I find it difficult to learn a foreign language unless I practice every day.
In trying to learn Spanish I never use English when I talk to people who speak Spanish.
For example I’ll ask the dishwasher at my work for clean forks:
“Necesito tenedores por favor.”
I also frequently tell my brother {who is fluent} that he is ugly. Thus beginning a wonderful "practice" conversation jam-packed with friendly banter.
I have found it helpful to make up little songs.
I usually sing these songs when I greet someone.
I will ask them questions, and then respond myself, so as to get in all the practice I can handle.
My songs don’t really have a “tune” per se.
They are more along the lines of me sounding out each word mono-syllabically and alternating between a high and low note.
{singing:} “Ho-la. ¿Có-mo es-ta? Yo soy bi-en. Gra-ci-as. De na-da,”
For example.
I even make up songs when practicing my flash cards.
They’re brilliant.
I am learning a lot, and yet sometimes I feel like it isn't enough.
I can put together basic sentences,
but I am not able to hold a conversation
or speak about past or future events.
Today in my Spanish class we watched a video which was completely in {español}.
The point was for us to see just how much we have learned so far this semester.
I must be super smart, because I knew exactly what Rico Suave was singing about!
{I bet it was because I practice my songs so much}
My only concern was how the Señorita was able to keep a straight face through it
because I could not stop laughing.
Enjoy!
{PS. The scrolling message under the video is the translation JIC}
{Hover over the text if you need to pause the scrolling}
This is EXACTLY what first semester Spanish is like.
What do you do to help you learn new things?
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