The influx of Spanish-speaking immigrants is a growing trend in the United States. Many companies and jobs are in desperate need of bilingual employees, which provides an excellent initiative to learn Spanish as a second language. Learning Spanish will also increase your ability to form friendships that would not happen under normal circumstances due to a language barrier. However, like learning any new language, one must take time to study and understand the information they have been given. There are many helpful tips for beginners practicing Spanish as a new language.
Memorization is a large part of learning any new language. As your Spanish vocabulary increases, you may find that it is difficult to remember all the information you have been given. Creating flash cards is an excellent way of assisting the learning process. Also, after your vocabulary has expanded, you may use the older cards for review and practice purposes.
If you are a person that enjoys socialization and hands-on interaction, another helpful choice may be a Spanish-speaking pen pal or friend. If you can locate someone who is already familiar with the language you are learning, they can prove to be a valuable source of information and practice. It is as important to be able to speak Spanish, as it is to write it. Because of this, if it is possible to talk to someone fluent in Spanish, you can strengthen your speaking skills beyond memorization and repetition.
Another helpful hint in learning Spanish is to be aware of false cognates. A false cognate in Spanish is a word that sounds like an English word but means something completely different. An example of this would be the Spanish word la carpeta. This word sounds similar to the English word carpet, but the translation of this word actually means folder. Some words in the Spanish language actually have the same meanings as the words they resemble. These words are called cognates. An example of this is the Spanish word el autografo, which is similar to and means the same as the English word autograph.
It is important to remember that practice makes perfect, especially when learning a new language. Individuals learn at different paces, and it is beneficial to make sure you thoroughly understand one objective before moving to the next. In Spanish, the speed in which you speak comes with practice. Though it may be discouraging at first, remember that with proper practice and instruction you can master any language.