the learning phase are known as strategies for achieving our objective. I am very passionate about learning Spanish and over the years have become familiar with the many pitfalls to avoid on our journey. To achieve anything it is important to remain focused. It will help to regularly visualise yourself achieving your objective – this may seem a little too ‘new-age’ for some of you but you will be surprised how useful it is! It helps to build up a passion and desire and when you want something hard enough, it comes ever so more easily.
Based on my many years of study I have compiled a list of what I would consider five top tips for learning Spanish. In no particular order they are:
1. Listen to Music
Listening to music is an excellent way to learn any language. What’s more, it can be done effortlessly and whenever you choose. I believe the best strategy for learning Spanish through music is to download the lyrics (las letras de la canción), listen to the song a couple of times while following along with the lyrics and using a dictionary, look up all of the words that you don’t know. Through repeated listenings, your memory will be constantly jogged when you hear the new words and they will over time be committed to memory.
2. Watch Spanish Movies / TV Programmes
Similar to listening to music, watching Spanish movies and television is an excellent way to learn the language. The difference from music however is that with movies and television, we also have a visual aid which is so helpful in learning the particular nuances of words and phrases (through observations of body language etc).
3. Find a Native Speaker Willing to do a Language Exchange
This is a brilliant way to learn any language. Depending on where you live, you may discover it to be very easy or fairly difficult to find someone with whom you can do a language exchange. If you live in a university city, you may be surprised at how easy it is. There are usually a number of foreign people enrolled on a number of programmes at universities who would love the chance to meet new people. Develop a little flyer to place on a university notice board (get permission from the university or they may remove it). Remember, a language exchange is a two-way thing; take it in turns, one day you teach your partner English (or your native language) and another day they can teach you Spanish. If you have trouble finding a native speaker, the next best thing maybe to find an internet pen-friend.
4. Read Books and/or Newspapers/Magazines
Speaking and writing are two very different disciplines and the only way to learn the latter is by reading. If you have been learning Spanish for a fair while, try you hand at reading a book. If you’re fairly new to Spanish then start with magazines or newspapers. Lots of good newsagents and book chains carry a selection of foreign newspapers and magazines and they are a truly valuable resource.
5. Visit a Spanish Speaking Country!
I understand that this isn’t an option for everybody. If you do get the chance to visit a Spanish speaking country however, take full advantage of it! You will find that being amongst Spanish speakers is the most efficient way to learn the language. However, it does take some effort on your part: make sure you try to speak with people in their native language, even if you’re not quite sure how to say something. You will find that natives have a lot of time for people who at least show some effort to communicate with them in their own lingo.
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