More Tips To Help You Learn Spanish Vocabulary and Pronunciation
June 5th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
I have compiled a few more tips for those beginners faced with the challenge of learning the Spanish language. Remember - as you learn Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation, take it a step at a time and don’t be too hard on yourself. Enjoy the experience and take satisfaction in the fact that you’re giving it your best. Most people don’t even get started!
1. Don’t use pronouns unnecessarily
If you remember your elementary English sentence structure, a subject is almost always required. Not so in Spanish. Where the subject is understood through the context, the subject is usually omitted.
2. Don’t assume the textbook or your learning program is always right
Imagine learning a language in an isolated environment. Even though you have learned by the “rules”, the native speakers will generally talk in an informal way where you have learned the language in a more formal manner. So, as you become more familiar with Spanish, try to imitate the local Spanish speakers as they speak everyday Spanish.
3. Be careful when translating idioms
English and Spanish both have their share of idioms (phrases whose meaning is different than the literal interpretation of the individual words). Some of these idioms translate exactly, but many don’t. Learn to know the difference, because the actual meanings can be quite unique.
I hope that this short list of common mistakes will help avoid a few of the more common pitfalls when you learn Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation and allow you to speak like a native speaker.
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5 Tips to Help You Learn Spanish Vocabulary and Pronunciation
June 2nd, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
If you have ever attempted to learn a foreign language, you know that mistakes are just a part of the educational process. Even though you somehow feel inadequate when you start to learn Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation, you need to work through the common mistakes that most English speakers make with this language.
Obviously, there are certain recognizable issues with Spanish vocabulary that seems to form a pattern with English to Spanish translation. These are important vocabulary or pronunciation issues that need to be overcome if you plan to advance beyond a novice level speaker.
Here are 5 tips for overcoming these common Spanish language faux pas:
1. Spanish doesn’t always follow English sentence structure
In some cases, you can follow English sentence structure and you will still be understood. Consider it similar to a person who speaks broken English – the words are generally there but perhaps not in the right order. A major difference with Spanish is that there are many times that the subject is placed after the verb. You have won half the battle just by being aware of these differences and paying particular attention when Spanish is spoken.
2. Don’t assume that Spanish words that appear similar to English words have the same meaning
Both Spanish and English are derived from the same Latin roots. This makes many words in both languages very similar, and on many occasions they have the same meaning. But there are a significant number of times when the words appear almost identical, but with radically different meanings. Take careful note during your studies to distinguish those that have a different interpretation.
3. Learn when to use articles (un, una, el, la, los, las)
This is a similar problem with individuals learning English (a, an, the). It’s the same for English speakers trying to learn Spanish. When you use articles improperly you are signaling that you are a beginner and still struggling with the language.
4. Pay particular to pronunciation
This can be challenging for English speakers, but it is worth practicing your Spanish “r’s”. This requires a trill almost like a purring cat. Also, pronounce the “b” and “v” the same - there is no difference in Spanish.
5. And lastly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes
Mistakes just come with the learning process, they are inevitable. Even though you make mistakes as you learn Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation, most native speakers will appreciate your efforts and even help you correct your mistakes. Just take it all in stride and above all, have fun with your new language skills.
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Tips to Learn Spanish Vocabulary and Pronunciation Like a Native Speaker
May 27th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
As you start your quest to master the Spanish language, there are certain things you can do to enhance your communication skills and become more proficient in understanding the language. You can learn Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation from the best Spanish language program, but it’s not until you actually use your language skills “live” with native speakers that you will know how well you’ve mastered the language.
We have pulled together these tips to help you improve your actual Spanish communication skills:
* Whenever possible, try to carry on a conversation with native speakers. What you will find is that native speaker will generally help you with pronunciation and grammar. This immediate feedback will also give you the opportunity to learn and understand certain “slang” terms and other colloquial usages that you will never find in a textbook.
* You will want to supplement your Spanish courses and study guides with other Spanish literature and publications. Try reading a Spanish newspaper or magazine. If you have Spanish channels with your cable or satellite service, why not watch them to get a feel for different dialects and phrase usage.
* Try to expose yourself to your acquired language whenever possible. Visit a Spanish language website or watch a movie in Spanish with English subtitles. I know of many people who have learned a new language by watching television where they have access to subtitles. Pay particular attention to the pronunciation of key words and phrases and practice them during commercials.
* It is important to learn correct pronunciation as early in your lessons as possible. It is always better to learn the words and phrases correctly the first time rather than try to unlearn poor pronunciation and relearn the correct way.
* Why not plan a trip or vacation to a country or region where Spanish is the primary language. This will give you an outstanding opportunity to try out you new language skills in an immersion type setting. There is no better experience than to successfully communicate with native speakers, and they will appreciate your efforts as well. You might be amazed at how your attempts at speaking their native “tongue” will open up doors that are closed to most tourists and visitors.
And last of all; remember to have fun with your new Spanish language skills. It is not a life and death situation. If you take your Spanish courses too seriously or get overly frustrated, take a breather and come back later. This is supposed to be a rewarding learning experience. Make the Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation lessons a game by using flash cards and working with a partner. It’s also easier to learn in a fun and calm environment.
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How Do I Learn Spanish Fluently At My Age?
May 27th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
This is a question that bothers many people who are middle-aged and decide to learn the Spanish language. They feel that their school days are decades behind them and that they no longer have the study skills to actually learn a second language. It is not uncommon for us to hear the question; “how do I learn Spanish fluently when I feel too old to learn?”
Well, conventional wisdom has it that we can all learn a language much easier when we are in our early teens (12-14 years old). If you recall, our ability to absorb new knowledge during our teenage years was phenomenal. We were literally like sponges taking up water. But does this mean that it’s impossible to learn Spanish now, in our 40’s, 50’s or older? Of course not!
The Strongest Determining Factor
What we believe the determining factor as to how well and how fast you learn a new language, is your will to learn and your dedication. There are really no shortcuts to learning Spanish. It takes determination and motivation.
So think back to your teenage years – you may have been in your prime years for learning, but where was your focus? How about being busy chasing girls or boys, playing video games, watching TV, and “hanging” at the mall. Most teens are not motivated or dedicated to learning a new language.
For many people, it’s not until they are more mature that they realize the need for and actually value the idea of learning Spanish, for instance, and are really willing to put forth the effort and time to make it happen. So, mature adults, we have that advantage!
If You Are A Traveler, It Just Makes Sense
We also tend to travel and vacation more to foreign lands, so learning Spanish as a second language starts to make real sense. Motivation is another one of our advantages to learning Spanish quickly, and plays an important role in re-developing our study habits (just like riding a bike, we never lose them) and memory skills.
So the answer to “how do I learn Spanish fluently at this age?” is to plunge in and as they say, “Just Do It!” And yes, we may not learn as quickly as we did when we were 14 years old, but we have dedication and motivation on our side – a powerful combination! Purchase a good quality Spanish language program that you can use at home or in the car, buy some good books in Spanish, read Spanish newspapers, watch Spanish TV, and find some Spanish speaking friends, if possible. Make it a fun experience and you will learn Spanish vocabulary and pronunciation in no time at all!
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