So you want to learn español, but don't know where to start?
For starters, listen to this guy's story of becoming fluent. He started as a deputy sheriff in a rural part of Florida, and taught himself. You can do it too!
Listen to his story here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBuq-QFT3_8
Here are some suggestions if I were starting over:
- Realize upfront that learning a new language can be a daunting task. Complex problems are often best broken up into smaller problems and addressed one small chunk at a time. Sometimes the hardest step is the first step.
- Decide first which dialect you want to focus on either (1) Peninsular (Span) spanish or (2) Latin American (eg. Mexico) spanish, which is probably what you're wanting. It's still the same language, but with distinct differences in vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. There are others, eg. Argentina. This needs to be considered when choosing an online course, or youtube channel. It will greatly help you avoid confusion.
- Plan on setting aside a dedicated time of the day, maybe 2 per day at first. This is your study/practice time. Don't let anything else (other than reading your Bible) distract you during these times. Have a plan and stick to it
- First: Learn or review the basics of English grammar: nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, pronouns, participles etc. Knowing parts of grammar in your native language will help you learn a new language. You don't need to be a grammar expert, but simply understand that grammar is the mechanics of ANY language.
- Spanish uses verb conjugations to differentiate actions in different timeframes, eg. Past, present, future. There are clear patterns to how this is done, primarily with the endings of the verbs. Learn the patterns, rather than memorize all the variations.
- The first few weeks can feel overwhelming and some will throw their hands up and quit. Making a plan and then making consistent small steps is the key. Making progress will encourage you to continue.
- Every so often, take a step back and review where you are at, and where you want to be. Make notes, keep a journal of your progress.
- Start YOUR own word list - in the categories of interest to YOU.
- Several days per week along the way, practice the "rewind game". Think about the things you have done and figure out how to express those same things in Spanish.
- Vocabulary - Think of and write down the categories of words that are the most interesting and useful for you (eg. food, nature, directions, buildings, tools), and avoid things you might never use, eg. medical, legal vocabulary etc.
- One of the key tasks is how to express the same words but in different ways Eg. I do something, I did something, I used to do something, I'm going to do something, I would do something, I hope to do something, I doubt I did something...
- Once you have a vocabulary of say 500 words or more, can express actions in the past, present and future and understand the subjunctive, you're ready to start listening a little to old movies, or podcasts.
- Learning to speak will come long before developing an "ear for the language". Native speakers (Spanish and English) often blur words together, or don't use correct grammar. In short - there is written spanish, and there is spoken spanish.
- There are word combinations, known as idioms (in English: figures of speech). You will come to these later in your learning. These words used together don't translate directly into English, but the same thing exists in English, eg. ït's raining cats and dogs", which makes no sense to a Mexican that is learning English
- AI tools have come a long way. One of the key tasks you need to do at some point is START SPEAKING AND UNDERSTAND WHAT IS BEING SAID. For this, AI tools like Chat GPT can go a long ways toward helping with that.
- Think of your schedule. Do you have 30min to an hour per day? Set your study time and clear off other distractions.
Work at your own pace. Try to complete one video lesson per day, and review what was mentioned. Don't worry if you don't understand everything yet. Make short notes in your journal, on what you have learned - interesting words, grammar patterns etc.
Week 2-11
Find a good used book on Spanish, especially "Mexican" Spanish if you can find it, as there are numerous words used only in Spain, and have completely different meanings in Mexico or are simply not used. Commit to learning the basics of Spanish grammar. Start with a good book, eg. Spanish Essentials for Dummies" and try to commit to reading and reviewing 1 chapter per week. It has 9 chapters. Don't worry if you don't understand everything. Just get going.
If you get stuck on something, ask copilot, http://www.copilot.com to explain
Week 12,13
Now start to think of scenarios from in your own life. For example: asking for directions, explaining to a friend what you did last week and what you're going to do next week, describing something, expressing your opinion on something and telling your friend to do something. Then try to use one of the many tools to translate those phrases in to Spanish, and study the words. What do they mean and why are words conjugated that way?
At this point, you should be able to string together basic conversation, ask questions etc. What might be difficult is understanding native speakers who (like English speakers) will slur their words together, or simply not pronounce things like they seem in the books. Welcome to the difference between written and spoken spanish. Find some old westerns that are all in spanish, listen and start to "shadow" the speakers. Stop the video and try to pronounce the phrase the way the speaker does. Learn to "step back" a little and listen to the conversation instead of trying to translate each word that is spoken.
From here, rinse and repeat steps from Week 12 and 14. Think of things you want to say, but write them down in Spanish. Have conversations with a native speaker. Don't worry about messing up, because you will.
Resources:
Spanish Dictionary ==> https://www.spanishdict.com/
This website is essential tool for word references. Has tons of explanations, as well as lessons, practice lessons etc. Note: the free version has advertising.
They have a very handy iPhone app here:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/spanishdictionary-com-learning/id332510494
(Structured course) Tell me in Spanish ==> https://www.tellmeinspanish.com/
Spanish Essentials for Dummies - free book)
https://archive.org/details/spanish-for-dummies/page/n7/mode/2up
Spanish Grammar book (free)
https://archive.org/details/BiRedBookOfSpanishGrammar
Wordreference.com - has a very good conjugation set and examples of usage for that word in question.
Cliff Notes, Spanish I
https://a.co/d/85TQtXQ
Cliff Notes, Spanish II
https://a.co/d/aJqxZgo
New reference grammar
https://a.co/d/30mZnWe
Qroo Paul has a very good playlist setup for beginners:
CERO to Conversational
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ozf-mSpMFk&list=PLlo8JO-R9k-IWYIX4FSzMRSxgo6yaqG-4
Anki - intelligent flashcards that use the "spaced repetition" method to make more efficient use of your time, showing the cards you mark as "easy" less often compared to the words you mark as "hard". Free desktop download. Use the desktop app to create/manage decks, and the website to study with via your phone. The desktop app lets you "sync" with the website, to update content.
https://apps.ankiweb.net/
Tip: you can generate a list of card decks like this:
- Decide on the categories of cards you want to study, eg. Work, Travel, Tools, Nature, Tech, History etc.
- Use your word list that you have been collecting, ask Chat GPT to generate a list of sample spanish sentences and the english translation, in a format you can copy to a spreadsheet. Use a format that, for example has 4 columns, eg. Spanish, English, MX Example, English Example.
- Save the spreadsheet as csv.
- Create a new deck in Anki (desktop).
- Format the deck so that it will display the Spanish word and MX Example on the front, and the English and English example on the "back".
- Rinse and repeat for other groups of words.
- This tool is really great for those times when you have 10-15 min to spare, eg. waiting on a train.
AI Tools such as Chat GPT, Copilot (free) or others. The key is asking clear, well formatted questions.
Here are some sample prompts for using Chat GPT or similar to help your spanish:
(1) Explain the difference between elegir and escoger.
(2) Give 3 examples of using the verb llegar in the imperfect subjunctive and why that sentence triggered that verb form.
(3) Translate this section of a podcast into english, and explain the grammar being used. (after first copying the transcript from a spanish youtube video)
(4) Tell me a short story in spanish, at a B1 language level, in 1000 words on less. After every 3 sentences, give the english translation.
(5) Generate a sample quiz in spanish at the intermediate, B1 level to test my comprehension.
AI Voice Mode! Use Chat GPT as your electronic version of a native speaker!
I refer to GPT in voice mode as my "electronic mexican" :)
One of the biggest challenges in language learning, is having practice conversations. Native speakers are not always available, and scheduling lessons are expensive. Most of the newer AI tools have a "voice mode" that is surprisingly accurate.
First:
- Think of several categories of short conversations you would have with someone. Write out the dialog, then translate into spanish.
- Then use "voice mode" in Chat GPT to attempt this dialog, asking GPT to correct you in english.
Spanish media content
- Old westerns in Spanish - youtube Grjngo - Películas Del Oeste
- Music (with captions), Antonio Aguilar - youtube Antonio Aguilar - Letra Oficial
- Travel vlog, rural Mexico, beautiful scenery and videography. La Finca de Mi Tierra
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