So you're thinking of learning Spanish and you want to know if it'll be a difficult journey? Learning a new language shouldn't be scary. It may take time and dedication but If you're ready to take on the challenge, it's a fun and rewarding experience that offers many benefits.
Is Spanish difficult to learn?
There is no simple answer to that question. It depends on many factors, but if I had to give a more concrete answer it would be that it takes time. Which is true for learning any new language!
The time needed to:
- learn every part of the language
- train your ear to the new language
- work on pronunciation, repetition, and consolidation
- put all the jigsaw pieces together (grammar, gender, pronunciation…) and speak it
If that scares you off, think that you have already done it once! You have already learnt as a child your mother tongue, so if you did it once there is no reason you can’t do it again, right?
It's easy to learn Spanish if you already speak another Romance language
It’ll be easier to learn other Romance languages
Spanish evolved from Latin, like all the Romance languages: Portuguese, Italian, French, Romanian. Romance languages share grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. Learning one of them will be a steppingstone to the next one.
So if you did French at school and now you want to try Spanish, you will find that when you try to speak it, all the French you thought you have forgotten resurfaces.
And if you want to go on to learn other Romance languages, you’ll find it much easier to grasp them after learning Spanish.
Did you know that learning a new language can boost your brain power?
Learn more: 5 benefits of learning a new language
Tips to make learning Spanish easy
Become familiar with grammar terms in your own language.
What is a verb? What’s different between a proper noun and a common noun? If you become familiar with grammar terms in your native language, it will make getting acquainted with a new one less scary.
In everyday conversation you use adjectives, nouns, verbs, prepositions, etc. Knowing their functions and their part in the sentence will help you in your learning.
Take advantage of all the free materials
There are many free resources which you can find on the internet. As you progress and discover what materials work best for you, you’ll be able to be more selective. For example, this BBC video series.
Bring Spanish into your everyday life
You need to find ways to make the most of what you are learning in the classroom:
If you are in the supermarket, try to name the products in Spanish. Even better, take your shopping list in Spanish.
While waiting for the bus, say all the bus numbers you see in Spanish.
Watch films in Spanish. As you become more advanced change from English subtitles to Spanish.
Why City Lit?
I hope I have convinced you that the time and money you will invest in learning Spanish will be worth it. I want to invite you to join our community of tutors and students here at City Lit.
We are situated at the heart of Covent Garden where we offer face to face and online Spanish courses at all levels.
Our teaching follows the Communicative approach. In the classroom you will learn the language needed in everyday situations. While our tutors, from Latin America and Spain, offer an insight into the Spanish speaking world.
All you need is a good learning attitude and dedication.
Start your journey into Spanish with us!!!!
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