Summer 2021 is already shaping up to be as The One in Which We Return to Society: from trial concerts to parties like it’s the end of Prohibition.
However, for some of us, the jump back into the social arena must still hold off a little – either because of where you live, or because you’re still an essential worker drowning under PPE.
So does that mean that your plans to learn a new language need to wait any further?
If you find the right method to learn Spanish, then that won’t be necessary. Online Spanish classes are a viable method, offering various platforms like Italki and Verbling, which provide quality and effective language learning.
In fact, there’s still time for you to become conversational in Spanish before your next vacation starts – and just like we’ve been saying all along, you don’t actually need other people.
Just this little guy watching learn Spanish!
So how do you go about finding a good language-learning method?
What Makes a Method Good for Learning the Spanish Language?
In order to really teach you a language, you need to choose a method that teaches all basic language skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking, along with basic Spanish grammar rules.
Neurolinguistics experts now know more about the way your brain processes words and meanings, or about the best ways to memorize them. Understanding your native language can also aid in learning Spanish by helping you explain grammar rules and facilitating effective language learning through techniques like tandem learning. You can read our longer article about this.
Today, we are going to focus on four methods that:
- Don’t require any other people
- Don’t demand more than an hour or two a day
- Don’t feel like a chore
- Can be progressively expanded on a budget
Define Your Goals
Defining your goals is a crucial step in learning Spanish. It helps you establish a clear roadmap and tailor your learning approach accordingly. Ask yourself why you want to learn Spanish and what level of proficiency you hope to achieve. Are you planning to travel to a Spanish-speaking country, work with Spanish-speaking clients, or simply improve your language skills for personal enrichment? Setting specific, measurable, and achievable goals will help you stay motivated and focused throughout your language learning journey.
Create a Study Plan
Developing a structured study plan is essential to maintain consistency and make progress in your Spanish language learning journey. Dedicate specific time slots each day or week to practice Spanish, and divide your study sessions into different components such as vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Set realistic goals for each study session, and prioritize the most challenging areas. Consider using a planner, calendar, or language learning app to stay organized and track your progress.
#1 – Start a collection of Spanish books
And we don’t mean dusty grammar tomes! In fact, they don’t even have to be physical books – ebooks or the best Spanish audiobooks will work just as well.
Rather than theoretical, boring tomes, you should choose a novel where you can follow the story and still slowly gain the vocabulary, infer any verb forms, rules, or even aspects of Spanish grammar.
For absolute beginners, children’s books work best – and many have beautiful adult-friendly plots as well.
Our personal recommendation? Goig, by Peruvian author Alfredo Bryce Echenique. It’s a short, sweet labour of love about a dog who follows his human across an ocean.
If you already have some background, try re-reading a book you already read in English. The Harry Potter series will take you from a 6th grade level to full adult proficiency in… a few years.
And of course we have Spanish audiobooks on Lingopie. Start your free trial today.
#2 – Choose an app and stick with it for Spanish Grammar
At this point, there is no shortage of apps, free and not, that can help you play your way into basic grammar.
Most of these apps are only require a one-time, small fee, and are designed to provide mini lessons of 5 to 10 minutes each. This makes them ideal for when you are waiting at the bank or spending your morning 10 minutes at the throne. These apps can also help you speak Spanish by providing speaking exercises.
And some of them don’t even bother stalking you with surprisingly manipulative notifications!
#3 – Download the Spanish voice package of your favorite game
Most AAA video games now come with voice packages in at least 6 languages, if not more. As one of the most widely spoken languages around the world, a Spanish version is almost ensures on any hot new release.
Simply remember to click “Spanish” when installing (or re-installing, if you are revisiting an old classic) and get ready to laugh at the awkward voice acting.
The amount of content and vocabulary that you can learn with a videogame will vary depending on the genre. Story-based games usually include more complex dialogues than First Person Shooters, so they may be suited for a replay.
When you are ready to jump onto speaking, you can also try this with an MMO and join a foreign language guild or club to interact with native speakers, enhancing your fluency and cultural understanding.
This technically still counts as “flying solo”!
#4 – Watch Spanish Movies and TV
Watching subtitled TV series and movies in a foreign language can work in a very similar way as reading a Spanish novel: it will suck you into a plot and let you infer the grammar rules that lie beneath.
However, watching TV comes with an extra perk: it will also let you practice your listening comprehension ability – with a dash of natural-sounding accents thrown in. This will help you learn Mexican Spanish and get used to its quirky sounds, or help you use Argentinian slang naturally. Additionally, watching media from different Spanish speaking countries can enhance your cultural understanding, exposing you to the vibrant heritage of these regions through music, dance, food, and traditions.
Practice Speaking and Listening
Practicing speaking and listening is vital to improve your Spanish language skills. Look for opportunities to engage in conversations with native Spanish speakers, either in person or online. You can use language exchange websites, social media, or online language learning platforms to find language partners. Listen to Spanish podcasts, audiobooks, and music to improve your listening comprehension. Watch Spanish movies and TV shows with English subtitles to improve your listening and comprehension skills. Speak as much as possible, even if it’s just a few words a day, to build your confidence and fluency.
Staying Motivated and Tracking Progress
Staying motivated and tracking progress is essential to achieve your Spanish language learning goals. Celebrate your small victories, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Use language learning apps, journals, or spreadsheets to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. Join online language learning communities, forums, or social media groups to connect with fellow language learners and stay motivated. Reward yourself for reaching milestones, and don’t be too hard on yourself when you make mistakes.
Stay Motivated to Learn Spanish
Staying motivated to learn Spanish requires a combination of factors, including a clear goal, a structured study plan, and a supportive community. Find a language learning buddy or accountability partner to stay motivated and engaged. Use positive self-talk and affirmations to boost your confidence and motivation. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remind yourself why you started learning Spanish in the first place. Stay consistent, persistent, and patient, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your Spanish language learning goals.
Ways to Learn Spanish on your Own - Final Thoughts
Sometimes, personality and life circumstances contradict the old adage about “the more the merrier.”
If you would rather undertake your Spanish-learning journey without company, then try out any of the methods to learn Spanish we listed above. Or better yet, try to combine them! Engaging with native speakers can significantly enhance your fluency and cultural understanding.
Why not even throw listening to the best Spanish radio stations into the mix too?
At Lingopie, we can get you started with thousands of hours of subtitled movies and TV series in Spanish. These are all available on demand, online and on our app. What are you waiting to subscribe?
