Over the years, people have attempted to learn Spanish and other languages through a number of different means. Typically in the schools, Spanish was taught with a book of grammar, and various lessons were given that involved learning vocabulary, sentence structure, conjugation, etc. These are certainly important things to know when learning a language, but it tends to be very dry for the average young student

We know that when the main method of learning is watching and reading, only a tiny percentage of what is taught is actually retained. Think of how many people in the US have had Spanish as a foreign language in school and as an adult can speak it fluently! Certainly a very small number.

To learn Spanish or any other foreign language well, we must have more of our senses and our awareness involved. When we here the language being spoken while we read it, much more of our brain is involved and learning becomes easier, and we have a higher degree of retention.

When we read a passage out loud, now we are reading, hearing, and saying it. A far higher number of brain processes are involved and this is what we need in order to really learn the language well. And of course, repetition is important. The more we do it, the easier it becomes to do! “Practice makes perfect” certainly applies here!

The goal of any good language learning system should be to engage the learner through sight, sound, and speaking. The learner should be able to hear the language being used and should immediately be given the opportunity to say out loud what they have just heard, and should be able to do this over and over in an way that is easy to do.

Combining written words, pictures, sound, and opportunity to  speak are all essential for a learner to pick up the new language as easily as possible. Fortunately for us today, there are several products which can be found online that use these methods. Some emphasize slightly different methods than others, and with a little research, those who want to learn, can find a program that will work the best for them.

We have a blog at World Conversations in which anyone may comment about their experiences with language programs they have used. We would love to receive opinions of various programs and we also evaluate and make suggestions, based on the needs of any particular person wanting to learn.

The important thing is to find a good course and jump in and start learning. We feel that being able to speak other languages can open up new worlds to people, can foster better communications with those around us, and can put people in stronger positions in terms of employment as well. And obviously, if one plans a trip to a non English speaking country, then the trip will be far more enjoyable if you can talk with the people there, and those people will appreciate you making the effort as well.

Good luck with you pursuit of a new language. With our modern tools available today, it’s easier than ever before!

Alan Thomas

www.WorldConversations.com

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Throughout most of history, people learned Spanish, or any other different language by living in countries in which that language was spoken. And for most people that typically applied to a bordering country near their home. But as travel became easier, more people were able to move around and go into other areas in which they had to pick up the language, and if they spent much time there, they could learn enough of the new language to communicate, particularly if almost all of the people around them spoke that language.

As time went on the teaching of language other than the native one became something that was done in formal school settings. And that has lasted until this day. When language is taught in school at a very early age, then it is learned very easily, but when it’s taught later, it becomes quite difficult for most people. Our brains have a more difficult time picking up on it then. The methods that most of us were exposed to in school, for learning Spanish for example, were very formal and they taught vocabulary and grammar and various rules of syntax and conjugation. And most people in high school  don’t do very well with learning how to actually have a conversation. And these various rules are typically forgotten, just like most such things in high school.

Until recently we usually had to learn  that way, (very boring), or have a tutor. But then came the age of technology and with it came new methods which make it much easier for people to learn to communicate in another language. Today when learning to speak Spanish, we have devices in which we can quickly see a wide variety of object and situations and see the Spanish words and phrases that belong to them. And at the same time we can hear the proper pronunciation of those words and phrases. We can go through these very quickly and can repeat them easily until our brains begin to pick up the language. There are games that can be played on computer which are fun and are much more extensive than could ever be done before. We have instant feedback on anything that we are attempting learn and we can immediately correct and then eliminate mistakes.

These new methods have revolutionized the learning of new languages and are now being used to prepare people much more easily for travel, which can make trips much more enjoyable, and also for use in the workplace, where more and more people need to be able to communicate with customers or clients who speak a different language. Of course in America, more people everyday are needing to learn Spanish as that is the fastest increasing language that we have here.

There are now several excellent programs for learning to speak Spanish which incorporate at least some of the aspects which make learning much easier. By using modern technology anyone today can learn Spanish or any other languages with a speed and ease which was never available before. And it’s a good thing, because as our world becomes smaller and smaller, the need to communicate with those around us becomes more and more important. 

 

Alan Thomas                                                                                                                                            

www.WorldConversations.com

 

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