To learn Conversational Spanish is a goal shared by many people. For one thing, in the United States, Spanish is the second most widely used language. This means there is an increasing need for bilingual professionals who can meet the demands of the expanding commercial world. Anyone who is looking for a way to improve their employment situation would be wise to obtain Spanish language skills.
Learning Conversational Spanish is also a way to expand one’s intellectual skills. Taking on a language learning project broadens life experiences; it opens communication to neighbors and new friends, builds mental acuity, and provides a challenge that is extraordinarily satisfying to complete.
There are many approaches to learning Conversational Spanish, including classes, audio programs, and online courses. But any Conversational Spanish study method needs to include the following 4 areas in order to be successful.
1. Listening Skills: Conversational Spanish needs a good ear for pronunciation because speech patterns and sounds are a key factor in the meaning of Spanish words. When you listen to a native Spanish speaker on the radio, in your classes, or perhaps in a good Spanish language movie, you are picking up the accents and phonetic sounds that you need in order to speak correctly.
2. Speaking Skills: You can recognize the words by sight, and you can understand them when you hear them, but learning Conversational Spanish is only successful if you can speak the words as well. And really, what is the point of learning a language if you can’t converse with others? Many students are shy about expressing themselves in their newly acquired language, but this is an obstacle to success that is worth overcoming. Don’t be afraid to practice your Conversational Spanish speaking skills!
3. Reading Skills: Conversational Spanish becomes easier to learn when your reading skills improve. Fluency depends on your ability to notice stress points and accents, and the written word takes you deeper into the discovery of meaning. Reading Spanish literature brings enhanced capabilities; in fact, it is impossible to separate oral skills from reading skills when you are aiming for full comprehension.
4. Writing Skills: Writing in Spanish may be one of the most significant factors for professionals because communicating in writing is the key to success in many businesses. Students who can write in Spanish will improve their language learning skills faster as they enhance their vocabularies, develop a variety of expressions, and increase their understanding of words and sentences.
If you are hesitant to take on the challenge of leaning Conversational Spanish, you should consider that you already know more than you think! Spanish and English share the same basic alphabet, and sentence structure in the two languages is also very similar. So start at the beginning, move forward one step at a time, and be sure you include the 4 factors we’ve listed here. If you also expand your vocabulary, keep your goals in mind, and study diligently, Conversational Spanish will become your second language!
And don’t forget to have fun while you are learning. Many Spanish language learning materials incorporate games, online options, immersion technique, and more! Start with Maria Oliveira’s Language Learning books, courses, and learning aids, available on our website.
Good luck!