Learning the language: Spanish - Page 2

Thanks Donna.  I know, I feel like I have failed at the first hurdle!  Will have a look at that App.  Thanks, karen

Thank you Matthew .... I’m sat here (with a G&T!) reading all the responses I’ve received and feeling much more optimistic.  So many wonderful suggestions.... I’m going to get cracking today!  We aim to move permanently to Spain within the next six months so I guess I was putting a lot of pressure on myself and having retired 2 years ago, beginning to think I’d lost the ability to learn!  Thank you again .... everyone.  I feel much more optimistic.  Karen

Back in the day when we were learning Spanish (through my reliable system - I already informed you, I'm cocky) the greatest satisfaction was gained overtaking some of the unhelpful fart-heads who would were unhelpful to the point of getting in the way of our learning. It's a terrific feeling speaking advanced Spanish while those cretins are still bogged down in their bog Spanish.

My last hint in learning Spanish:- Turn your setbacks into comebacks.Keep learning and smiling.

Hi Karen

I cannot really add much to the excellent advice given by others on this thread.

In the past I have sat in Spanish classes not understanding much of what was being said. To my surprise many of the others attending the classes didn't either! 

Since then I have tried different methods of learning the language and now have found the ones which suit my style of learning. I am sure that you will as well.

Even with the help of a Spanish teacher on a 1 to 1 basis every week, there are occasions when I have felt that I have been going backwards. It's only when my Spanish friends remind me on how far I have come that I realise that I have been making progress. There will be times when you will feel that way as well. 

If you do a bit every day with regular revision you will surprise yourself on how much you will have learned over the course of a year.

Good luck

Richard

Awww thanks Richard

It’s so lovely to have received so much encouragement on this forum; it’s really boosted my confidence.  I’ve already ordered CDs and books and had a look on the television for Spanish films etc.  Thank you all.  Karen

Not to put you off but when my Spanish wife started listening to my Spanish language CD's she was horrified and said get rid of them,we don't say that phrase or whatever.She considered them to be useless..Started going to a Spanish tutor as part of a group but think it might be prudent to start on a one to one basis from now on as I am a bit more advanced than knowing one to ten,or the days of the week etc and some of the class are complete beginners.I find a lot of difficulty with the verbs especially the irregular ones.You just have to take things slowly (despacio)....and you will get to a reasonable level fairly soon.I think very few can master another language word perfect even after many years unless you love learning languages anyway and I don't....

Thanks Biggles.  I am at the stage where 1-10, general greetings, my name and some colours are all good!  But why some words are feminine, some masculine etc etc .... my learning style is that I like to know ‘why’ .... my tutor just says ‘it’s just how it is’!   I need to get ‘my ear’ in to the sound of the language as every word of the lesson is in Spanish and I find long periods of not having a clue what’s going on! Lol .  Karen

I agree with the tutor that "it's just the way it is" and you have to just accept that.My other half who is Spanish says that even they don't always say the same thing and others don't even use the correct grammar.Spanish seems to be a language where you can say the same thing in many different ways.I can obviously get by these days but get completely lost when they talk at 100 mph(160 kph)!!!

Apologies! Duolingo is very helpful. I clicked the wrong button by mistake!

Marilyn

We are also trying to learn Spanish. We found "Spanish with Paul" really helpful. 10 free lessons then you can buy his course. You can go at your own pace and repeat as many times as you like. Good luck, it is hard later in life!