Immersion, immersion, immersion! Sadly, I never learned the amount of Spanish I had hoped to while volunteering in Chile but now in Guatemala, I’m more than making up for it. Staying with a Spanish speaking family is the best possible immersion you could hope for and great fun, too.
My Spanish phrases, although limited, are now the first ones that come to mind. I also find myself responding to or questioning things in Spanish anytime I try to interact with others or read something on paper. That’s not to say there aren’t moments that are hugely frustrating – in one moment I can feel semi-fluent, then at the end of a long day feel again like I understand near nothing. I have to admit there are moments I really struggle with trying to balance my great desire to communicate with not being able to say and mime all that I want to.
Just one of thousands Spanish language newspapers
I read recently on a Rosetta Stone advertisement that in order to really learn a language you need to become (or at least act like) a baby again, and I think it’s true. My advice for what it’s worth is to surround yourself with all things and people associated with your desired language. For example, if your goal like mine is to learn Spanish, then:
- Listen to Spanish songs and radio
- Watch Spanish movies and T.V.
- Read Spanish books, magazines and newspapers. Keep a dictionary beside you while you read them.
- Stay with a Spanish speaking family and if they do speak your first language, make it a rule that they don’t do so with you.
- Check out YouTube where you’ll find many free video tutorials
- Learn Spanish dance and how to cook local meals
- Let your curiosity guide you above all. Seek and ask questions on everything even if they seem kind of silly.
It’s not easy to feel like a child again and at times, like someone who has lost their ability to speak. But it’s amazing what you can achieve when you want to; keep telling yourself you can do it and eventually you will!
Amanda Patterson recently wrapped up a stint teaching English and public speaking as a volunteer with Corporation for the Development of Learning (CDA) in Santiago, Chile. She’s just arrived in Guatemala, eagerly awaiting her next adventure.
For more musings on learning another language, check out these posts from other La Vida Idealist bloggers: “The Multiple Personalities of You“; “¿Dónde Está El Baño?“; “Help! I’ve Reached the Foreign Language Flatlands!”; “What Your Language Teacher Doesn’t Want You to Know”; “Could You Pick Up Some Milk and a Second Language While You’re Out?”; “Forget Language Teachers…I’ve Got Kids”; and “5 Surprises About International Volunteering: #2 – Language Non-Barriers.”
Latest posts by manzlpatt
- Those Final Few Days ... - July 5th, 2010
- Curious About Chile? 15 Facts and Fictions Any Newcomer Should Know. - June 29th, 2010
- Ironies and Self-Indulgence - June 21st, 2010
- Translation on the Fly - June 14th, 2010
- Reconstruction & Breaking In - June 7th, 2010
- Chasing Chile - June 2nd, 2010
Can completely relate to your article! Am currently in La Paz trying to learn Spanish after travelling in South America for 4 months. One minute I feel I am “getting there”, the next I feel as if I will never make it!!!! Currently taking private lessons and trying the “immersion” technique!
Will try some of your other tips too! Angie
Great advice about learning language. I am in Santiago volunteering right now and it is difficult to discipline yourself to surround yourself with Spanish when English is readily available.