Important Study Tips for Spanish

Important Study Tips for Studying Spanish

When studying a language you must primarily understand that it will take time. You cannot learn all of a language just in class. If you truly want to learn Spanish, here are some tips to make your learning more organized and helpful!

When just starting to learn a language it is important to think of what you already know, even if it is as simple as saying hello or goodbye. Also you must think of what you know in English. It is easy to make connections through certain languages. For example, "...words such as comunicación, deliscioso, limón, and oficina. You'll find Spanish easier if you use what you already know" (Boyles XXXI). These are called conjugations. Words in English and Spanish, although very different, are regularly similar and therefore easier to learn/understand.



Another important strategy for learning Spanish would be the use of tangible things. Make flashcards! Make graphic organizers! Use songs and mnemonic devices! Have fun with Spanish and it will be easier to learn! When it comes to making charts and other graphic organizers, it is important that you make it easy for you to remember (for example, make a key). Drawing and writing diagrams can help you with the connections and meanings of other words. Flash cards are really easy to make too! and for how helpful they are, its definitely worth the time! An easy way to make them is to create a picture on one side of a flashcard, and the Spanish word on the other. You can use the picture to memorize the word and you can use the word to think of the picture that goes with it (Boyles XXXI).

All in all, there are many creative ways to use materials for studying. And certain ones work better than others, but it all depends on how you like to study. Once you know how to do that, everything else should be very simple.

Boyles, Peggy Palo. Prentice Hall Realidades 1. Pearson Education, 2011.

Why Study Spanish?

Why Study Spanish?

Studying a language is obviously very important and even necessary for graduating high school. Learning a new language expands all of your opportunities for success throughout life and in all aspects of communication. In my opinion, studying Spanish is something I believe every student should do. "Over 340 million people who live in Spain, 18 Latin American countries, Puerto Rico, Equatorial Guinea, the Philippines and the United States speak Spanish. It is the second most common language in the United states and 3rd most commonly spoken language in the world" (Boyles XXX). After knowing this and already being enrolled in Spanish 1-2, I realized the importance of the class I was taking. There is so much to learning Spanish besides speaking. Learning this language involves me in understanding a new culture, expanding my soon-to-be career opportunities and to all in all enjoy and experience the culture surrounded by the Spanish language.

Spanish is key for understanding its culture. Language heavily surrounds and supports a culture, giving it a way for its people to communicate and share ideas. The world of Spanish-speakers is rich in food, art, literature, history and numerous traditions based on their fascinating culture (Boyles XXX). This allows you to learn about other cultures and helps you see other perspectives. After learning parts of a new language, everything after comes naturally in their culture, especially in literature and music.

Not only is Spanish truly interesting, but from what I have read, knowing how to speak Spanish is very helpful when getting a job. Businesses now-a-days are looking for employees that speak languages other than English. When workers can communicate with others in another language it widens their incoming customers, once they know they don't have to get a translator, etc. The amount of Spanish-speaking people within business is growing, so the employees have to too!

So far, learning Spanish, has introduced me to many possible opportunities. Clubs, projects, culture, and even daily homework, has been a good effect from this class. I believe everyone should take a language and especially Spanish because of its growing importance in the world.

What more could this language do in the World?

Boyles, Peggy Palo. Prentice Hall Realidades 1. Pearson Education, 2011.