Learning Spanish from an app or textbooks is all good and well… Until you hit a brick wall. There comes a point at which you notice that you’re simply not getting any better. You may have a good understanding of grammar and a wide vocabulary but, the moment you try to have an actual conversation in Spanish – poof! It’s all gone. If that sounds familiar, it’s time to move onto more immersive and practical ways to improve your language skills.
Weave Spanish into your daily life
What language learning apps fail to do is showcase the diversity of Spanish in different environments. The differences between casual chit-chat with a cashier and a formal conversation in the boardroom will be significant. The only way to learn them is by surrounding yourself with Spanish in various different genres and scenarios.
For instance, start watching different shows and films in Spanish. Besides using subtitles on popular shows, have a look at those produced in Spain (like the infamous Money Heist), as it gives you a more natural portrayal of the language.
Similarly, make an effort to listen to your podcasts, music, news, and other media in Spanish. At first, it may feel out of your comfort zone. You may even need to rewind or translate certain parts to understand them fully. However, this kind of daily exposure will help your brain absorb the language naturally, getting familiar with different accents and ways of communicating.
This immersion helps reinforce all vocabulary, from casual slang to essential organizational terms like the days of the week in Spanish. Hearing them used naturally in the context of news or daily life schedules is far more effective than rote memorization.
The ultimate immersion in Valencia
Surrounding yourself by Spanish language is already incredibly effective, but nothing will push you to learn quickly like fully immersing yourself by visiting the country. Not only are you completely surrounded by nothing but Spanish, but you also have to use it in practice, in various daily scenarios.
Valencia, in particular, is a popular choice for those looking to better their language skills. This vibrant city has the perfect blend of history and culture, with lots of fun activities to get involved with. It is also home to one of the leading language schools, Españolé, located in a stunning restored Gothic palace. They offer a selection of different courses based on your level, course, intensity, length, and your goals.
Enrolling in a Spanish course in Valencia is not just a superb learning opportunity, with experienced teachers providing personalised guidance, but also a way to make new friends and get involved in social activities, such as cooking or sailing. It can be a short 1-week holiday or a longer course, up to a year.
Other creative techniques from home
Beyond watching Spanish TV and travelling to the country, there are other creative ways you can immerse yourself in the language from the comfort of your home. One of these is changing the language settings on your electronic devices to Spanish. This means that every time you pick up your phone or go on your laptop, you will be forced to use the language.
Another simple trick is to label items in your home with their Spanish names, to build up your vocabulary even more, such as your dry cupboard foods or spices. Similarly, you could buy a Spanish cookbook for your dinner recipes (delicious meals will be an added bonus!).
Lastly, finding ways to practice your speaking skills from home will make a huge difference. Find yourself a language exchange partner, either in person or online, whom you may simply meet up and chat with over coffee. This will improve your pronunciation and conversational skills significantly.
Getting out of your comfort zone
When learning any language, if you find yourself in a comfort zone, it means you’re no longer improving. The only way to truly speed up the learning process is through immersion, pushing you to use Spanish even when it’s not the most comfortable choice!
