I want to learn to speak Spanish!

With the Spanish speaking population increasing around where I live, especially in the construction trades, I believe that it would be a good idea for me to begin learning to speak some Spanish. I understand that the best way is through immersion, actually being around people that speak the language and this is becoming more easy to do. What I am looking for is a good, inexpensive program that will get me started, in the comfort of my own home, before I go out into the world and try it out. I am interested in getting my meaning across to other people and I would also like to have an idea what they are saying. It would also be an advantage to know what people are saying when they do not know that you their language. Did anyone see The Taking of Pellum 1 2 3?

You might be mightily dissapointed when you’ll realize they’re talking mostly about their grocery list or similar things…

Actually, I have come to terms with the fact that nobody is really out to get me and most people really talk about and worry about the same things I do, thanks for the reminder.

Head down to your local library. Mine has a number of different CDs and tapes that will start you learning the language. Go through as many as you can, then start watching the Spanish channel on cable. Get a hold of some Spanish books, magazines, or newspapers. These will help with your vocabulary. Borders or Barnes & Noble will usually have those materials, though your library may have some of those as well. After you’ve been doing that for a while, start talking with people. You’ll make a lot of mistakes, but it’s the best way to learn.

**Cable?..Spanish channel?..**I will not pay money for something that I get too much of for free.

Sorry for the chap shot…

Do you mean you get Spanish language broadcast television? If so, watching Spanish programs is a good way to start. News programs and documentaries will be the easiest, comedies the hardest.

I took lots of Spanish courses and lessons in the US, but I didn’t become fluent until I moved somewhere where I had to use it every day.

Watching Spanish TV and movies - with subtitles at first - will help a lot.

I’d suggest the OP consider taking a couple semesters of beginning Spanish at a community college or something, though. It shouldn’t cost all that much, and short of moving to another country it’s hard for me to imagine that simply hanging out with Spanish speakers would help much.

No, actually I meant that I live in the sticks and cannot get cable TV nor would I pay for it were it available>

As a former Spanish teacher, and therefore biased, I highly recommend you take Spanish at a community college (or, even better, regular college). I also highly recommend taking the courses designed for undergrads and take it for a grade (not audit). No matter how self-motivated you think you are, knowing that the dipshit next to you might make a higher grade will motivate you more.

Also, the 1x/week night classes are far from the ideal way to learn a language, and that’s how adult ed classes are usually set up.

After you’ve taken all the Spanish courses available before lit classes (usually about 2 years worth), then pick up your butt and get in a situation where you have to get your point across in either Spanish or signs/grunts.

Good luck and have fun!!

Excellent advice.
Yes, take a class, but make sure it’s a class where the teacher knows what she/he is doing. Spanish is not that difficult. I learned as a kid by working in my step-mother’s Mexican restaurant (yes, it was a violation of child labor laws, but what the hell, I got paid). That was only speaking though. I took it upon myself to learn how to read and write, with a few good reference books. Then I re-read my favorite Garcia Marquez books in Spanish. If there is some kind of Spanish-language medium that you like–music, for example–take advantage of it, and record what you can. When I first came to LA I recorded hours and hours of the “tropical” music stations, because at that time, they hadnt yet become the pathetic homoginized garbage they are today.

Also, after living in Colombia a few years, I really appreciated “Betty La Fea.” Is that available on DVD? I have every episode on VCR.

Moved to IMHO.

-xash
General Questions Moderator

I took Spanish in high school and one semester in college, but that’s been 20+ years now. I remember thins like, “Donde esta las cervesas y las puntas?” It might get me what I want but not what I need. :smiley:

As long as you don’t rely on the subtitles to give an accurate translation of what’s being said! (Here, where most films are shown in English with Spanish subtitles, the differences can be hilarious.)

“Betty La Fea’s” time slot used to be the best time to go to the supermarket here, since everyone went home to watch it and the stores would be deserted. Some restaurants were forced to install TVs just so they would have some customers during that time. :slight_smile: