Learning spanish

any recommendations on how to learn a new language? I've downloaded duolingo and requested Rosetta Stone from the library. I really want to learn in order to have full conversations but not sure where to begin.

Re: Learning spanish

This won't help too much, but I think the best way to learn a language is by immersion. If that's not possible, it depends on your purpose. If it is to have conversations, maybe someone one on one can help you. There are these meet-up groups that I heard of in the past, that could be an option.

I would also watch movies and read, just to get some vocabulary and get use to the language. The good thing is that being a grown up you have the motivation to do it, and there are lots of resources online.

ETA: There are also online tutors.

Message edited 9/15/2017 6:24:37 PM.

Re: Learning spanish

i agree about immersion.

do you have a friend who is fluent who can have conversations with you?

what kind of conversations do you want to have? work/business or casual? i ask because spanish has a distinct formal and informal vocabulary.

heck, if you want, fm me and i can give you my phone number. i'd be willing to have phone conversations with you in spanish.

good luck.

Re: Learning spanish

Learning spanish

Another vote for full immersion. It's the hardest way but the fastest and most effective. If not just like others have said, find someone to practice with, it's extremely important to practice with at least one person otherwise u will forget what u learn, it happened to me with ASL =( plus tat person will help u perfecting ur pronunciation, I gotta say though Spanish it's relatively easy with pronunciation, however there are a few sounds that can be challenging like b vs v, r, s vs z, etc. Start slowly but be consistent, that's the key. Choose a day/time and stick with it, u'll see results and that along will be an insentive for u to continue leaning. Best of luck =)

Re: Learning spanish

I did really well in Spanish classes in high school and college. I was somewhat conversational. Unfortunately, because I didn't really use it, I lost it. I have used Duolingo and completed Rosetta Stone levels 1-3 but they didn't really make me conversational. I know many words and I can decipher a letter or something written in Spanish but to actually speak it fluently and be conversational is a whole other story. I agree that immersion is the best way to learn. I wish I had lived abroad when I was younger before I started a family. It's one of my biggest regrets.

ETA: I'm sure having a live person to practice would be beneficial, in addition to the Rosetta Stone. Good luck!

Message edited 9/16/2017 5:52:48 PM.

Learning spanish

I taught myself French years ago using Pimsler. I liked it a lot and am able to speak French conversationally when I go there. Try a demo of their Spanish program online.

Message edited 9/16/2017 5:25:51 PM.

Learning spanish

Immersion. My friend's tutor told her that she must read Spanish every day and start watching shows in Spanish.