Best Way To Learn Spanish Fast

By Harold Peterson

For foreign language students deciding upon Spanish as their second language the question "Is there a best way to learn Spanish?" will inevitably come to mind sooner or later. The answer, of course, isn't a black or white choice, and what works well for one person may not work as well for another. Also, it generally depends upon how much time can be invested in the learning of the language.

Complete immersive language training has always been the preferred method for gaining a high level of ability in the chosen language. It can involve speaking as much as possible in the new language -- according to gradually increasing ability -- and even taking in much of the Spanish culture (depending upon the Spanish-speaking region of the world a person would be most interested in, which many experts say helps to increase learning).

The way most people have learned to speak Spanish as a second (or third, and so on) language -- at least in the United States -- has been the same method used for several generations, which is in the classroom. The upside to such a method is that solid structure and benchmarks for learning exists within the framework of the instructor-student relationship.

The downside to such an arrangement, though, is that little allowance can be made for those students who are having a slightly more difficult time than the class in general. This means the class has to move forward - in order to meet hard deadlines - with generally little regard for individual Spanish language education needs. Eventually, people end up frustrated and unable to learn Spanish as well as they should.

A combination of some amount of immersion in conjunction with classroom learning has shown to be effective in almost every circumstance, which is heartening. The issue exists, though, of just how much language training can be done in a self-paced manner, as the matter of a beginning and end date for the course and the lesson topics within each course still exists.

Today, though, the increasing power of the Internet has set us free from the bounds of brick and mortar institutions of learning and the need to travel to some Spanish-speaking country for a real immersive experience. And many times, online programs which can be made use of when and where appropriate are the norm. Programs come in many different varieties and usually in CD-ROM, with updates regularly available.

The one thing that needs to be realized is that programs such as the above require discipline, which means making the effort to sit down in front of the computer on a regular basis and do the work necessary. But the convenience of more than a few of these software-based language training programs can outweigh any possible pitfalls, given they can be accessed when and generally where (especially if computers are a ubiquitous part of a person's life) needed.

As always, the best way to learn Spanish will be the way that works best for the individual. Generally, there isn't a single-best method for gaining Spanish-speaking ability and what may work well for one person might not work as well for another, though there are general learning abilities inherent in all people. So do a bit of research on Spanish language training programs before deciding on any particular one and go with the method that works for you. - 31529

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