Doing Spanish lessons fast is not the way to go unless your only goal is to complete a series of lessons in that time frame. Which, by the way, is a bad goal. Learning a language quickly can be detrimental to your comprehension and production of the language. Usually the primary goal of learning a language is being able to use the language in a real-world setting. With that goal in mind, the more time spent on learning, the better.
By not taking Spanish lessons fast, you will be getting the most out of your investment. To compare, let’s think of this in terms of athletics. Let’s take the game of tennis. If you aren’t familiar with tennis, choose a sport that you really enjoy and which you are well versed. You have never played tennis yet you just watched Wimbledon, and you are itching to get out on the court. What do you have to do? You buy equipment.
Now that you have your racket and can of tennis balls, are you ready? Not unless you are going to make up the rules as you go. You will need to get a coach or join a class where you learn the rules. Now that you have the background information about the sport, the hard work comes into play. You must practice, practice, practice. Realistically speaking, it would be difficult to just know background information and then immediately be able to hit and place a tennis ball strategically.
The same goes for Spanish lessons. Your “equipment” is the class, teacher, books, flashcards or software you decide would benefit you the most. Your “rules” are essentially how the language works – the grammar and the workings behind the vocabulary. Now that you have all your tools, you must USE that language in a natural atmosphere, like practicing tennis on a tennis court.
How do you go about practicing Spanish?
• Go to a local Hispanic market, put yourself out there and speak in Spanish.
• Find a class that teaches in an immersion atmosphere.
• Locate a co-worker or family member that speaks Spanish fluently.
• Talk to yourself, or to your pet.
• Volunteer for a Hispanic-based organization or do a Spanish story time at your local library.
Spanish is one of the most-used languages in the United States, so it is more than likely you will be able to find any of the above suggestions in your own community. Get out and be involved!
What are your thoughts? Are Spanish lessons fast the way to go?
Check out these other articles about Spanish Lessons.
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