Why we have created Ten Top Tips for learning Spanish
When we first start out learning a new language, we often don’t have any experience of how to go about it. Certainly, if it’s our very first experience of learning a second language it can be quite daunting.
Where do we start? What is the best system? Where should I get advice?
A new language in just one weekend.
For the uninitiated, there can be a temptation to turn immediately to the courses that promise fluency within a very short space of time. Titles such as ‘10,000 words in your tea-break’, ‘Fluent in a flash’, ‘Native in No-time’ can all be extremely tempting not to mention costly. We’ve lost count of the times that students have come to us saying that they had just completed a ‘speed Spanish’ course that claimed that grammar wasn’t important. They often comment that they were more confused after having finished the course than they were before they started. Warning: Any company that promises fluency in less than a couple of years may be pulling your leg.Are you special?
If you are one of those people that can learn anything to an exceptionally high standard in a minute and a half, then you needn’t pay much attention to what we are saying. Our message is going out to the normal, regular learners like us that need time to learn and to assimilate new information. Warning: Never compare your learning speed with others. We are all different. Only compare your own progress. e.g. How much better is your Spanish now than say, six months ago?Why Ten Top Tips for learning Spanish?
The reason we produced Ten Top Tips for learning Spanish is so that those normal people could have a framework upon which they could structure their learning. Why? Because there are so many roads to learning a language, and many of them lead to the same place. However, as new learners we can get sidetracked or bogged down in learning systems that really don’t take us anywhere. For example, many people spend an inordinate amount of time focused on writing and fill in the gap exercises. That’s great as long as you combine it with lots of other things. Doing it in isolation, however, won’t move your Spanish forward at the right speed. When that happens, the learner ends up feeling frustrated and demotivated. Important: Involve all of your senses every day; listening, speaking, reading and writing.Where do I go now?
The next step in your learning journey is your choice. There is a wealth of great learning systems out there. Find the one that you are happy with. Learning should be fun. If it isn’t, then you are probably not doing the right course. Warning: People often take learning far too seriously. Be kind to yourself, keep it light, keep it fun. Smile as you learn. We hope you find the Ten Top Tips for learning Spanish valuable and we are here if you need us in the future. un saludo, Gordon y Cynthia:) This was brought to you in collaboration with Sprachheld.deWatch Ten Top Tips for learning Spanish here:
Learn Spanish Resources
Free Videocasts
160+ free podcasts & lessons, each with a comprehensive helpsheet to guide your learning.
Our Fantastic Books
A growing range of acclaimed workbooks explaining Spanish grammar clearly and simply.
Total Immersion Courses
Week-long immersion near Madrid to boost your confidence — Socios get €50 off.
1-to-1 & Group Lessons
Have a free, no-obligation chat with Ana and explore how to take your Spanish further.
Gordon’s Diaries
Hundreds of free diaries where Gordon talks about Spain, life, and everything else.
Cynthia’s Insights
Cynthia shares her view on life in Spain and in general through video diaries.
All of Our Playlists
Browse hundreds of videos on YouTube. Any questions? Write to us anytime.
LightSpeed Spanish App
Download our free iOS & Android app and access lessons on the go.
Any questions? Contact us
Hi Gordon and Cynthia..a really useful video.
What occurred to me with this video G&C was the usefulness of having the spanish subtitles with this video.
Maybe if you had the spanish subtitles all your videos, especially the ser socio ones it would encourage me and others to use several of your Tips at the same time.
What I mean is, as this video was going on I tried, as I was listening to you both, to read the spanish subtitles out loud
…that way, I was LISTENING to you, WATCHING your mouths and body language (peripherally) and READING and SPEAKING OUT LOUD.
So I was killing several birds with one stone…MATAR DOS PÁJAROS DE UN TIRO….no.
Just a thought…it certainly helps me practice some the elements you both suggested
That’s a good point, Peter. The issue I have at the moment is a logistical one. If you only knew how long it took me to add those subtitles! I was on for days. That said, it was the first time I had used the system and perhaps I could get faster at it with a bit of luck. leave it with me and I’ll do some tests to see if there’s a fast way to ad them. We have the transcript, so it’s just a matter of finding the right system.
or this could be a good homework assignment for students. 😉
You spoiled us now with those subtitles Gordon. Just reinforced the spoken word, I felt a new level of consciousness. I’m so envious of all these auditory learners as I just need some visual input or I zone out. 22 years of having to go to mass every Sunday… scottish/irish Catholic priests sermons weren’t exactly a bunch of laughs. I learned to switch off at a young age. I clock-watched, sneaking sweets into my mouth and always tried to find a pew with kids in front hoping some baby or toddler would start screaming and playing up and give me some much needed entertainment hahaha. I heard Cynthia mentioning the same sentiment. I sympathise. Even now, to this day, if say, my husband reads aloud a ‘scintillating article’ from the newspaper, I tell him that “I’m back in mass again darlling” and have to read it for myself. I love watching your videos so much as observing you two is so much more interesting than if your recordings were just a podcast. It would propel the videos from super awesome to super mega awesome. But, not worth it if it’s a hassle. MORE than great enough without subtitles.
The great news is that I have found a program that seems to be really easy to use and so we might be able to do it without adding days onto the process. I’ll keep you posted.
Wow!! Well done. That’s great news. Just don’t bother if too much hassle though. You two are amazing enough and busy enough, so if it turns out to be a hassle…no worries:)