The new content of the “ Grammar Rules of the Spanish Language’, which is the most important source of reference for Spanish speakers, has been recently approved by the “Comisión Interacadémica de la Asociación de Academias de la Lengua Española”
The new edition of the Spanish Grammar does not change the most important rules, but it does include interesting novelties such as:
-- The letter “y” is called now “ye”. In America they should stop calling the “b”, “b alta (tall b)” and the “v” “b baja (short b)”.
This new edition, which the Editorial Espasa will published this Christmas in all Spanish speaking countries. It is an extensive, well-reasoned, and explicit edition, that will be easy to read and understand by anyone with a high school education.
Some of the changes are:
-- Solo (adverb that means “only”) and the demonstrative pronouns (este, ese, esta, esa)will not have the accent anymore.
-- Words like “ Iraq”, “Qatar”, “Quórum” will be written with “K” or “c”, Irak, Catar and cuórum.
-- The prefix “ex” becomes part of the words: exmarido (ex-husband), “exministro (ex-minister), “exdirector” (ex-director).
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
How many types of Spanish are there?
This is one of the most common questions Spanish learners ask me all the time. The answer requires some research:
Latin American Spanish
This is the dialect of urban mainland Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and the majority of Central and South American countries. While there are differences in how Spanish is spoken amongst people in these countries, Latin American Spanish is usually referred to as thus in order to differentiate between it and the Spanish spoken in Spain.
The difference is similar to English as it is spoken in England vs the U.S.; U.S. English speakers can understand each other with little effort even though someone from the Midwest speaks very differently than a person from the Northeast or a person from the Southeast.
This Spanish was spoken in Spain in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and was brought to the Americas by the early colonists.
Castilian
However, the Spanish of Madrid and of northern Spain, called Castilian, developed characteristics that never reached the New World. These include the pronunciation of "ci" and "ce" as "th." In Madrid, "gracias" (thank you) becomes "gratheas" (as opposed to "gras-see-as" in Latin America.)
Another difference is the use in of the word "vosotros" (you all, or you guys) as the informal form of "ustedes". Vosotros is only used in Spain.
Castilian sounds to Latin Americans much like British English sounds to U.S. residents.
Spanish from the Caribbean
The third major type of Spanish is spoken in the Caribbean, coastal areas of Latin America, and in some cases in southern Spain. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the accent in Seville, Cádiz, and other cities in Andalucia, in Southern Spain, began to change. Speakers began to drop the final "s" on words.
The settlers and traders of southern Spain took this dialect with them to the Caribbean and other coastal areas. Today Caribbean or "Lowland" Spanish is characterized by its relative informality, its rapid pace, and the dropping of "s" sounds, allowing people to talk more quickly.
Spaniards tend to be more language purists and are much more likely to be shocked at a lot of the "Spanglish" ("troque" for "truck", or "lonche" for "lunch") that has been developed in Latin America.
There are significant differences in vocabulary between regional varieties of Spanish, particularly within the domains food products, everyday objects, and clothes, and many Latin American varieties show considerable influence from Native American languages.
The language area where more differences can be found between the Spanish spoken in Spain and the one spoken in Latinamercia is the technical vocabulary.
In Latiamerican Spanish you can find words borrowed from English directly without translation. This does not happen in Spain, where every word has a translation into Spanish.
One clear example is the use of the word "e-mail" in Latinamerica instead of the translation “correo electrónico” which is used in Spain.
Despite the differences already explained, Spanish is only one language spoken by 417 million people in 21 countries. It is no surprise that there are variants based on geographical locations.
Latin American Spanish
This is the dialect of urban mainland Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and the majority of Central and South American countries. While there are differences in how Spanish is spoken amongst people in these countries, Latin American Spanish is usually referred to as thus in order to differentiate between it and the Spanish spoken in Spain.
The difference is similar to English as it is spoken in England vs the U.S.; U.S. English speakers can understand each other with little effort even though someone from the Midwest speaks very differently than a person from the Northeast or a person from the Southeast.
This Spanish was spoken in Spain in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and was brought to the Americas by the early colonists.
Castilian
However, the Spanish of Madrid and of northern Spain, called Castilian, developed characteristics that never reached the New World. These include the pronunciation of "ci" and "ce" as "th." In Madrid, "gracias" (thank you) becomes "gratheas" (as opposed to "gras-see-as" in Latin America.)
Another difference is the use in of the word "vosotros" (you all, or you guys) as the informal form of "ustedes". Vosotros is only used in Spain.
Castilian sounds to Latin Americans much like British English sounds to U.S. residents.
Spanish from the Caribbean
The third major type of Spanish is spoken in the Caribbean, coastal areas of Latin America, and in some cases in southern Spain. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the accent in Seville, Cádiz, and other cities in Andalucia, in Southern Spain, began to change. Speakers began to drop the final "s" on words.
The settlers and traders of southern Spain took this dialect with them to the Caribbean and other coastal areas. Today Caribbean or "Lowland" Spanish is characterized by its relative informality, its rapid pace, and the dropping of "s" sounds, allowing people to talk more quickly.
Spaniards tend to be more language purists and are much more likely to be shocked at a lot of the "Spanglish" ("troque" for "truck", or "lonche" for "lunch") that has been developed in Latin America.
There are significant differences in vocabulary between regional varieties of Spanish, particularly within the domains food products, everyday objects, and clothes, and many Latin American varieties show considerable influence from Native American languages.
The language area where more differences can be found between the Spanish spoken in Spain and the one spoken in Latinamercia is the technical vocabulary.
In Latiamerican Spanish you can find words borrowed from English directly without translation. This does not happen in Spain, where every word has a translation into Spanish.
One clear example is the use of the word "e-mail" in Latinamerica instead of the translation “correo electrónico” which is used in Spain.
Despite the differences already explained, Spanish is only one language spoken by 417 million people in 21 countries. It is no surprise that there are variants based on geographical locations.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Spanish, in numbers
According to the report: "Spanish: alive language" ('El español: una lengua viva') that has been published today, Spanish, is the official language in 21 countries and is spoken by more than 450 million people. It is the second mother tongue language in the world based on amount of speakers, the second language used in international communications and third in the Internet.
- In 2030, 7,5% of world will speak Spanish.
- In 2050 the U.S. will be the first Spanish speaking country in the world.
- 14 million students are learning Spanish as a second language.
- Outside Spain, more than 30 million european citizens speak Spanish.
- Spanish in one of the five official languages most frequently used within international institutions.
- Being able to speak Spanish increases 290% bilateral transactions among Spanish speaking countries.
- In 2030, 7,5% of world will speak Spanish.
- In 2050 the U.S. will be the first Spanish speaking country in the world.
- 14 million students are learning Spanish as a second language.
- Outside Spain, more than 30 million european citizens speak Spanish.
- Spanish in one of the five official languages most frequently used within international institutions.
- Being able to speak Spanish increases 290% bilateral transactions among Spanish speaking countries.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Hispanic-Owned Businesses Growing in the US
According to a new report released by the Census Bureau, Hispanic-owned businesses now comprise one of the fastest-growing segments the U.S. economy. Between 1997 and 2002, the number of businesses owned by Hispanics grew by 31 percent, reaching 1.6 million in 2002 and generating more thab $200 billion in revenue.
These numbers demonstrate the fact that Hispanics don't only come to the US to take jobs. They also create them. The majority of these businesses are small, self-employed operations. There are also sizable numbers of Hispanic-owned firms in the fields of health care, retail trade and transportation, according to Census figures.
Many of these businesses are growing in unexpected places. While most are still in California, Texas, Florida and New York, the states where Hispanic-owned firms are growing at the fastest rate, after New York, are Rhode Island and Georgia, followed by Nevada and South Carolina.
Latinos are also responding to globalization. It transforms not only their communities in the US but also redefines their relationships with their countries of origin.
For more insightful research about the Hispanic community on topics such as economics, health and education visit the Thomas Rivera Institue at: http://www.trpi.org/update/research.html
These numbers demonstrate the fact that Hispanics don't only come to the US to take jobs. They also create them. The majority of these businesses are small, self-employed operations. There are also sizable numbers of Hispanic-owned firms in the fields of health care, retail trade and transportation, according to Census figures.
Many of these businesses are growing in unexpected places. While most are still in California, Texas, Florida and New York, the states where Hispanic-owned firms are growing at the fastest rate, after New York, are Rhode Island and Georgia, followed by Nevada and South Carolina.
Latinos are also responding to globalization. It transforms not only their communities in the US but also redefines their relationships with their countries of origin.
For more insightful research about the Hispanic community on topics such as economics, health and education visit the Thomas Rivera Institue at: http://www.trpi.org/update/research.html
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Why learn Spanish?
With the number of Spanish speakers growing every year, businesses and individuals should consider adding Spanish to their range of skills. Latino population in Florida represents 21% and it is stimated to grow steadily.
Here are some interesting facts:
1. Approximately 500 million people speak Spanish in the world.
2. Spanish is the first language spoken by approximately 350 million people in 21 countries.
3. Spanish is the second language used as international vehicle of communication. It is widely used in business transactions, which can get you ahead of the game when doing business with Spanish speaking countries.
4.According to www.census.gov, 41.3 million is the estimated Hispanic population in the US, which constitutes the largest minority group in the country. By 2050, they project this number to be 102.6 million, which will then represent 24% of the total US population.
5. Latinamerican countries are experiencing an important economic growth and they are becoming key business partners.
Here are some interesting facts:
1. Approximately 500 million people speak Spanish in the world.
2. Spanish is the first language spoken by approximately 350 million people in 21 countries.
3. Spanish is the second language used as international vehicle of communication. It is widely used in business transactions, which can get you ahead of the game when doing business with Spanish speaking countries.
4.According to www.census.gov, 41.3 million is the estimated Hispanic population in the US, which constitutes the largest minority group in the country. By 2050, they project this number to be 102.6 million, which will then represent 24% of the total US population.
5. Latinamerican countries are experiencing an important economic growth and they are becoming key business partners.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Snapshot of the Latino Culture
The Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies (AHAA) published the result of an extensive project assessing more than 40 years of academic research identifying the unique character of US Hispanics.
What makes a Latino, Latino? Until now, the Spanish language has been the single definer of Latino Identity and Culture. The results of AHAAs Latino Identity Project, however, indicate that neither language nor acculturation is the true marker of Latino Identity.
The Project identifies FOUR “CHAMBERS” OF LATINO IDENTITY:
1.INTERPERSONAL ORIENTATION
The way we relate to other people. It drives the way Latinos accept and give authority, dependent relationships, communication style and the relaxed sense of privacy. Latinos understand family as a unit and usually make decisions as a group.
2.TIME AND SPACE PERCEPTION
Latinos tend to have longer time horizons and are more past and present oriented. They balance many tasks at one time and consider time commitments as more goals than real commitments. Changing plans often and easily is expected among Latinos. They interact frequently and are more involved with each other caring more about close friends and relatives than privacy. And, Latinos casually touch each other with ease.
3.SPIRITUALITY
Religion and spirituality influence nearly every aspect of US Latino life and affects how Latinos view the world. Their spirituality is influenced by a blend of Catholicism, indigenous religions, relationship with nature and rituals and celebrations.
4.GENDER PERCEPTION
While traditional gender roles may be shifting there is a sense of alignment with the one gender or the other and the "responsibilities" associated with that role within the family and the community.
“Machismo”, a sense of honor, and expected respect, protection of the family and feeling obligated to provide coexists with the idea of “Marianismo” which reflects the suffering of the Virgin Mary, self-sacrifice, sacred duty, martyrdom, and moral superiority.
It is the interconnectedness of all four chambers and the influence of contextual factors such as immigration stress, education, discrimination, ethnic pride and socioeconomic level on those chambers that is really shaping Latino identity today and influences the way marketers must “speak” to Latino consumers.
What makes a Latino, Latino? Until now, the Spanish language has been the single definer of Latino Identity and Culture. The results of AHAAs Latino Identity Project, however, indicate that neither language nor acculturation is the true marker of Latino Identity.
The Project identifies FOUR “CHAMBERS” OF LATINO IDENTITY:
1.INTERPERSONAL ORIENTATION
The way we relate to other people. It drives the way Latinos accept and give authority, dependent relationships, communication style and the relaxed sense of privacy. Latinos understand family as a unit and usually make decisions as a group.
2.TIME AND SPACE PERCEPTION
Latinos tend to have longer time horizons and are more past and present oriented. They balance many tasks at one time and consider time commitments as more goals than real commitments. Changing plans often and easily is expected among Latinos. They interact frequently and are more involved with each other caring more about close friends and relatives than privacy. And, Latinos casually touch each other with ease.
3.SPIRITUALITY
Religion and spirituality influence nearly every aspect of US Latino life and affects how Latinos view the world. Their spirituality is influenced by a blend of Catholicism, indigenous religions, relationship with nature and rituals and celebrations.
4.GENDER PERCEPTION
While traditional gender roles may be shifting there is a sense of alignment with the one gender or the other and the "responsibilities" associated with that role within the family and the community.
“Machismo”, a sense of honor, and expected respect, protection of the family and feeling obligated to provide coexists with the idea of “Marianismo” which reflects the suffering of the Virgin Mary, self-sacrifice, sacred duty, martyrdom, and moral superiority.
It is the interconnectedness of all four chambers and the influence of contextual factors such as immigration stress, education, discrimination, ethnic pride and socioeconomic level on those chambers that is really shaping Latino identity today and influences the way marketers must “speak” to Latino consumers.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Being Bilingual Boosts Brain Power
A recent study done by the College University in London and published in Nature magazine has proven that learning a second language helps develop the part of the brain in charge of verbal fluency.
Bilingual people have more gray matter in a specific part of the brain and their brains have gone through structural changes due to the experience of learning a second language. This could help us understand why learning a new language is easier for bilingual people than for monolingual people.
Those who are bilingual have an advantage over the rest of us, and not just in terms of communication skills. The bilingual brain develops more densely, giving it an advantage in various abilities and skills.
The research found that the extent of the changes in the brain is inversely proportional to the age at which a second language is learned. For example: if a child learns a second language before the age of 5, the changes in the brain are greater than the ones experienced in a 10 year old child.
So it seems, that we should add bilingualism to the list of great things parents would want for their children.
Bilingual Brains Do Better
The brain has two types of tissue visible to the naked eye, named gray and white matter. Gray matter makes up the bulk of nerve cells within the brain. Studies have shown an association with gray matter density (or volume and intellect), especially in areas of language, memory, and attention.Brain imaging showed that bilingual speakers had denser gray matter compared with monolingual participants.
The difference was especially significant in the brain’s left side — an area known to control language and communication skills. The right hemisphere of bilingual speakers also showed a similar trend.
Of course, while it might seem easier to pick up a second language as a child, it’s still possible to do so as an adult. In his book: "Saving your brain", Dr. Jeff Victoroff, a neurologist graduated from Harvard, has described the benefits of learning a new language for adults. He describes the journey as an amazing exercise for the brain, since it helps preserve mental health as we age, reducing the risk of suffering mental illnesses such as Alzheimer.
“Our findings suggest that the structure of the human brain is altered by the experience of acquiring a second language,” write the researchers of the journal Nature.
Bilingual people have more gray matter in a specific part of the brain and their brains have gone through structural changes due to the experience of learning a second language. This could help us understand why learning a new language is easier for bilingual people than for monolingual people.
Those who are bilingual have an advantage over the rest of us, and not just in terms of communication skills. The bilingual brain develops more densely, giving it an advantage in various abilities and skills.
The research found that the extent of the changes in the brain is inversely proportional to the age at which a second language is learned. For example: if a child learns a second language before the age of 5, the changes in the brain are greater than the ones experienced in a 10 year old child.
So it seems, that we should add bilingualism to the list of great things parents would want for their children.
Bilingual Brains Do Better
The brain has two types of tissue visible to the naked eye, named gray and white matter. Gray matter makes up the bulk of nerve cells within the brain. Studies have shown an association with gray matter density (or volume and intellect), especially in areas of language, memory, and attention.Brain imaging showed that bilingual speakers had denser gray matter compared with monolingual participants.
The difference was especially significant in the brain’s left side — an area known to control language and communication skills. The right hemisphere of bilingual speakers also showed a similar trend.
Of course, while it might seem easier to pick up a second language as a child, it’s still possible to do so as an adult. In his book: "Saving your brain", Dr. Jeff Victoroff, a neurologist graduated from Harvard, has described the benefits of learning a new language for adults. He describes the journey as an amazing exercise for the brain, since it helps preserve mental health as we age, reducing the risk of suffering mental illnesses such as Alzheimer.
“Our findings suggest that the structure of the human brain is altered by the experience of acquiring a second language,” write the researchers of the journal Nature.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
How your business will benefit from going bilingual
Because of the increasing cultural diversity in America today, learning Spanish will give you the edge to successfully reach the Hispanic Market.
Currently 11.5 % of the US population speak Spanish at home. By 2050 the number of Spanish speakers is expected to increase to 530 million with the Spanish speaking population of the US alone currently increasing at more than 1 million per year.
American businesses now have a major stake in reaching this major market segment, as well as its countries of origin, notably, Latin America.
Companies should realize the importance or reaching this fast growing Hispanic market. If your business has bilingual employees, the Spanish speaking community won't hesitate to do business with you. You will be able to service their needs without making them feel out of place.
In the private sector, Spanish speakers in an organization have a distinct competitive advantage in the work place. Our Hispanic population continues to grow with no intention to abandon their beloved language. A need for Spanish speakers in the private workplace is a fact.
In the public sector (government and education, for example), Spanish-speaking employees are especially valued. Spanish speakers who handle customer service with a large Hispanic client population can be the difference between a good first impression of the organization and a negative experience.
It is very important to realize that learning Spanish is not memorizing a few questions and answers you use all the time. This would only help you get by in a short telephone conversation. Then, what do you if the customer on the other end of the line has a problem or needs information about your company or products? What do you do then? Some food for thought.
If learning a few phrases is your goal, you can use Rosetta Stone or similar software products in the market to achieve this objective. These products will give you a foundation of fundamental vocabulary, but will not teach you to communicate effectively at a professional level.
Learning a second language is a more complex process that should not be simplified or underestimated.It means being able to communicate effectively, ask and provide information, sell products, services, solve problems and most important, building relationships with customers.
Being from Spain and after many years or experience as a Spanish trainer, I can assure that language and culture go together. There is not one single variety of Spanish. There are major differences between the Spanish of Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and Southern South America, not to mention such places as Puerto Rico, and, of course, the motherland, Spain. Getting to know the Hispanic culture as well as the language will guarantee your business success in reaching the fast growing Hispanic market.
Having employees learn Spanish can be a great benefit to your business, especially if you are located in some parts of the country, such as Southern Florida, Southern California and parts of New York City, where Spanish is no less dominant a language than English.
Learning Spanish will get your business ahead of the game in this global economy. If you own a business, consider going bilingual and you won't be sorry you did.
Currently 11.5 % of the US population speak Spanish at home. By 2050 the number of Spanish speakers is expected to increase to 530 million with the Spanish speaking population of the US alone currently increasing at more than 1 million per year.
American businesses now have a major stake in reaching this major market segment, as well as its countries of origin, notably, Latin America.
Companies should realize the importance or reaching this fast growing Hispanic market. If your business has bilingual employees, the Spanish speaking community won't hesitate to do business with you. You will be able to service their needs without making them feel out of place.
In the private sector, Spanish speakers in an organization have a distinct competitive advantage in the work place. Our Hispanic population continues to grow with no intention to abandon their beloved language. A need for Spanish speakers in the private workplace is a fact.
In the public sector (government and education, for example), Spanish-speaking employees are especially valued. Spanish speakers who handle customer service with a large Hispanic client population can be the difference between a good first impression of the organization and a negative experience.
It is very important to realize that learning Spanish is not memorizing a few questions and answers you use all the time. This would only help you get by in a short telephone conversation. Then, what do you if the customer on the other end of the line has a problem or needs information about your company or products? What do you do then? Some food for thought.
If learning a few phrases is your goal, you can use Rosetta Stone or similar software products in the market to achieve this objective. These products will give you a foundation of fundamental vocabulary, but will not teach you to communicate effectively at a professional level.
Learning a second language is a more complex process that should not be simplified or underestimated.It means being able to communicate effectively, ask and provide information, sell products, services, solve problems and most important, building relationships with customers.
Being from Spain and after many years or experience as a Spanish trainer, I can assure that language and culture go together. There is not one single variety of Spanish. There are major differences between the Spanish of Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and Southern South America, not to mention such places as Puerto Rico, and, of course, the motherland, Spain. Getting to know the Hispanic culture as well as the language will guarantee your business success in reaching the fast growing Hispanic market.
Having employees learn Spanish can be a great benefit to your business, especially if you are located in some parts of the country, such as Southern Florida, Southern California and parts of New York City, where Spanish is no less dominant a language than English.
Learning Spanish will get your business ahead of the game in this global economy. If you own a business, consider going bilingual and you won't be sorry you did.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
What is the best way to learn Spanish?
There are different approaches to learning Spanish. It all depends on your personal preferences, time and budget.
Whatever approach you choose, you will need some kind of training. It could be a teacher, either in a group or private class or you could also follow an organized program using books and/or software.
The most effective and fast way to learn Spanish or any other language is, without a doubt, inmersion, which is travelling to a country where your target language is spoken and spend a few months “living the language and the culture”. However, before you jump into this experience, I recommend getting some previous training.
Let’s analyze different methods:
1.INMERSION
As I mentioned, it is the most effective method. Living in a Spanish speaking country you will be force to communicate in Spanish 24 hours a day. Learning Spanish is mostly situational so if you manage to communicate only in Spanish in everyday situation, you will be on the right track to master the language.
The inmersion approach requires having an open mind, positive attitude and a friendly personality to open up to a new culture and be able to make friends with the native people.
If you have the right personality and the time to take some time off, I recommend taking a look at: www.ef.com if you wish to go to Spain, Ecuador or Costa Rica.
2.PRIVATE TUTOR
Using a private Spanish tutor has many advantages over independent learning or learning through a group class. In my opinion, once you find the right tutor, this is a fast and effective way to learn a language.
If you decide to look for a private tutor, do research first about the tutor’s background and experience and make sure that the dynamics of the class respond to your expectations. Don’t make the mistake of making your decision based on price. A very low hourly rate usually means poor teaching quality.
BENEFITS OF HIRING A PRIVATE TUTOR:
--Private tutors offer one on one teaching which means that the lessons are 100% customized for the student communication needs. In a group class, you will be just one of many and usually won’t have a chance to ask all the questions you may have.
--Learning with a private tutor often means a faster leaning process since the lessons can be more intensive and follow your learning speed.
--Some students find learning easier with a private tutor. This includes learners who don’t like to speak up in front of a class or who struggle with certain aspects of the language, such as grammar or pronunciation, which may not be explained in detail in a class or when learning on your own.
3.CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT
This maybe the right method for people who need to be surrounded by other students in order to keep motivated and do not have the budget for private lessons.
Group classes are less expensive but also less personalized. Learning Spanish in a class environment will be a longer process since the teacher has to divide his attention among many students, who very often don’t have the exact language knowledge and skills.
4.HOME STUDY PROGRAM (computer software, multimedia)
This is a good method for self learners and self motivated people who don’t mind spending much time in front of a computer. It is also the best complement for a private or group Spanish program.
However, a computer will not answer your questions, give you extra examples or have a real conversation with you. In my opinion, a software or multimedia program will help you build a nice vocabulary foundation, but will not teach you how to communicate effectively in Spanish.
If you would like to try this method I would recommend taking a look at: http://www.rocketlanguages.com/spanish/premium/
5.PHONE/INTERNET CLASSES
They are perfect for people with limited time and availability. Phone and Internet class can be held at any time and any location. The only requirement is having a phone line or a computer with Internet connection. In my opinion, these classes are more effective if you have already a basic or intermediate conversational level since the tools used in this method are limited to voice (phone) and writing (Internet).
Regardless of the method you choose to learn Spanish, remember that consistency is the key to learning a language successfully. Do not get discourage during the first months, since they are the key to build a strong foundation to understand how the language works. Also, the more exposed you are to the language, the faster the learning process will be. So, practice, practice, practice!
Whatever approach you choose, you will need some kind of training. It could be a teacher, either in a group or private class or you could also follow an organized program using books and/or software.
The most effective and fast way to learn Spanish or any other language is, without a doubt, inmersion, which is travelling to a country where your target language is spoken and spend a few months “living the language and the culture”. However, before you jump into this experience, I recommend getting some previous training.
Let’s analyze different methods:
1.INMERSION
As I mentioned, it is the most effective method. Living in a Spanish speaking country you will be force to communicate in Spanish 24 hours a day. Learning Spanish is mostly situational so if you manage to communicate only in Spanish in everyday situation, you will be on the right track to master the language.
The inmersion approach requires having an open mind, positive attitude and a friendly personality to open up to a new culture and be able to make friends with the native people.
If you have the right personality and the time to take some time off, I recommend taking a look at: www.ef.com if you wish to go to Spain, Ecuador or Costa Rica.
2.PRIVATE TUTOR
Using a private Spanish tutor has many advantages over independent learning or learning through a group class. In my opinion, once you find the right tutor, this is a fast and effective way to learn a language.
If you decide to look for a private tutor, do research first about the tutor’s background and experience and make sure that the dynamics of the class respond to your expectations. Don’t make the mistake of making your decision based on price. A very low hourly rate usually means poor teaching quality.
BENEFITS OF HIRING A PRIVATE TUTOR:
--Private tutors offer one on one teaching which means that the lessons are 100% customized for the student communication needs. In a group class, you will be just one of many and usually won’t have a chance to ask all the questions you may have.
--Learning with a private tutor often means a faster leaning process since the lessons can be more intensive and follow your learning speed.
--Some students find learning easier with a private tutor. This includes learners who don’t like to speak up in front of a class or who struggle with certain aspects of the language, such as grammar or pronunciation, which may not be explained in detail in a class or when learning on your own.
3.CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT
This maybe the right method for people who need to be surrounded by other students in order to keep motivated and do not have the budget for private lessons.
Group classes are less expensive but also less personalized. Learning Spanish in a class environment will be a longer process since the teacher has to divide his attention among many students, who very often don’t have the exact language knowledge and skills.
4.HOME STUDY PROGRAM (computer software, multimedia)
This is a good method for self learners and self motivated people who don’t mind spending much time in front of a computer. It is also the best complement for a private or group Spanish program.
However, a computer will not answer your questions, give you extra examples or have a real conversation with you. In my opinion, a software or multimedia program will help you build a nice vocabulary foundation, but will not teach you how to communicate effectively in Spanish.
If you would like to try this method I would recommend taking a look at: http://www.rocketlanguages.com/spanish/premium/
5.PHONE/INTERNET CLASSES
They are perfect for people with limited time and availability. Phone and Internet class can be held at any time and any location. The only requirement is having a phone line or a computer with Internet connection. In my opinion, these classes are more effective if you have already a basic or intermediate conversational level since the tools used in this method are limited to voice (phone) and writing (Internet).
Regardless of the method you choose to learn Spanish, remember that consistency is the key to learning a language successfully. Do not get discourage during the first months, since they are the key to build a strong foundation to understand how the language works. Also, the more exposed you are to the language, the faster the learning process will be. So, practice, practice, practice!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
How long does it take to learn Spanish?
After being a Spanish teacher for over ten years this is always the #1 concern from most potential students and it is still the hardest question to answer.
We are used to hearing promises like: “Learn Spanish in 10 days”, “Learn Spanish quickly and for free”, “You will learn Spanish fast or we will give your money back”, or as the most advertised software program claims: “The fastest way to learn a language guaranteed” (I will not omit the name, since most people know I’m talking about Rosetta Stone).
Risking the possibility of discouraging a few potential learners, I must say that learning Spanish as a second language is not an easy task, but can be achieved by anyone who has interest, motivation and is willing to put some time and effort.
Before I answer the question, you need to define your expectations. You need to ask yourself the following questions:
Do I want to achieve a basic conversational level to be able to communicate when travelling to Spanish speaking countries? Do I want to communicate more effectively with my customers and offer a value added to my business which could increase my sales? Do I want to be able to negotiate, make presentations and develop business relationships with my Spanish speaking customers and potential clients?
The higher your expectations, the longer the process of learning the language will be ranging from months to years. Being able to communicate in Spanish will not happen in days, but with some training and effort it can happen in months if you are serious about it. I usually compare learning a language with the process of learning to play an instrument. No one will expect to play well the guitar in 10 days. Same applies to learning any language.
Far from discouraging the reader to learn Spanish I want to share a realistic point of view, based on years of experience, so you know where to stand. If you are deciding whether or not to start learning Spanish, one of the first things you can do is ask friends or people you know that have learned or are learning Spanish about their experiences. Or simply, google: ‘How long does it take to learn Spanish?“ and you will find testimonials from real people and their experiences.
Once you decide to pursue this goal you need to follow some useful steps:
Step 1. Have a positive attitude.
Step 2. Invest some time and effort in the process.
Get involved in a class or find a private tutor. Study Spanish grammar, do exercises, read books, magazines, listen to your favorite radio station in Spanish. Anything counts. ..
Step 3: Practice, practice, practice! The more you are exposed to the language the faster you will learn and the more confidence you will gain.
I learned English as a second language myself and started when I was 6. I still believe that learning a language is an amazing and challenging journey that enables you not only to communicate in different languages but also to gain access to new cultures and new markets.
We are used to hearing promises like: “Learn Spanish in 10 days”, “Learn Spanish quickly and for free”, “You will learn Spanish fast or we will give your money back”, or as the most advertised software program claims: “The fastest way to learn a language guaranteed” (I will not omit the name, since most people know I’m talking about Rosetta Stone).
Risking the possibility of discouraging a few potential learners, I must say that learning Spanish as a second language is not an easy task, but can be achieved by anyone who has interest, motivation and is willing to put some time and effort.
Before I answer the question, you need to define your expectations. You need to ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I want to learn some Spanish because I would like to communicate with my family and friends?
Far from discouraging the reader to learn Spanish I want to share a realistic point of view, based on years of experience, so you know where to stand. If you are deciding whether or not to start learning Spanish, one of the first things you can do is ask friends or people you know that have learned or are learning Spanish about their experiences. Or simply, google: ‘How long does it take to learn Spanish?“ and you will find testimonials from real people and their experiences.
Once you decide to pursue this goal you need to follow some useful steps:
Step 1. Have a positive attitude.
Step 2. Invest some time and effort in the process.
Get involved in a class or find a private tutor. Study Spanish grammar, do exercises, read books, magazines, listen to your favorite radio station in Spanish. Anything counts. ..
Step 3: Practice, practice, practice! The more you are exposed to the language the faster you will learn and the more confidence you will gain.
I learned English as a second language myself and started when I was 6. I still believe that learning a language is an amazing and challenging journey that enables you not only to communicate in different languages but also to gain access to new cultures and new markets.
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