RSSSpanish as a Second Language
Aug 31
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Learning a 2nd language, can be a unnerving experience for a lot of individuals especially as many of them choose to learn a language later in life. It is a well known fact that an adult’s capacity for learning diminishes as we grow older, hence the lack of the term ‘adults’ in the phrase ‘kids are like sponges’. However, that does not mean to say that it is impossible or difficult for adults, no matter what age, to learn a new language, in fact it is quite the opposite.
So…now we have determined that we are never too old to master a language, why make the conscious decision to learn Spanish?
The numbers inform us that learning Spanish is certainly the most advantageous option when deciding upon a language to study; it is the 2nd most widely spoken language on the planet after English being spoken by over half a billion speakers worldwide. (Although there are a large number of chinese who may argue the point!)
It is the primary language in more than 20 countries and a second language in many more specifically the US, which is home to over 40 million Spanish speakers this makes the US the 5th largest population of Spanish speakers in the world, with an estimated 17,000,000 of those unable to speak English or at most speak very little!
Based upon the number of Spanish speakers around the world, being able to speak Spanish would provide huge benefits in both a social and from a business aspect and is therefore a wise choice of language to learn.
Academics are split as to which is the better way to learn a language, many old school academics are adamant that the pupil should learn the complete set of grammar rules that relate to a language including Spanish verb conjugation for complex irregular spanish verbs, before then learning more practical conversational Spanish which, in their opinion would protect the integrity of the language. These purists however, are few and far between, with the vast majority of language scholars now agreeing that mastering communication through social interaction speeds up and enhances the understanding of any language let alone Spanish.
OK then…which is the best method to start learning Spanish?
There is no simple answer to this question if it is being asked by an individual as it will depend on their specific set of circumstances but the following list is generally what are considered the best ways to learn Spanish.
Immersion Courses:
Immersion courses, although growing in popularity, are only suited to specific groups, namely students and those that are retired, as they often require relocation for a set period of time. However, they are an excellent method of learning, teaching not only conversational Spanish but also a high degree of social interaction, as you are required to take part in everyday activities within local Spanish communities.
Interactive Courses:
The simplest method and by far the most commonly used method of studying Spanish, is to use an audio/visual interactive course. There is a wide choice of these available nowadays, many of which are downloadable over the internet, they are very affordable and give the added benefit of being able to fit in around peoples’ hectic lives allowing you to study when you are able to study.
Spanish Classroom Courses:
Most towns and cities still provide Spanish classroom courses at local schools and colleges at a cost but with peoples’ hectic schedules nowadays these are not always the most viable option. They are not always the most cost effective way to learn Spanish but they do provide some social stimulus and interaction that interactve courses sometimes lack.
It doesn’t matter which method of learning Spanish you decide upon, once you begin studying you will be surprised at just how much can be spoken with a limited vocabulary of 4000 to 6000 words and a lot of these words are very similar to their English counterparts making learning them a lot easier.
It is a good idea, once you’re more capable at speaking and understanding Spanish, to then do a course that is more academic which will help you to learn the structure and grammar of the language. You will find that this knowledge will be very important when you need to communicate through the written word as well as the spoken.
