6 Tips to Set Realistic Goals for Language Learning Success
Why is it important to set goals when learning languages?
One of the first things people ask me when they start to learn Spanish, is “How long will it take me to learn Spanish?” The problem with this question is that it is not clear what they are actually asking or what their expectations are. What do you actually need to learn the language for and what level of fluency do you need? Do you need to order a mean and drinks? Do you need to call a colleague, attend a business meeting? Are you planning to move to Spain? If you have a more definite idea of what you want to achieve and in what timescale this can help avoid disappointment when you feel you aren’t achieving what you hoped to and it can also help you plan your learning to suit your goals.
This blog post gives a few tips of how to set realistic but achievable goals so you get the most out of your language studies: Continue reading
How to Speak Confidently With Native Spanish Speakers
It is a scientific fact that Spanish people speak much faster than English people. Most learners notice straightaway how fast Spanish people speak. Even if they think they are slowing down to help you, they don’t realise that this is still probably too fast for you to keep up.
In this blog post we will teach you some little tricks to make a conversation with a native speaker much easier for you to deal with.
Why is listening to natives so difficult for learners?
The reason that learners of Spanish find listening to native speakers so hard could be for several reasons.
5 tips to get the most out of your language exchange session
So you have found yourself a native speaker of the language you are learning who also wants to improve their English. You have arranged a first meeting or have had your first meeting and are now wondering how to make the sessions work for both of you. What can you talk about? How often should you meet? How long should you talk for? Here are a few tips to help you get the maximum benefit out of your language exchange sessions: Continue reading
5 excellent films to help you learn Spanish!
Who says you can only learn a language from textbooks or by going to the country where they speak the language? There are so many different ways to learn a language. One of the most enjoyable ways, especially if you like watching films is to watch a subtitled movie. Not only does it improve your listening and understanding skills, but you also get to hear how the language sounds, the rhythm and accent of native speakers as well as the everyday words and expressions they use which you probably won’t find in any textbook or dictionary.
In this blog we will look at 5 popular films to learn Spanish: Continue reading
Essential Spanish Phrases to Ask For and Understand Directions
One of the first things that beginners of Spanish who regularly travel to Spain want to learn is how to ask for directions and how to understand the answers you might get.
For some reason, people either love or hate this subject in Spanish.
It is just a case of learning the key verbs and words, you don’t need to understand long complex sentences. With the whole topic of asking for and understanding directions abroad, the most important thing is to be able to understand what the Spanish words mean and to be able to listen to them and interpret into English rather than learn to say them in Spanish, unless of course you are mistaken for a local and know the area really well so you can give directions. Continue reading
Learning Spanish with Telenovelas
There is no doubt about it that one of the easiest and most entertaining ways to learn a language is from watching television.
Telenovelas or Culebrones (long snakes) are like soap operas but instead of running on an ongoing basis, they are shown for a definite amount of time, say a year, so that they have a beginning, middle and an end to the storyline. Each episode is known as a “Capítulo”.
By listening to native speakers using everyday language spoken on the streets you will pick up not only a good accent but also useful expressions that you may not find in a dictionary or grammar book.
In this blog post we will give tips on how to learn from a Telenovela and also tell you about the most popular ones to watch. Continue reading
Busuu – one of the best language learning apps
Review of language learning app Busuu
What is Busuu?
Busuu is a popular language learning app that you can access via your smartphone, tablet or computer. This means you can use it wherever you are with an internet connection.
It uses similar methods of learning to Duolingo such as gamification so is highly addictive and fun to use. However the content and style are quite different to Duolingo.
There is a free plan and two paid Premium plans which we will look at in more detail along with a limited time special offer. Continue reading
8 ways to improve speaking in a foreign language
When learning a foreign language most people find the speaking much more difficult than reading and understanding the language. This is perfectly normal mainly because when you speak you are on the spot and you have to produce the language immediately. This is difficult because often the new language cannot be translated word for word from your native language. There are differences in sentence structure and grammar not to mention recalling the actual vocabulary that you need. Here are some tips to help you bring your speaking skills up to speed: Continue reading
Why Learning Spanish is Hard and How to Make it Easier
Learning a new language can be frustrating, especially when you start from scratch; but if you are determined enough to do the hard work, it is totally worth it. Anyone can learn how to pronounce words in Spanish, communicate adequately, and start a conversation with a stranger – all you need is courage to make the first step.
According to a study conducted by the Mimic Method, the most difficult task for most Spanish students is understanding native speakers. In the end, how can that be false? Spanish is the second fastest language (somewhere near 7.82 syllables per second) after Japanese (7.84 syllables per second).
Acquiring new language skills means getting out of your comfort zone. If you are willing to do that, 20% of the work is already accomplished. Determination, perseverance, and openness are key elements in this equation. Now that we’ve cleared things up, let’s get down to business, Damas y Caballeros! Let’s see how we can make Spanish an easier learning process for you.
¡Feliz Día de San Valentín!
Valentine’s Day in Hispanic countries
In Spain, Valentine’s Day (El Día de San Valentín or El Día de Enamorados) is celebrated on 14th February in much the same way as in the UK and America. Restaurants are fully booked, cards, flowers and chocolates are sent. In most of South America it is known as “El Día del Amor y la Amistad” (Love and Friendship Day). This day is not just for lovers but friends also go out for dinner.
Here are some romantic words and expressions related to love and relationships in Spanish: Continue reading
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