One of the world’s most used languages, spoken by approximately 400 thousand people worldwide, Spanish is very popular for people wanting to learn a second language. It is spoken on all continents, notably Europe and South America.

Learning a language can be done in several ways. Most public libraries have books that either serve as a dictionary of phrases which will help you if you are stuck, or actual learning books which allow self teaching of the language. Some schools or colleges stock these books or even give lessons; check your local area for courses. You can also get audio tapes which help you to learn Spanish. These give you phrases and the counterparts and help you to memorise them through repetition, which many feel is a very effective method. Lastly the internet provides many sites that teach languages, the BBC being noted for it.

Spanish is one of the easier languages as the letters used are the same as English and many words share similar roots. For example, �no’ is �no’, �hola’ is �hi’, etc, meaning that some words can be guessed at. Another thing which helps is that most people know more Spanish than they realise, from movies and television. Most people know that �gracias’ means �thank you’ and �adios’ means �goodbye’ just from their repeated use in the media. The Terminator films became famous for the Spanish phrase �hasta la vista’ - roughly, �until I see you again’, a farewell.

Due to the wide use of Spanish the available recourses for learning are high, with lessons, websites and phrase books being easy to find and use. The BBC Spanish website gives phrases in audio format for correct pronunciation and teaches grammar. It is also very useful because it teaches slang terms. Most people would rather be able to talk in slang now and then than constantly have to use very broken and formal sounding sentences just to say their name. This also includes a list of rude phrases to avoid any embarrassing confusion!

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There are a lot of different resources that you can utilize when learning to speak Spanish from home. Learning a new language was not an easy task for me, but these simple tips helped my out a lot with my language course. I learned to speak Spanish fluently enough to converse, read, and even write simple phrases in Spanish.

Tip #1: Watch Movies!

This method is not only simple, it’s fun, and it can really help develop a foundation. Start watching movies in English that have Spanish subtitles. Reading the subtitles while listening to the words in English helps you to better understand conversational Spanish. Also, once you are starting to really be able to understand Spanish, you can start watching movies, spoken in Spanish, with English subtitles. Try to understand what is being said and use the subtitles only as a guide. This is an excellent way to pick up conversational language without having to visit a foreign country!

Tip #2: Use Flash Cards

That’s right, use this simple technique we were all taught in school! You can use flash cards in two different ways. First of all, you can place a card on objects around the house with the Spanish word for that object. This will help you learn the Spanish words for common things around the house and get others involved. The second thing you can do with flash cards is, put common phrases in Spanish on one side of a card and then the English translation on the other side of the card. Then, speak the phrases in Spanish when ever you have the opportunity.

Tip #3: Read Comic Strips and Children’s Books

I know it may sound silly but by using children’s books you avoid advanced and hard to translate words. Take comic strips, or children’s books that you are familiar with that have been translated into Spanish and practice reading them. These publications will have simple sentence structure and should be fairly short in length. It is also helpful if you have a copy in English so that if you really get in a bind you can translate. Hopefully though, you will know the story well enough to fill in the blanks when you are unsure of a word or phrase.

Nothing can replace an actual class, or course in speaking Spanish. But, by using these three tips, you can incorporate learning Spanish at home into your everyday life. This will help you pick up the language more naturally and without hours and hours of studying. You can use these techniques in addition to taking a class or by themselves in your spare time. Just remember, the best way to learn anything is through repetition and by incorporating new things into your everyday life! So, have fun and don’t get frustrated. Just keep working and you will get it!

P.S. These tips can be used to help learn any language! So, don’t limit yourself just to Spanish. Try German, French, Italian, whatever you’re interested in. Also, if you have children around, start using these techniques with them. Children pick up languages very easily, and then you will have partners in your new adventure!

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