Learning Spanish may seem difficult at first, but there are various tools to help you along the way. The most important tip is to focus on the benefits: it strengthens your brain, keeping it flexible and agile; it can boost your career, opening up opportunities in the Latin American market, and it gives you access to many resources without the need for translation.
Many of you may ask, “But how much time does it take to learn Spanish as an adult?” That’s up to you. A committed student can become fluent in a year. This is achieved not only by spending hours with books but also by listening to Spanish music, watching Spanish and Latin movies, and immersing yourself in the language whenever possible. Otherwise, those who progress gradually can opt for the long-term route, which takes about four years.
The thing is that it is never too late to learn new skills and improve yourself! Once you start, you can soon communicate in the new language. So here are some valuable tips to help you in this mission.
1. Notepaper everywhere
Labeling your house is a simple but effective method to learn basic vocabulary. Put notepaper on all furniture and objects, so you will remember the Spanish word every time you walk by or pick something up. This way, it’s easy to become familiar with the terms and memorize them.
2. Apps to learn Spanish as an adult
Your smartphone is always with you, so language apps can be helpful. There are many options to try: Babbel, uTalk, Duolingo, Pimsleur, and Mondly are just a few of them. You can designate a time of day to practice or take advantage of any moment that would otherwise be wasted. This could be the time you spend on public transportation to work or a few minutes during your lunch break. Additionally, if you prefer a more structured and interactive learning experience, enrolling in local Spanish classes offers the valuable opportunity to engage with a teacher and fellow students, fostering a supportive environment conducive to language acquisition. Explore options at community centers, language schools, and local educational institutions, or simply search online for “Spanish classes for adults near me” to enrich your language journey further.
3. Turn your hobby into your greatest strength
What are your hobbies? Reading books, cooking, watching movies, doing yoga: no matter what, try to do it in Spanish! Look up everything you can about it in Spanish, learn the vocabulary, and try to use the language in your practice. If you cook, look up recipes (in Spanish!). It will help you learn vocabulary.
If you spend some time watching movies, series, YouTube videos, or playing video games, a good tip is to start with Spanish subtitles. As you progress, try options with the original Spanish voice.
4. Travel to a Spanish-speaking country
The best way to learn a new language is to be in contact with it. As an adult, you may not have time to participate in an exchange to study. Still, you can choose a Spanish-speaking country as your next holiday destination. Colombia, for example, is a great place to learn Spanish as an adult.
This country has beautiful cities, historical and natural attractions, fantastic cuisine, and welcoming people. It will be an unforgettable experience, and you will surely develop your skills! Before your trip, check the Colombia vaccine requirements and the travel documents you need. The iVisa website offers a handy tool to find out what documents you must submit for this trip.
5. Talk to yourself in Spanish
Don’t judge yourself! We all talk to ourselves, so why not use your own voice to practice? Go over the day’s tasks, complain about the traffic, and think about what you’re doing for the weekend: try doing it all in Spanish in your head—singing out loud in the shower? Try some Spanish music! Even talk to yourself in the mirror to see how you look when you pronounce the words.
Only practice will lead to perfection. If you don’t have other people to practice with, at least you have yourself!
