Less than a decade ago, people used to learn new languages in a classroom. It was an effective learning method, because I learned German and French in a teaching center too.
However, when it came to Spanish, the 4th most spoken language, I didn’t want to learn it the same way. So, I improvised and found some entertaining ways to learn it. And, not only did it make learning Spanish so much fun, but at the same time, it kept me hooked too.
Here, I’ll share those ways that helped me become a hablante fluido de español (fluent Spanish speaker) in less than 3 months. Also, while I learned Spanish, you can learn any language you want using the following methods.
So, let’s start!
Download a Language App
In my experience, a language learning app can be an effective and entertaining teacher. First, the biggest benefit of using a language app is that you can set your learning pace.
Additionally, such apps offer comprehensive lessons on vocabulary, grammar, sentence structures, etc. And, not to mention different types of quizzes, tests, and interactive activities, which make aprendiendo un nuevo idioma (learning a new language)an exciting task.
Some language apps also offer pre-recorded and live lectures, along with active communities where you can interact with other students. All in all, such apps make learning a new language a fun task, but there’s one thing you should watch out for.
Ensure your internet supports these apps, especially when you’re taking a quiz or about to join a live lecture. I failed a few time-bound assessments due to an internet outage.
Besides frustration, I also failed to progress to the next learning level.
Having said that, I passed all the quizzes and assessments with flying colors after switching to Optimum Internet. Also, back then, reps at Optimum Servicio al Cliente always understood my broken Spanish and helped resolve my queries, which is something I always appreciate.
Watch Spanish Shows and Movies
Have you watched Narcos, Money Heist, or some other famous Spanish shows? I loved these shows and rewatched them when I started learning Spanish.
As I had almost memorized these shows’ storylines, I focused on their Spanish this time. Believe me, mi entrega de sentencia (my sentence delivery) and Spanish accent got a lot better. But what I found the most valuable was how idioms were used in these shows.
Other than this, these shows helped increase my vocabulary. I learned so many words that Latin speakers use in their daily lives.
Below, I’ll mention some Spanish shows and movies that I’ve watched to improve my Spanish:
- Volver
- Como Agua Para Chocolate
- El Laberinto Del Fauno
- Diarios De Motocicleta
- No Se Aceptan Devoluciones
Talk to Hispanic People
Do you have any Spanish speakers in your neighborhood or in the office? If yes, try talking to them and tell them you want to learn Spanish. Latinos are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. And, if you tell them that you want to learn their language, they’d happily help you out.
Now, the best part about befriending a Latino is that you can conversar con ellos en español (talk to them in Spanish). Besides helping you with your Spanish accent and pronunciation, they can also rectify your mistakes.
Speaking from experience, I practiced Spanish with a colleague for half an hour every day for two months. And in that time, my speaking skills improved so much that I could confidently converse in Spanish without any hesitation.
Follow Spanish Creators on YouTube
If you watch YouTube, subscribe to the following YouTube creators first, and then I’ll explain the reason behind it:
- German Garmendia (Gaming/Comedy)
- Lejuan James (Comedy)
- Bethany Mota (DIY/GRWM Videos)
- Guillermo Díaz Ibáñez (Gaming/ Metaverse/NFTs/ Blockchain)
Now, these are all those YouTube creators who create Spanish videos. Besides extremely informative and entertaining content, their content can help you learn Spanish in a few months.
Having said that, I don’t watch travel vlogs, but it’s also an option you can explore. Also, if you’re into podcasts, you can listen to Spanish ones.
Practice In Front of a Mirror
I believe this is the ultimate trick to evaluate your progress. Whenever I’m learning a new language, I practice in front of a mirror before going to bed. I recall all the lessons, words, phrases, idioms, and whatever I learned throughout the day.
Then, I repeat them in front of a mirror. I believe it always boosts my confidence to see myself speaking a language in broken words. Other than this, it also improves my pronunciation of some difficult words that I might hesitate to speak for the first time in front of others.
These are the entertaining ways which have helped me learned Spanish.
And before winding up, I’ve got a little tip. I suggest you take help from ChatGPT when practicing a new language. Though it’ll be different than speaking to a human, you can speak to ChatGPT and ask it to rectify your mistakes.
