How Long Does It Take To Learn Spanish?
October 19, 2009
I am often asked, “how long does it take to learn Spanish?” I’m afraid that this is largely a million dollar question and one for which there’s no generic response.
Sadly there are simply too many variables involved, in that so much depends on how much effort an individual is willing to put into learning the language, and also which strategy or program they will be using. Add to that the fact that while some students may choose to use the services of a personal mentor, others will select a classroom environment instead. Actually, some people will rather opt for using one or other home study program which makes use of books, multimedia, software, and audio recordings. You also have to ask whether or not the person will be learning the language in a country where it’s spoken as the first language, or whether they will be learning it in their home country. Additionally, the quality of a program or the expertise of a teacher will also influence the result.
Because these variables will have such a direct result on how long does it take to learn Spanish, it is just not feasible to provide a single response to this question. In fact, I have personally known students who after six months, managed to communicate confidently in conversational Spanish, but also , I’ve met folks who have studied the Spanish language for a period of years, admittedly on an on and off basis, and yet after many years they can hardly get by.
Instead of attempting to provide a simple answer to this question, I’d rather discuss what I feel to be the fastest way of learning Spanish. The most significant step of all, is for a person to seize each possible opportunity regarding interacting in the language they wish to learn, regardless of what language that could be.
While you actually do get people who are firm believers in the school room approach, I feel it takes too long unless it is done with another method. In my experience, a self study system of high quality is by a large margin superior in that it permits a student to move forward at their own speed instead of being tied down to the average lecture room pace. This is very true with regards to individuals who are genuinely intent on learning Spanish.
In this example, I would suggest a student to select a reputable program which includes a variety of audio lessons, multimedia lessons, and naturally, written Spanish. Additionally, they should choose a program which allows for lessons to be downloaded onto a mobile device so that they can listen on their iPod for example. Remember, if you’re serious about learning a language, then you should shoot at being able to not only speak it and read it, but also to write it and understand it. Unless a program covers all 4 of these areas, it should be avoided or at least, you’ll need some additional material.
As you’ll have already heard, Rocket Spanish is a highly well-liked program, and not without reason. Considering that it addresses all 4 of the area’s mentioned, it has gained a reputation for providing scholars with a first foundation for basic Spanish which in turn will make sure that you are able to communicate confidently in Spanish inside a relatively short space of time. Likewise, Rosetta Stone is known to be just as good, in that it also addresses the four areas discussed above. Furthermore, it is available in two versions so that students can choose between the “Spain” version and the South American Spanish version. Judging from testimonials, it would appear that the Rosetta Stone program takes a little longer to work thru, which of course means it will take you a little longer before you develop conversational Spanish but in general, it ranks right up there with Rocket Spanish. Also, Rosetta Stone is quite a bit costlier.
As you can see, there are too many variables concerned for me or anyone else to be able to give a simple response with regards to “how long does it takes to learn Spanish. However, you have doubtless also gathered by now that there are a few things you can do in order to speed up the method. In fact, many people go as far as using both the programs mentioned in conjunction with each other in order to develop conversational skills as rapidly as possible. However, unless you are steadily exposed to the Spanish language, no program will be capable of making you a hundred p.c smooth. On the other hand, providing you are at an intermediate-to-advanced level, you could consider subscribing to Puerta del Sol Audio magazine which is a Spanish language skills Magazine. Furthermore, you’d be stunned at how much you can benefit from joining a Meetup group in your area that focuses on learning the Spanish language.
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