Techniques For Learning A Language
When we grow up speaking a language (learning Spanish Language). We never really stop and consider how we actually learned it. Babies start saying their first words, and eventually grow to have conversations, and later on pick up reading and writing. It’s such an automated process in some ways (because it’s such a common occurrence). That when we pick up a new language later on in life. It feels almost like we’re slamming on the brakes. Needing to rewind and work out the details of how to speak and understand language once more.
The Spanish classes at Studio Español in Birmingham will absolutely help you continue to grow in your fluency and overall comprehension. We’ve compiled some key ways that, when practiced effectively and frequently, can help your Spanish skills continue to grow. Learn more, and sign up for beginner, intermediate, and advanced Spanish classes today with Studio Español!
Learn the Basics
Understanding pronouns (yo, tú, usted, nosotros, etc.), Basic verb formats, simple sentences. Of course, the alphabet, are all necessary to help build the foundation of Spanish. One of the best formats to learning a language is when one receives technical and structured education, alongside practice and application. But like swimming. Learning a language can be extraordinarily more challenging if someone simply throws you into the deep end when you don’t know how to stay afloat. Learning the basics is essential to begin to truly grow in your Spanish skills. This is where our Spanish classes can really help. Especially if you’re just starting out in learning Spanish.
Listen to Music
Music is not only one of the most enjoyable parts of life. It’s one where we can learn quite a lot. As you’re learning the basics of Spanish, pairing it with Spanish music can help you pick up on intonation, cultural sayings. Colloquialisms that are otherwise lost when studying from solely a textbook. Plus, it’s fun! You’ll recognize words and phrases more and more. And can continue building your comprehension and speaking abilities in the process. Try out some Julieta Venegas, Juanes, and Maná to start.
Immerse Yourself
We can’t all spend the next six months studying abroad in Spain or Mexico, as much as we wish we could. Luckily, there are tons of opportunities for immersion in the United States as well. Visit a Hispanic grocery store, ask at a Spanish restaurant if it’s OK for you to practice some of the language. You’ve been picking up, and listen to Spanish radio stations/podcasts as well. A little bit of extra Spanish exposure here and there can greatly improve your overall understandings of language and culture.
Read Lots
Reading from a Spanish textbook can definitely be helpful when you’re first starting out. But for a more authentic process of learning a new language, you might want to start at the beginning. When we’re just learning how to read in English/our native language, we don’t start with “Harry Potter.” We begin with children’s books that follow rhyme schemes, have lots of pictures, and simple sentence structures. The same can (and should) be followed when learning Spanish. There are tons of Spanish children’s books that are available for purchase or rental from the library. You should practice with a mixture of books that you already know by heart. like “The Cat in the Hat,” “Good Night Moon,” or other English translations. As well as some children’s Spanish books that are unfamiliar to you. Learn about La Llorona and other cultural stories/icons in the process!
Practice Speaking
Speaking Spanish can be one of the most intimidating parts of learning Spanish. But coincidentally, it’s also one of the most important. People never want to make a mistake when they’re speaking. Often stay silent at the risk of sounding foolish or clumsy in their speech. But in order to truly grow in learning Spanish (or grow in anything, for that matter), we need to consistently practice the things that are most challenging, or make us feel the most uncomfortable. In this instance, it means speaking and conversing regularly, even when you don’t want to.
There are meet-ups that you can join where everyone practices conversational Spanish, you can practice with someone who already knows the language or is similarly learning, or, you can enroll in Spanish classes at Studio Español to practice speaking in a space you know is safe. There’s a level of comfort that comes from Spanish classes, mostly because you know that everyone else is learning, just like you are. This leads us to our last technique for this post…
Sign Up for Spanish Classes!
When you’re learning from a native speaker in the structure of a Spanish class, you’re going to pick up a ton of information, you’ll get the proper instruction you need, you’ll be exposed to cultural knowledge and backgrounds that are essential to learning Spanish, and you’ll have fun! You’ll be among like-minded people who want to learn Spanish, whether from your own business or company, or simply because you, like your classmates, have always wanted to take Spanish.
Studio Español is the premier place for you to get started learning the third-most popular language in the world — a language that’s more widely spoken than English! Whenever we’re trying to learn a new skill, we look to the experts. From coaches to teachers and mentors, so much of our talents are learned (and practiced) behaviors, and learning Spanish is no different. Rely on Studio Español as your ultimate technique to learning Spanish language, and get started with classes today!
