o you want to fully immerse yourself in this beautiful world language, but don’t know where to start? I feel you, I’ve been there.
Sometimes our minds assume that in order to learn something new, we have to take huge steps. That’s funny because the opposite is true - a little goes a long way. You don’t have to think big, you don’t even have to take classes if you don’t want to. If you’re willing to learn Spanish fast and easily, then all you have to do is be consistent and create habits that work for you. Let’s dive into it!
What is language immersion?
You might not be familiar with the term immersion, so, what is it exactly?
Language immersion is the most natural way to learn a new language: you hear, speak and learn the language in everyday contexts.
Going to the market to buy some snacks? Congrats, you’re learning Spanish (unless you don’t speak, of course). Drinking a glass of Agua de Valencia with a Spanish hottie? That’s immersion, my friend. Listening to Spanish music during your break? Yep, you’re immersing the day away.
How do I know it works? Well, I’m Dutch and I teach English to kids.
I started fully immersing myself in the English language at a very young age, which is why it comes naturally to me now. I also use this method in my classes and the results are great.
Now, who’s ready to try a few hacks?
Watch Spanish shows & movies
There’s nothing wrong with being a couch potato from time to time, and now you have a great excuse. Entertainment and exercise for the brain, sounds good, right? So put on something comfy and watch some Spanish shows/movies with English subtitles. Latin American Spanish can be different and therefore confusing, so if you’ve just started learning, make it easy for yourself and stick to European Spanish.
Some recommendations: Las Chicas de Cable, La Casa de Papel (also known as Money Heist), Elite, Desorden que Dejas.
Meet up with Spanish-speaking people
In this post, I wrote about Bumble and language exchanges.
These are great ways to learn Spanish too! Meeting up with Spanish-speaking people is gonna help speed up your learning process tremendously.
It’s even better if these people don’t speak any languages that you speak, in this way you’re forced to speak Spanish. It’s way too easy to switch to English, which is what I do all the time with my Spanish friends and that’s not helpful at all (totally blaming myself here).
Is it frustrating and uncomfortable not being able to speak anything other than Spanish if you don’t really know how? Yes, absolutely. Is it worth it? Oh, heck yeah! Can you speak with your hands and feet? Of course. This has been the quickest way for me to learn.
I’ve also been going on dates with Spanish men, not too bad, right? ;-)
SpanishDict
I don’t know what I would’ve done or where I would’ve been without this app. I mean, I might have ended up in the trunk of a car, who knows.
Spanishdict is the world’s most popular Spanish-English dictionary. Yes, I know, pronouncing this name always causes giggles and confusion.
How it works? It’s actually really easy. You download the app or go to the website, type an English or Spanish word and it directly translates. Simple as that.
Duolingo
If you like playing games, you’re gonna like Duolingo.
Duolingo is the most popular language-learning platform and the most downloaded education app in the world. The company’s mission is to make education free, fun, and accessible to all. Duolingo is designed to feel like a game and scientifically proven to be effective.
I can definitely say that it’s a super fun and interactive way of learning. It really does feel like a game. You learn how to write, read, speak and listen, which are all the language skills you need.
Listen to podcasts
There are a bunch of podcasts out there that can help you learn Spanish. Some are focused on teaching the language, others are simply sharing stories, but there’s something for everyone. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.
A few recommendations: Unlimited Spanish Podcast Speak Spanish Now, Duolingo Spanish Podcast, Coffee Break Spanish.
Change the language on your phone
Change the language on your phone to Spanish. This might be a little inconvenient in the beginning, but as long as you know the word: idioma (language), you can always change it if you’re feeling lost in translation.
Spanish with Vicente - Youtube channels
Spanish with Vicente is a great resource for online learning. On this Youtube channel, Vicente teaches you Spanish in a really fun and natural way: from common expressions, grammar, and vocabulary to how to speak like a native and what not to say.
If you’re not a fan of Vicente, then don’t fret - there are plenty of other Youtube teachers. Just find one that suits you.
Amigxs, take that language bubble bath. Mucha suerte!
Un abrazo,
Stephanie
More from
Practical tips
category
