It is a common misconception that you have to travel to a Spanish speaking country to learn Spanish. In current times, where travel is more restricted, reaching your Spanish learning goals may seem further away than ever. The good news is that you can gain fluency, whatever your location, without even setting foot out of your front door! Read on for some simple tips to get you started.
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Create A Language Learning Routine
Regular exposure to a language is the key to retaining it and being able to reproduce it when you want to. Allocate a small amount of time each day to Spanish. This could include: listening to a Spanish podcast (like this one) over breakfast; using a language learning app each day; having regular online Spanish tuition or conversation practice; or picking a theme and trying to learn vocabulary related to your chosen topic (more tips for learning vocabulary here).
Define Your Learning Objectives and Deadline
Maintaining your motivation during the language learning process can be tough. This is particularly true when you are aiming to do a lot if self-directed learning at home. Having a goal, which you can celebrate when achieved, can really help to keep you on track. Your goal could be a specific exam such as a GCSE or a DELE Diploma exam. On the other hand, your aim could be to hold a successful conversation whilst on holiday or to be able to use Spanish in a professional capacity. Identify your goal, work out how you will know when you have achieved it and set yourself a deadline. This will help to work out what vocabulary to focus on and how you want to spend your time when you are practising Spanish.
Avoid Resources Overload
There is an absolute mountain of resources available on the internet aiming to help you learn Spanish fast. The risk is that you become overwhelmed by the sheer choice before you even get started! Avoid using a high number of different resources - listen to and read the items that interest you and keep you motivated to continue. You want to spend your time learning and not searching the internet for the tools you need. This is where a dedicated Spanish tutor can offer assistance. Let a tutor do the work of identifying the best resources for you, tailored to your aims. Click here if you would like to learn more about online 1:1 tutoring.
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Have Conversations With Native Speakers
You can have conversations with native speakers without travelling abroad. Many Spanish speakers living abroad are keen to improve their English so why not arrange a language exchange? This is where you each meet and talk for half the time in one language and half the time in the other. This can just as easily happen online as face to face. Social media is a really good place to link with those looking to start a language exchange or there may be a Spanish language exchange groups local to you. Conversation Exchange is a really helpful website for finding a language exchange partner.
Integrate Spanish Into Your Downtime
The Hispanic world produces an incredible amount of music, literature and film that you can access. Instead of sticking with English content, try listening to music in Spanish, watch Spanish films or watch Spanish TV via Netflix.
Reading short stories in Spanish can be a laid back way to improve your vocabulary. If you are looking for something to read why not try Olly Richard's Spanish Short Stories for Beginners or for Intermediate Learners. Once you gain confidence, you will then be able to access the writing of fantastic authors such as Isabelle Allende or Gabriel García Márquez in Spanish!
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Are you hoping to learn Spanish from home? I hope these pointers were helpful. Leave a comment below and let me know how you are getting on! Feel free to get in touch if you would like to learn more about 1:1 online tutoring from My Spanish Tutor and don't forget to subscribe for regular tips and resources sent to your email. Good luck!
Hi, I am Karen. I am a languages tutor and blogger. I offer online tuition for students across the UK. I live in Tonbridge, in Kent, with my husband and my son. For me learning Spanish has meant fun, adventure, friendship and fulfilling work. I love sharing all that I have learnt with my students and via my blog. If you would like to receive 10% off your first online lesson, as well as regular updates and tips for learning Spanish, subscribe here.