Before purchasing a ‘learn to speak spanish’ program or product, there are a few things to take into consideration.
1. Where will you be using this new language?
Are you learning spanish because you’re planning a trip to Spain? Or perhaps you’re going to explore Latin America. Languages can vary based on the geographic location of the country in which the language is spoken.
Take English for example. If you speak English and travel to the UK, USA, Canada and Australia – you will be able to understand and converse easily. As long as slang or an occasional thick accent doesn’t baffle you! Yet some words will
differ.
In the UK a lift is what we in North America call an elevator. The Aussies refer to a woman as a Sheila whereas in North America that is a woman’s first name.
There are both “Learn Spanish” and “Learn Latin American Spanish” products.
2. Do you need to learn casual conversational or business spanish?
If you’re learning spanish for a business trip, you may want to find a program that emphasizes business spanish. While it’s benefical to be able to casually converse and know how to order a meal and find out where the beach is, conducting your
business meeting may require a more formal choice of words.
3. How do you learn best?
We each have a learning style that works best for us.
Are you a visual learner who prefers to read text and look at pictures and video?
Are you an auditory learner who prefers to listen to recordings and the nuances in someone’s voice?
Are you a kinesthetic learner who learns by doing and interacting?
Most programs offer a combination of text, audio and/or videos – which would work well for visual and auditory learners. Kinesthetic learners may find it favorable to learn in a classroom or tutor type setting where they get to interact with
people.
4. What type of learning environment do you prefer?
Some people prefer to take an online course so they can choose how long each session is and when it is. They like the freedom of setting their own schedule.
Spanish courses are also available in physical products such as books, CDs, or a combination. Again, this allows you to determine your speed of completion.
Others may want to take a weekly class at a local community college or community center where they get the opportunity to converse with others who are also learning the langauge.
The last option is complete immersion in the language and culture. Usually this type of program is available in Spanish speaking countries and will likely produce the fastest results.
Whichever format you choose, get started and learn spanish!