While your local library may be small and not have the resources that you are looking for, they may be able to order books and point you in the direction of other local resources available to you.
Learning Spanish may be difficult and frustrating so find any motivation you can to get you through any mental blocks. Don’t limit yourself to just one thing. Find as many reasons to feel impassioned as you can.
Continue to add to your list as you begin to speak Spanish and encounter situations that will help you in the future. The first 100 words of your list will be words that you will always use like yes, no, where, when, etc. Fill out the rest of your list with words specific to you and your experience. [6] X Research source
Filler ex “well, as a matter of fact…” Quoting ex “recently, I heard that…” Apologising ex “Don’t be upset, but. . . ” Agreeing/Disagreeing ex “most certainly” Passing ex “and what do you think?” Closing ex “to sum up. . . ” Elaborating ex “to be more precise…” Opening ex “that is a good question…” Qualifying ex ”to tell the truth…” Switching ex “by the way. . ”
Spanish is phonetic so learning the pronunciation of a word you read should be easier than learning English. While other language have exceptions to their language rules, Spanish has none. For example, Czech has 14 ways of saying a lot of their words whereas Spanish will not have an exception. The word “casa” in Spanish will always be “casa”. When you learn a word you will never have to learn another variation of it. Spanish does not utilize tones. For example, Punjab can change the meaning of the same consonant depending on your inflection when you say it or whether your tone is high or low. Spanish has similar intonations as English so it may seem familiar. There are thousands of Spanish words that you already know because Spanish is similar to French and many English words originated from French. The ends of a lot of English words can give you their Spanish equivalent. These are known as cognate rules. For example, change “-tion” to “cion” for words like association. This will give you “asociación” which sounds virtually the same but is Spanish.
For example, rather than learning the formal forms of words and phrases, learn colloquialisms. [11] X Research source
Use multiple windows when using Skype so you can simultaneously use another language app or check your notes to help you follow the conversation. Use translation tools to help you keep pace in the conversation but don’t use it as a crutch. You shouldn’t hesitate to ask your partner for a break if you are lost in the conversation. [13] X Research source You may also find a partner on Skype by offering to exchange English lessons. Practicing a second language together allows you to take a breath and regain your momentum when you switch over to your native language.
