The Spanish Language Challenge!

Posted on 28. Aug, 2011 by Steph in Advice, Trip Planning

Can a total language dummy become fluent in Spanish? I’m going to find out…

I’m kind of a language moron. I like to think I have a pretty good mastery of English, but my expertise basically ends there. Four years of struggling through college Spanish and I’ve got almost nothing to show for it. Two semesters of Italian in college just confused me further. They are very similar languages- just close enough to totally cross-wire in my brain. I actually think my total failure at language is genetic: my dad (an otherwise clever guy) likes to brag that he failed Spanish in 3 different schools.

photo credit: mikecogh

When I went to Asia the languages were so varied and foreign that I didn’t ever seriously consider trying to learn much past hello and thank you. But now I’m going to South America, and if there was ever a time to seriously pursue learning Spanish it’s now.

Despite my language deficiencies I think there is hope. I have a lot going for me: I have many Spanish speaking friends (and a boyfriend who is fluent), and often I can just about understand what’s going on. When I went to Mexico in July I was able to pull off some basic, little kid level conversations. Somewhere in the recesses of my brain there are some language skills in hiding, waiting to come out.

Una cerveza por favor

My plan is an all prongs approach (maybe I can call it the Fork approach). As of now the major components are:

Rosetta Stone- Mike loved this software in his efforts to learn Chinese, so I’m going to give their Spanish program a shot. I’ve done the first couple lessons already and it’s become glaringly apparent that I need to learn how to roll my R’s (advice?).

Language Classes- When I get to Bogota I plan to take several weeks of intensive Spanish courses. I hated Spanish class in high school but hopefully I’ll enjoy it more this time around.

Immersion- What better way to learn Spanish than to wander helplessly around Latin America? I’m thinking that by forcing myself into spanish-language situations I will pick it up faster than just about any other way.

I will be doing regular updates on my progress and hopefully passing along some useful tips and information for the other language dunces out there.

In the meantime- leave me your best language- learning advice. I need all the help I can get!

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Tags: language learning

56 Responses to “The Spanish Language Challenge!”

Dalene
28. Aug, 2011
Consider downloading some Michel Thomas lessons – he’s got a unique teaching method that has been really effective for us!
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  Thanks for the tip!
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Alex
28. Aug, 2011
If you get some good advice, please reshare because my German is a major FAILURE right now.
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Miranda
28. Aug, 2011
I’m not sure if you know of/follow Benny Lewis (@irishpolyglot), but he has a fantastic blog with tips and personal anecdotes about learning languages quickly. His blog is http://www.fi3m.com . Having learned Spanish growing up (and from experience with currently learning Chinese amongst the massive Chinese community in my city), the absolute best things you can do are learn a few survival phrases and then just get out there and speak with the locals, even if you make mistakes. Listening to Spanish music and watching Spanish TV will help, too. Studying in class will help supplement your immersion experience and will certainly be valuable, but forcing yourself to speak (even with limited vocabulary/accent) will help it all stick.
As far as the “r”s go, if you are really having trouble, a really quick, soft “d” sound will do the trick almost as well until you can figure it out.
¡Buena suerte!
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  I actually met Benny over the summer and asked him to do an interview on the blog! so that will be coming up shortly. Agree that his website is awesome.
  Reply to this comment
Abhijit
28. Aug, 2011
It’s a coincidence that you posted about this the same time as I am also trying to learn Spanish.. I have always been curious to learn phrases from languages, but never actually learnt a language specifically. Now that am going to Spain for 10 days in Sept end, I thought I’ll try to learn the language a bit. So, let’s see!
p.s. I’ll be using Michel Thomas mp3s.
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  Awesome- good luck to you too!
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Katherina
28. Aug, 2011
I’ve been using rosetta stone for french and am really happy with it – but the best way is definitely immersion! Try watching movies in spanish (there are so many great spanish movies to choose from!) – it definitely helped me a lot with my english!
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  Oooh movies in Spanish sounds fun.
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Abbie
28. Aug, 2011
I can’t roll my r’s either, and I’ve heard if you can’t do it, you can’t learn. I’ve found that the L sound can *almost* disguise a non-double r.
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  ooh i might try that trick.
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Christy @ Technosyncratic
28. Aug, 2011
Ha, I’m pretty much a language moron as well. I’ve taken soo many classes and I just can’t keep it all straight… not to mention the fact that my accent is always beyond laughable. I’m pretty sure forced immersion is the only thing that will ever lead to successful fluency in another language for me. And even then I’m not sure!
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  Well if I can pull it off I’m sure anybody can! We’ll see…
  Reply to this comment
Leslie Forman
28. Aug, 2011
I suggest that you somehow convince your boyfriend to talk to you in Spanish. If that’s too tricky (I know it’s tough to switch languages with someone you’ve gotten to know in one language) I recommend going as many places alone as possible while in Latin America (so you don’t get too dependent on Mike doing all the talking). Spend some quality time in the vegetable market, chatting up the lady selling the food, and asking her to quiz you on the words for everything (this works best with uneducated people in untouristy areas). Also, one-on-one classes are a great investment: so worth it!!
Suerte!!! Saludos desde Chile!
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  I wish he would talk to me in Spanish! For some reason it weirds him out.
  I think you are right about getting out on my own. I don’t want to use him as a crutch.
  Reply to this comment
Audrey
28. Aug, 2011
Not sure of your route through Latin America, but Xela, Guatemala is another great place to brush up on Spanish. You can live with a host family, take personalized Spanish classes and live in a fun town for less than $200/week.
But like you wrote, the best teacher is necessity – when you have to speak to do something, somehow you learn pretty darn quick.
Good luck!
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  Oh neat! Not sure I’m headed that way but that seems like such a cool idea.
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Christine
28. Aug, 2011
I’m not sure how long you’re planning on staying in one place, but when I came to Spain (knowing no Spanish whatsoever!) I learned a lot through doing intercambios. Put up flyers, meet with locals and speak part of the time in English, and part in Spanish. It’s less nerve-wracking practicing with someone you know is learning and perfecting a second language as well. Also, try the free Coffee Break Spanish podcasts on iTunes. Great course starting for beginners going to more intermediate level. One last thing I’d recommend is the Practice Makes Perfect series on Amazon. Buena suerte y buen viaje!
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  Thanks that’s a really good idea, especially when I first get to Bogota.
  Will check out the podcasts.
  Reply to this comment
Claire
28. Aug, 2011
The best thing that ever happened to my Spanish was three months in Central America. So my best advice is to do what you’re already doing! And when you hear a word you don’t know, write it down and look it up. Then you are hearing, writing, and seeing it. It’s a beautiful thing
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  Awesome! Thanks!
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Jeff
28. Aug, 2011
I second the Coffee Break Spanish series (followed by their Showtime Spanish series once you’re more advanced). For many more useful Spanish learning resources (including a fairly complete grammar guide and short novel), check out http://www.dadoque.com/
If you’re going to get down to Bolivia, there is a good and inexpensive school in Sucre. Look for a review on the Neverending Voyage blog. I think there are relatively cheap schools in Ecuador and Peru as well.
Even if it is more difficult at first, try and get a teacher who either cannot or will not speak any English. It probably seems better to have a teacher at the beginner level with whom you can ask questions and translations in English but a good, experienced teacher can handle anything without using a word of English.
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  Thanks for the tips! I’m hoping to get to Bolivia so I’ll leep that in mind.
  Reply to this comment
aelle
28. Aug, 2011
Are you going to be with Mike is South America? In my experience, the immersion method works all the better if you don’t give your brain a chance to relax by going back to your native language every night. Your aim is to start thinking (and dreaming) in the target language, around the clock. You may even want to take a break from the English speaking internet for a few weeks…
The first days of immersion are the hardest – using your brain so much really is exhausting, physically! But if you power through it will be worth it.
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  Yes, Mike will be with me. He never wants to talk to me in Spanish but I’m going to start insisting!
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Ruth
29. Aug, 2011
Don’t be too hard on yourself – the way languages are taught in schools often sucks. I am a linguaphile but my school-learnt French plateaued around intermediate level and my German is so bad it’s almost useless (unless you what to know where the townhall is or ask about my pet budgie).
Tips depend a bit on your learning style. (I second Miranda’s recommendation for fi3m.com though.) Some people can do well through self-study, some need a classroom (I sure do) but immersion is second to none. Practice every chance you get – always start small conversations in Spanish. Even if you later end up speaking English for a while, you may be able to switch back to Spanish when the topic moves on – and if you can do! Use gestures to back up your words if they’re not understanding you – sometimes your pronunciation is just a little off or even it’s simply that they’re not expecting you to speak Spanish so they’re not listening for it (this one happens to me a lot in Vietnam).
For your classes, I agree with Jeff – opt for 100% Spanish. My beginner Vietnamese is 90% or so – with 10% for explaining a little bit of grammar or us asking questions. While of course you don’t understand every word, you’ll be surprised that you know what your teacher means most of the time (eg. listen, well done, come here, do the worksheet). I can’t wait to switch to 100% though. Often when I’m teaching English I’m jealous they’re learning 100% in English – I’m sure my French would rock if I’d had that and even my German mightn’t suck.
Good luck!
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  Thanks for all the terrific advice! Definitelly appreciate it.
  Reply to this comment
Tom
29. Aug, 2011
Hey Steph! Immersion is great – I’m learning Korean, and have learned so much by writing down things I don’t understand and finding out what they mean later (“ohhh so that’s a dry cleaner!” etc etc)
Also, language exchange is a great idea. My boyfriend is pretty much fluent in English, but there are some things he’s shaky on, so I help him out there. He encourages me to speak Korean as much as possible, and often makes me order when we’re at a restaurant together! So, to echo what others have said, don’t let Mike do all the talking! (although it’ll be tempting) – but he can jump in and save you if need be!
Good luck
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  Thanks- I will try not to use Mike as a crutch too much!
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Allison
29. Aug, 2011
I look forward to seeing if you can manage it – and then plan to crib off those ideas. I too seem to have gotten the language-learning-fail gene too.
Good luck!
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  it’s definitely heriditary, I’m sure of it.
  Reply to this comment
Gareth Leonard
29. Aug, 2011
All great comments on here, very helpful. I would just add, put yourself in the most uncomfortable situations possible, as often as possible. Talk with everybody and embarrass yourself. When I moved to Buenos Aires, I felt like a complete idiot for the first 8 months because I only surrounded myself with Spanish speakers (who couldn’t speak English). I still felt like an idiot after that, but for many different reasons! : )
Also, try Bueno, entonces… for a different attack. If you want, I could get you a “review” copy.
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  Oooh I might be in touch with you about that!
  Thanks for the advice, I’m pretty used to feeling like a complete idiot so I’m well prepared!
  Reply to this comment
Adam
29. Aug, 2011
Do you really want to learn Spanish? I know it can be useful and it’s a great skill to have (especially as a traveller), but I wouldn’t necessarily want to “waste” my time learning something for learning’s sake. Do what you love!
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  Well I want to be able to communicate in South America (and my boyfriend’s family)! Plus I think it would be a cool thing to know- I’m actually big fan of learning for learning’s sake .
  Reply to this comment
  - Adam
    29. Aug, 2011
    Fair enough! I don’t have much against learning for learning’s sake either; I just think there are some things I may never learn.
    As for languages, I think you’re probably smart to take an intensive course in a Spanish-speaking country. Seems to be the best way to try & learn and every other way of learning a language is just a mimic of that. Good luck!
    Reply to this comment
Two Travelaholics
29. Aug, 2011
I’m looking forward to seeing what you think of Rosetta Stone. Never tried it but am thinking about it as well.
One trick to try to roll your r’s is to (this sounds weird but may work for you) try to purr. Yes, like a cat. haha You know how they kind of do a vibrating purr when they purr, well try to do that as you’re saying the word “purrrrrrrrrrr.” Focus on rolling your tongue while saying it under your breath with your mouth almost closed. That’s as best as I can describe it. Hope it makes sense and helps! Good luck!
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  eek I’ll give it a try!
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- Juanpan
  31. Aug, 2011
  Just saw this post! Yeah kitten is a good method… or you can think creepy old cougar purring at her cub (ok, maybe you shouldn’t). Double R’s have a long purr and single R words have a quick purr.
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Kat
29. Aug, 2011
Good luck with your Spanish! I just started using busuu.com to learn Spanish as recommended by a friend, and I like it so far, at least for the basics. I may look into Rosetta Stone or some such as I get a little more advanced.
As far as rolling your R’s, you might not be able to ever. When I was studying Czech in Prague, my professor told me that Vaclav Havel couldn’t roll his R’s–it was kind of the equivalent of having a speech impediment there. Made me feel better about the fact that my tongue doesn’t do it!
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- Steph
  29. Aug, 2011
  Haha maybe I can use that as an excuse!
  My problem wih the R’s is that rosetta stone has a pronunciation component and it keeps dinging me on words like mujeres. Should be easy stuff but the damn R’s kill me!
  Reply to this comment
Juanpan
31. Aug, 2011
Native (almost) Spanish speaker advice… if you want to practive rolling your R’s think purring kitten. Words with a double r in them have a long purr and words with one r have a short purr… also you can live in Miami or Hialeah just north of Miami florida and get good Spanish training as well XD. Hope this helps!
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carina
01. Sep, 2011
Hi Steph,
I totally agree with Katharina, watching movies in Spanish is just soooo efficent, plus you learn a lot about Spanish and Latin American culture… my movie tips would be:
Hable con Ella by Pedro Almodovar
Babel by Alejandro González Iñárritu
Amores Perros by Alejandro González Iñárritu
Volver by Pedro Almodovar and
Before night falls by Julian Schnabel
Frida by Julie Taymor
Diarios de motocicleta by Walter Salles
and many, many more
Also, you could try to connect with locals that want to learn English, you would meet and talk a bit in Spanish and a bit in English, cooking together is a good way to start with the communication.
Enjoy Latin America!!! Carina
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- Steph
  04. Sep, 2011
  Awesome!!! Thanks so much for the recommendations- going to check them out!
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Michael Anderson
14. Sep, 2011
Hey sounds cool. The only thing I would add is that you have to speak up if you get a bad teacher at a language school. I was backpacking in Nicaragua and stopped for a week at a language school. They gave me a teacher who’s only qualification was that she spoke Spanish. I learned nothing, spend a few hundred bucks and basically felt too sorry for the teach (who was quite poor) that I just didn’t say anything. But it was a lost week of travel. Sometimes schools just put native speakers in as teachers. Make sure you get someone who is qualified not only to speak to you, but to explain the language to you. And if you don’t, speak up!
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- Steph
  18. Sep, 2011
  Thanks for the advice! Will remember to be proactive.
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Rebecca
14. Sep, 2011
Total immersion is it for me. I too failed Spanish 1 three times and like to joke that I learned more Italian spending three weeks there then I ever did taking Spanish 1 three times.
And after two weeks in Peru, I was just starting to understand what people around me were saying, but still to chicken to respond in Spanish. Lame-o me, I would just respond in English.
Good luck!!!
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- Steph
  18. Sep, 2011
  Thanks, I’m gonna need it!
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Kim
27. Sep, 2011
H ola! As a white girl-turned spanish teacher I have to agree with some of the comments that the way language is taught in school is the problem, not you! Generally it focuses too much on grammar and not enough on actually communicating! So yes, take classes and practice as much as possible! Ask people to talk slower and they will be so happy to oblige! In my experiences in central/ america people are just so excited you are speaking their language they are happy to help!! Good luck!!! Can’t wait to read all about it!!
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- Kim
  27. Sep, 2011
  PS – if you go to Argentina and are in Buenos Aires, try out “Spanglish Exchange” https://www.spanglishexchange.com/argentina
  Ive never done it but heard about it and basically it’s like speed-dating but practicing English + Spanish. They get to practice their English, you get to practice your Spanish and there’s a drink involved to break the ice!
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  - Steph
    29. Sep, 2011
    Neat, I will try to remember to test it out!
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Ian [EagerExistence]
13. Oct, 2011
Well, its October. Are you fluent yet?
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- Steph
  16. Oct, 2011
  Errr… I wish…
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ruby travelling
04. Nov, 2011
i wish to learn spanish as well..guess my german is not so bad and english as well..lol! nice one!
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melvin
16. Jan, 2012
OMG! I’ve been studying spanish for more than 2 yrs now and the spanish pronouns drive me nuts! it’s confusing. and verb conjugation could be so complicated
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