Share more about how I have worked in Spanish over the past few years and what has helped me the most. Spoiler: Duolingo made Nada for me.
Hi, friends! Are you OK? I hope you have a pleasant morning. Yesterday we made a water park and theme park, so today I have a low-key feeling.
Now that we are heading into week 4 in Spain, I think I will have some updates on my trip to Spain and some things that have helped me. I think it’s very important to be an “beginner” as an adult. Challenge your brain in new ways and try the hobbies and activities you’ve always wanted to do, even if you’re not good at the beginning. I know many of my friends have the goal of learning new languages, so I hope this post helps! I would love to hear any strategies for you, too.
My trip to Spain
Some background:
-Growing up, my mom’s family often spoke Spanish. So I’ve been able to understand it, but never said it. I will do what my family asks me in Spanish and I will respond in English. When people speak Spanish around me, I know what’s going on, but don’t contribute to the conversation.
– I took Spanish courses in elementary and middle school (super basic stuff) and in Spain during my college years. I think this will be an opportunity for me to be completely confident and fluent in Spanish. I wrote my thesis, read novels, analyzed poetry, but maybe I spent 5% of my time speaking Spanish in my college Spanish class. So it once again cemented my understanding, allowing me to write and read in Spanish, but it didn’t really get me to the goal of speaking confidently.
– A few years ago, I decided to start practicing again and really get to the point. We love traveling and I love being able to interact with people in different locations, so it really matters to me. Some of our closest friends are Colombians, who have Spanish-speaking friends, so I hope to contribute and be more comfortable. Also, I want to start working with Spanish-speaking IHP clients starting early next year.
I tried something different to refresh my skills and felt more confident.
That’s the huge change, and it definitely does nothing.
Learn Spanish in adults
application:
I haven’t found an app that will help with the reality. I tried Duolingo and Babbel and had no impression of both. I think it’s a lot of matches and vocabulary, but the understanding behind the grammatical rules and how to use these languages in real life. Plus, for the most part, you don’t even remember what you are doing. Even with the app on ON for a while, I haven’t learned anything new.
Virtual and in-person coaching:
For me, this is the biggest gamechanger. I did a lot of research and met Itarki, which is my Spanish tutoring. I have tutoring at least once a week, but also have homework throughout the week in reading, writing, fluency, speaking and listening. It took me a while, but I found a mentor who pushed me (he was actually mean sometimes haha) but took me out of my comfort zone and to the next level. (If you want his information, please LMK and I’d be happy to pass it on!)
Practice Spain in Spain:
Last year, when we came to Spain for about two weeks, I thought, “We’re leaving. This is my chance!” It’s a good confidence booster to feel that I can do it. I can order food at restaurants, ask and answer questions, order taxi, and it’s really NBD. Last year, I felt that the locals spoke a lot of English to us and were surprised at how many people in Seville spoke English. This time it felt like the opposite experience because I was determined to speak Spanish only here. I felt easy and naturally surprised, and only a few times in English. 😉
I also had the opportunity to work with a lovely Spanish counselor twice a week!
Most of my conversations in the world are superficial: shops and restaurants interact. My deepest conversation with the taxi driver! In Barcelona, we chatted a lot: the economy of the United States, the quality of life, how many schools and groceries…I love it. I was so happy to continue practicing here with us and then go home and maybe end up speaking Spanish with many of my Spanish-speaking friends. 😉
So tell me, my friend: What kind of beginner are you these days?
Are you working hard to learn a new instrument or language? I would love to hear about it!
xoxo
Gina
