The thing that really made a difference in my speaking was talking one on one with native speakers and changing all my entertainment to Spanish (nearly every time I watch a movie or show or listen to an audiobook or podcast, it's in Spanish).
I always said I wanted to learn Spanish but just said it wasn't possible because I didn't have time or money for classes. I thought I had to take a class or move abroad for it to ever happen. And while, yes, it did turn out that I needed more time and money, I don't think group classes are the answer. The pace is always the slowest student. With individual hourly conversation "lessons" (all I do is talk) a few times a week, plus consuming massive amounts of media, I went from probably A2 to B2 (this is where a most teachers have said I am) in less than a year.... and yes, I think it would've been easier if I did this in my 20s.
I'm almost 40. I believe you can do it if you focus mostly on the part you feel lacks the most and that is also (in my opinion) the most important: speaking!
One on one conversation lessons let you be greedy and focus heavily on your speaking without having to take turns speaking English or listening to someone else struggling with Spanish. I do envy your ability to practice everyday in a real context.
I asked my brother, who learned Japanese, how he got over the shame part, and he said, "what shame? You can't improve if you are too embarrassed to speak." I took that to heart and my strategy is to literally laugh at my mistakes. Helps to keep things light. Wishing all of us luck! Learning languages is not easy.
I've lived in Spain for 5yrs and have been told countless times that I speak very well. But 2 key things: I still can't express myself the way I want to and I started learning Spanish 10yrs ago! I've stopped feeling "guilty" though because learning a language is a long process. One thing is technically learning it (proper grammar and the like), but another thing entirely is infusing your personality and defining who you are in that language!
This had me rollin because I am in the same boat. I studied abroad in college. Itās always been one of the things I want to do. Ego definitely plays a roll.
I'm not currently learning Spanish in another country, but did when I was half your age-- I can still relate to the struggle. It's a humbling process.
What I really needed to read today, and will carry with me into my current day struggle: "What I need now is the confidence to fuck up and keep ...... anyway." Different verb; the same path forward. Thanks for that.
Oh, and I really love that your lady is now your partner (hope that doesn't sound like a smartass comment). Love to you and your partner from Austin.
The thing that really made a difference in my speaking was talking one on one with native speakers and changing all my entertainment to Spanish (nearly every time I watch a movie or show or listen to an audiobook or podcast, it's in Spanish).
I always said I wanted to learn Spanish but just said it wasn't possible because I didn't have time or money for classes. I thought I had to take a class or move abroad for it to ever happen. And while, yes, it did turn out that I needed more time and money, I don't think group classes are the answer. The pace is always the slowest student. With individual hourly conversation "lessons" (all I do is talk) a few times a week, plus consuming massive amounts of media, I went from probably A2 to B2 (this is where a most teachers have said I am) in less than a year.... and yes, I think it would've been easier if I did this in my 20s.
I'm almost 40. I believe you can do it if you focus mostly on the part you feel lacks the most and that is also (in my opinion) the most important: speaking!
One on one conversation lessons let you be greedy and focus heavily on your speaking without having to take turns speaking English or listening to someone else struggling with Spanish. I do envy your ability to practice everyday in a real context.
I asked my brother, who learned Japanese, how he got over the shame part, and he said, "what shame? You can't improve if you are too embarrassed to speak." I took that to heart and my strategy is to literally laugh at my mistakes. Helps to keep things light. Wishing all of us luck! Learning languages is not easy.
I've lived in Spain for 5yrs and have been told countless times that I speak very well. But 2 key things: I still can't express myself the way I want to and I started learning Spanish 10yrs ago! I've stopped feeling "guilty" though because learning a language is a long process. One thing is technically learning it (proper grammar and the like), but another thing entirely is infusing your personality and defining who you are in that language!
In France for 9 years ... same shit.
Itās the same lesson Iām trying to teach Emma, while learning it myself. That perfectionistic fear filled ego will get you every time!
This had me rollin because I am in the same boat. I studied abroad in college. Itās always been one of the things I want to do. Ego definitely plays a roll.
I'm not currently learning Spanish in another country, but did when I was half your age-- I can still relate to the struggle. It's a humbling process.
What I really needed to read today, and will carry with me into my current day struggle: "What I need now is the confidence to fuck up and keep ...... anyway." Different verb; the same path forward. Thanks for that.
Oh, and I really love that your lady is now your partner (hope that doesn't sound like a smartass comment). Love to you and your partner from Austin.