10 Efficient Language Learning Strategies
Efficient language learning strategies help you speed up your learning process!
Motivation is key when it comes to an endeavor like learning a new language, instrument, or skill. That motivation comes both from within and from external stimuli. Choosing a good teacher and an inspiring course with excellent reviews is just half of the job. Self-motivation is also crucial.
Read this blog post to access 10 helpful strategies related to conversational skills, pronunciation, listening, writing, and more.
¡Aprendamos español!
Let’s learn Spanish!
10 Spanish Language Learning Strategies
Traditional classroom lessons aren’t enough anymore if you want to learn Spanish. Pair up traditional and modern ways to achieve your goal—or stick to the latter. Here are some strategies for you to pick and choose from.
1. Read Books in Spanish
Reading Spanish literature is a great method to improve your language skills. Avoid the temptation of diving into a classic novel, which would only frustrate you as a beginner. Start with books for kids in Spanish and slowly move forward. This will teach you grammar and new vocabulary words.
PRO-TIP: Reading books in Spanish with a gadget like a Kindle enables you to see word translations by touching the word you don’t understand and lets you highlight passages you want to revisit later.
2. Watch Hispanic TV
To do this, choose the accent and slang you want to learn first. Mexican Spanish, Argentine Spanish, and Castilian Spanish differ greatly from one another. Sure you can learn one and understand the rest, but mixing them while you’re learning gets confusing.
Watching with Spanish audio and English subtitles. Eventually, you’ll be able to switch the subtitles off. Don’t rush yourself though.
Hand-picked for you: How to Learn Spanish in Your Sleep
3. Listen to a Podcast in Spanish
Find a slow-talking host. Spanish podcasts are usually fast paced. If you’re a beginner, this will only frustrate you. The good news is that some podcasts are made specifically for learners!
- News in Slow Spanish: Find out what’s happening around the world while learning Spanish. The host speaks with a Spanish accent, but he does it so slowly that every word sounds clear as day.
- Españolistos: Some students say that they thrive when they start their learning process from people who also speak Spanish as a second language as a first step. The Españolistos podcast is hosted by an American-Colombian couple.
It’s ideal to choose podcasts that have transcripts so that you can read along while listening.
4. Follow Language Content Creators
Follow content creators that teach you useful translations and idioms. By checking your feed daily—which you probably already do—you’ll learn at least one valuable thing each day. Be sure to write it down somewhere and review it later to retain your new vocabulary in your long-term memory!
- @SpanishTeacher: This TikToker will help you increase your vocabulary.
- @Spanishacks: Juan is very likeable and speaks clearly. He talks about traveling, vocabulary, Spanish phrases, food, accents, and more.
- @Spanishgitana: This Spanish teacher teaches you how to say the names of common things around you.
- @Hellotalk_spanish: Learn about different daily life scenarios and how to respond to questions.
- @traductorspanish: Watching Vicky’s videos to start engaging in deeper conversations in Spanish.
5. Develop a Spanish Writing Habit
Every day, make it your mission to write something with the Spanish words and grammar structures you’re learning. This is a great way to make your lessons stick.
For example, write an introduction of yourself or a story about your best day ever. The key is to be constant and to do it daily, even if it’s just half a page.
See also: How to Track and Measure Your Spanish Learning Progress.
6. Compare Yourself to Google
Translate something with Google Translate. Type words into the first box and see the translation in the second one. At the bottom part, there is a speaker icon. Click it to hear the pronunciation. Practice often to make sure you are saying things right.
7. Use Flashcards
Flashcards may be old school, but they’re still helpful. You just don’t need to actually write on paper anymore, unless you really want to. There are loads of virtual resources to make it easier.
Make or find easy-to-use digital flashcards with Brainscape. The app provides material for subjects such as genetics, languages, law, and languages.
8. Listen to Music in Spanish
Train your brain karaoke style! Wouldn’t you like to discover new music and artists while learning Spanish?
Lyrics Training is the tool you’re looking for. Just click on a song and enter your level of expertise. If you want to sharpen your listening skills, start guessing what the missing words are. Increase your vocabulary and hone your writing skills by reading the complete song lyrics before starting.
Hand-picked for you: 10 Fabulous Indie Spanish Songs You Haven’t Heard Yet
9. Always Answer in Spanish
Whether you live with your parents, roommates, or children, try to always speak to them in Spanish. Even if they don’t speak it or can’t understand you. You can translate afterward.
This might seem like a weird language strategy, but engaging in random conversations, not practiced ones, gets your brain moving. The habit of speaking Spanish will grow on you.
10. Practice With a Native Speaker
I intentionally saved the best language strategies for last. This is the real game changer. By having a conversation with a native speaker, you’ll be able to practice vocabulary, grammar, memorization, pronunciation, idioms, and much more.
Your native-speaking friend or teacher can correct you, help you with tenses, and even share about their culture. If this person is a certified teacher, all the better.
Start Speaking Spanish Today
I hope your self-motivation goes through the roof after going through these language strategies. Remember, your progress depends on consistency. Make a schedule and set goals to keep you on track.
Learning Spanish is a beautiful experience that leads you to things like talking to more people of different cultural backgrounds and getting exciting new job opportunities. After all, it has the most native speakers in the world after Chinese.
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– Erica P. Parent of 1
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