How To Learn Spanish Conversationally
By Joseph Carducci
The most traditional way to begin learning Spanish, or any foreign language, for that matter, is with the alphabet. This is essentially the same way a child learns their own native language. It makes sense. After the alphabet, you would then move on to some basic words. From this point, you would start to learn some basic grammar. Again, this is pretty much the same way a child would learn how to speak their first language. It is a natural and logical progression. Unfortunately, in most learning settings, the natural and logical end at this point.
One of the major disadvantages to such an approach is that it seems to be very rigid and almost totally inflexible.The instructor has a syllabus or an agenda. No matter what, the class will follow along the path established. It often turns into just using rote memorization. In return, many students will learn Spanish, but will never be able to hold up their end of an impromptu conversation. In short, they will never ever achieve any level of real fluency. This is why many people will tell you that they studied Spanish in school, yet do not remember anything. or they may still know some words, yet cannot speak the language. What a shame this state of affairs is.
The bottom line is that such learning shows us the glaring differences between learning and speaking Spanish in a formal class versus an informal setting. An informal setting is more concerned with making sure everyone is able to participate, not that the syllabus is followed to the letter. It is much more effective, and has proven to achieve higher retention.
A much better way to learn a language is through the use of a conversational Spanish class, lesson or course of instruction. For true learning to take place in this situation, you need to have an instructor who is fluent in the target language. With such a situation, the students and the class itself can be as flexible as they wish. The instructor is able to guide the conversation and flow of the sessions, yet also make sure that the students are able to use their new language.
One way to do this is to just dive right in to actual conversations. Many of these type of programs will give some basic introduction to each conversation first. So, you will learn some words that are necessary to each conversation lesson. Then you listen and repeat. After this, you will jump in and actually have your own conversations. This can be done by actually asking and answering questions and just seeing where things go from this point.
From this point, you will probably be given a book which has some conversation topics. Maybe there will be some introductory words and background. Then, there may be some questions. These questions are designed to be conversation starters. Many times the instructor will develop their own conversation starters. These could even be games designed to get the students speaking and interacting with each other. Movies and other resources may also be utilized.
In an actual class setting, everyone will get a chance to answer the question and join in the conversation. The idea is that it should be lively and kept going. Try to answer the question in a different or unique way. Maybe answer and then ask a question of your own. Have fun with this, it will help you to learn better and retain more. Draw on words that have been used and introduced in other lessons.
Another great way of using the conversational experience is through audio lessons or courses. However, you should be careful with these. Make sure that whatever course you choose, will have only native speakers.
Hearing native speakers is VERY important. You will be able to learn inflections, stressed and unstressed syllables, and many other nuances of the language. It is also probably the best way that you can develop a proper Spanish accent. You will simply not have this understanding if your teachers are not native speakers.
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