8 Easy Ways to Incorporate Spanish into Your Daily Life
Whether you want to learn Spanish for school or work-related reasons, talking to your neighbor or friend, or just for the fun of it, here are 8 effective tips to further your learning.
With more than 450 million native speakers, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, just behind Chinese (Yes, even more than English!). Its usage spans over 20 countries in 4 continents. That's a lot of reasons to want to learn Spanish.
Whether you want to learn for work–related reasons, to talk to your neighbor, or just for fun, here are some helpful tips to make progress on your learning journey.
And no, we won't tell you to bury your nose in a textbook ☺️.
1. Turn up the volume!
Here's some advice you'll hear quite often: listen to music. It works! And although sometimes songs have grammatical errors in their lyrics, listening — and singing along — may help you gain fluidity in your speaking skills and train your ear for common Spanish expressions. Besides, listening to music from various countries will grow your vocabulary even more!
2. Read as much as you can
Reading is a great way to acquire vocabulary when learning a new language. You have ample choices when it comes to literature: short stories, novels, poems, magazines, newspapers, and essays.
Additionally, consider that different types of writing and genres will have distinct word choices and tones. Keeping a mixed selection of readings will expose you to more ideas, thereby improving your understanding of the language.
If you're interested in re–reading some of the classics in Spanish, check out this compilation of translated literature:
Bonus: Poetry in Spanish is all about feelings, so you'll encounter a myriad of adjectives. Try reading some Poetry from time to time!
3. Tell the world you're ready
Speak and practice with whomever you can! It doesn't matter if it's your friend, your partner, your neighbor, or even a stranger you're talking to, the point is practicing the language. And remember, the more, the merrier! This point is very important since one of the tricky parts of learning Spanish is interacting with others.
4. Turn on the TV
Spanish is a language that has a lot of idioms, so learning them may be a little tricky. But not to worry! Spanish programs, movies, and podcasts often have common expressions which usually aren't taught in schools. This way, watching movies and TV shows may fun and helpful!
Also, keep in mind that it's different to watch English programs in Spanish than originally–made Spanish ones. Programs from Spanish-speaking countries will also subtly (or sometimes not) incorporate the culture into the media.
5. Challenge yourself
Don't stick to the classic expressions of hola and gracias. Instead, get out of your comfort zone and try to build complete phrases in Spanish (even try to imitate a tone when speaking). This is crucial when learning a new language, and it not only applies when speaking to other people; it is also helpful when writing.
Teaming up with some one who is both patient and knowledgeable will allow you to focus on what's important. We reviewed the Tandem app for meeting Spanish speakers, and recommend you give it a try.
AddSpanish Team
6. Mental translator
Whenever you're in the street waiting for the bus, at the supermarket, or simply in the bathroom, translate in your mind the signs, messages, and announcements you read or hear around you. This will make you practice what you already know and enhance your daily-life Spanish!
It's important not to try to translate everything in a literal way because some words or phrases don't have an equivalent. Instead, ask yourself: How would I say it in Spanish?
7. Switch to Español
The amount of time we spend online is astonishing, so why not spice things up? Try changing the language on your phone, computer, and other devices.
You'll absorb a great amount of new vocabulary this way!
8. Don't give up!
Learning is more about the journey than the result, so don't be discouraged if you're still working on grammar or pronunciation.
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. — Albert Einstein
Remember, you can always revisit the reasons why you're learning Spanish to get back on track. Good luck! Or as Spanish folks would say, buena suerte!