My Spanish Eye
An organic vision of learning Spanish in Los Angeles
help at your finger tips
Helpful HintsTo learn a new language is to re-mold your mind. Here are some tips to help you stretch your brain and tongue!
• Buy a pocket-sized Spanish dictionary.
• Create of a list of five English words you use often, and learn how to say them in Spanish. Try to find five new words every day!
• Keep a notebook of Spanish words you have overheard/read but do not know. It helps to write down what parts you do understand (for context) and investigate what the unknown word means.
• Listen to Spanish radio and watch Spanish TV. You may not understand much at first, but engaging in these ways of learning should give you a picture of how people speak Spanish today.
• Try making at least one phone call a day in Spanish (Pay a bill, order a pizza, etc.).
• When you go to a restaurant and think your server may speak Spanish, ask! If so, communicate with him/her only in Spanish.
• When you make the effort to speak in Spanish, stick with it!! If someone doesn’t understand you at first, repeat yourself in Spanish. Use body language if necessary, but don't switch back to English without a fight!
• Don’t worry about being embarrassed of your accent, skill level, etc. Most people are delighted you are trying to learn their language!
• If it is within your means, take frequent trips to a Spanish-speaking country. Or, try spending more time (grocery shopping, dining, etc.) in your local Spanish-speaking neighborhoods, and keep your ears open!
• Change the settings on your computer and cell phone to Spanish.
• When you watch a DVD, put it on the Spanish language track, or turn on the Spanish subtitles.
• Ask your Spanish-speaking friends and coworkers to speak with you in Spanish and correct you when necessary.