Six Ways to Learn Spanish with No Studying Required
1. Fly to a Spanish Speaking Country
Being immersed in a foreign country can help you learn just about any language.
It would be even easier for you to learn the language if you arrange for accommodations with a host family. They will immerse you in the culture and give you a more authentic experience you can’t get in a classroom. Before you book your ticket, check out these best Spanish phrases to learn first.
2. Play Games
There are many websites that teach you a language by using games such as Duolingo. You’ll be introduced to vocabulary and phrases but instead of sitting down and memorizing them on flashcards, you learn by playing a game.
You can gain experience and compete with other language learners online. You’ll even be rewarded with tokens that you can use to buy things on the website. If you can do this consistently, you’ll be learning phrases and vocabulary before you know it.
3. Speak to Native Spanish Speakers
You don’t have to book a flight and go to another country to speak to a native speaker. A native Spanish speaker may be at your workplace or in your circle of friends. You can ask if they would practice speaking Spanish with you.
If not, there are websites like TruFluency and apps like HelloTalk that allow you to have conversations with native Spanish speakers. If you speak with them consistently you’ll see that you will get more and more fluent by the day.
4. Use YouTube
You can learn just about anything from YouTube. There are many YouTubers who want to teach you Spanish. They will introduce you to essential vocabulary, explain grammar, and give you an insight into the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. These videos are free and you can replay them as much as you like, on your own schedule, until you grasp the material.
5. Watch Your Favorite Shows With Spanish Subtitles
It’s time to turn on your subtitles, if they weren’t already on, and select “Spanish.”
You can learn Spanish effortlessly as you watch your favorite shows. You’ll notice certain words coming up repeatedly and your vocabulary will grow. You already know what they’re saying in English, so you know what the Spanish words popping up on the screen means.
As an added challenge, try to put the AUDIO in Spanish for about 5 minutes a day to start ear training. This is critical. Without ear training, you’ll be able to read, but will not be able to understand the spoken language at all.
6. Watch Spanish Shows With Subtitles
Subtitles are a proven way to learn a language. Watching shows or movies in Spanish can help you learn the language by using Spanish or English subtitles.
Using Spanish subtitles will help you match the spelling to the pronunciation and sound of the words, but this may work better if you’re a little more advanced with knowledge of the Spanish language.
It works great for your listening comprehension skills as well. Don’t be afraid to pause the show and look up a word or phrase.
If you’re a beginner, use English subtitles for foreign films and shows. This will introduce you to sounds used by native speakers (and not the sounds you’re inventing in your head!). It can also help you to follow the plot. The downside is that it’s harder to truly understand slang and idioms this way.
Classroom + Learning On Your Own = Efficiency
Studying languages in a classroom is customary, but not at all the most effective.
The most effective way to learn a language is to speak it – and the best way to do that is with a one-on-one private tutor or a very small group. You can save money by doing this online. You can also save money, and make a lot of progress, by combining all the various methods mentioned above.
Don’t discount the value of learning one-on-one! If you have any questions about how it works, or you’d like to learn more about TruFluency’s private online fluency coaches, check out our Spanish teachers and their availability.
Get started now and save 20% off your first month of one-on-one classes with code TF20!
