I’ve been learning spanish now for 6 years. Yes, I said six. Finally, in my sixth year, I realized why it took me so long to learn Spanish. I really wanted to learn the language, but couldn’t pull it off. I found out why. This could be helpful for those of you who are just starting out, or can’t seem to jump the foreign language hoops.

1. You have to know the type of learner you are. This is very important. http://712educators.about.com/od/learningstyles/a/learning_styles.htm . http://homeworktips.about.com/od/homeworkhelp/a/learningstyle.htm .Once you know your learning style, you can help your own progression with supplemental materials (auditory, Visual or Kinesthetic – sometimes a combination of two of these). For example, I am a visual learner. The good side of being a visual learner that can help my language learning: I can spell any word in Spanish with the correct accent in it’s place. I can just about write any school paper with minimal errors. Another good thing is I learned a number of sign language phrases to hold a conversation and a song in sign language without taking classes. The bad thing about being a visual learner in learning a foreign language: I tend to forget the names of people I see 3 times a week in the Spanish community. Yes, we visualists can’t remember names. I’m horrible in “Listen and respond” type tests. I also tend to know what’s being said after it’s been said (I have to break down and analyze. The best way of learning a foreign language for me: I need diagrams, charts, maps, outlines, color coding or highlighting words and taking notes. Once you know your type, find out the good, the bad, and the best way to utilize it.
2. Don’t be afraid to communicate in the new language. Yes, you will sound like an idiot. But, most people are amazed that you’re even trying. And usually, if you try to talk to someone in their mother tongue, they won’t hesitate to help you. Or you can request that they tell you the correct way to say things. Get a language buddy, someone you can practice with.
3. Take private lessons or attend small-sized classes (no more than 6). The problem with big classrooms, the teacher can’t attend to every students need. This can really be important. In a smaller classroom, you will learn more and be less likely to be embarrassed about asking questions.
4. Use Media. Listen to the radio, watch tv and films in the new language. Do this as early as possible.
5. Talk to yourself in your new language. Sure, the neighbors will want to have you committed. But at least you’ll be committed to your new language. Talk to a recorder. Listen to yourself, hear your problem areas.
6. Set a goal. Why are you doing this? How much of this language do you want to learn? Set a goal and a deadline and chart out how you will reach it.
7. Never stop learning your new language. You will at times feel overwhelmed. You will even think that it’s not for you. Others who may have reached their language goal quicker than you can sometimes make you feel ashamed. Sure, I kept thinking I was horrible, too. But, now I’m teaching native spanish speakers how to read and write in Spanish. Not bad, huh?

1. You have to know the type of learner you are. This is very important. http://712educators.about.com/od/learningstyles/a/learning_styles.htm . http://homeworktips.about.com/od/homeworkhelp/a/learningstyle.htm .Once you know your learning style, you can help your own progression with supplemental materials (auditory, Visual or Kinesthetic – sometimes a combination of two of these). For example, I am a visual learner. The good side of being a visual learner that can help my language learning: I can spell any word in Spanish with the correct accent in it’s place. I can just about write any school paper with minimal errors. Another good thing is I learned a number of Spanish phrases to hold a conversation and a song in sign language without taking classes. The bad thing about being a visual learner in learning a foreign language: I tend to forget the names of people I see 3 times a week in the Spanish community. Yes, we visualists can’t remember names. I’m horrible in “Listen and respond” type tests. I also tend to know what’s being said after it’s been said (I have to break down and analyze. The best way of learning a foreign language for me: I need diagrams, charts, maps, outlines, color coding or highlighting words and taking notes. Once you know your type, find out the good, the bad, and the best way to utilize it.
2. Don’t be afraid to communicate in the new language. Yes, you will sound like an idiot. But, most people are amazed that you’re even trying. And usually, if you try to talk to someone in their mother tongue, they won’t hesitate to help you. Or you can request that they tell you the correct way to say things. Get a language buddy, someone you can practice with.
3. Take private lessons or attend small-sized classes (no more than 6). The problem with big classrooms, the teacher can’t attend to every students need. This can really be important. In a smaller classroom, you will learn more and be less likely to be embarrassed about asking questions.
4. Use Media. Listen to the radio, watch tv and films in the new language. Do this as early as possible.
5. Talk to yourself in your new language. Sure, the neighbors will want to have you committed. But at least you’ll be committed to your new language. Talk to a recorder. Listen to yourself, hear your problem areas.
6. Set a goal. Why are you doing this? How much of this language do you want to learn? Set a goal and a deadline and chart out how you will reach it.
7. Never stop learning your new language. You will at times feel overwhelmed. You will even think that it’s not for you. Others who may have reached their language goal quicker than you can sometimes make you feel ashamed. Sure, I kept thinking I was horrible, too. I’m not fluent, but I have regular conversations with spanish speakers. I’m even teaching some of them how to read and write in Spanish. Not bad, huh?