| Without a doubt, total immersion in any culture is | | | | translated into a dictionary. Literally within days |
| the ideal way to learn a language quickly and | | | | you'll be speaking Spanish in simple sentences, but |
| fluently. The advantages include enveloping a | | | | communicating effectively with the locals, who will |
| suitable accent, learning the common use of the | | | | be quick to correct your mispronunciations! |
| language (how it is spoken locally) and providing a | | | | While your main goal may only be to speak |
| clearer understanding of the semantic and | | | | Spanish fluently, immersion also provides an |
| grammatical nuances of it. For a widely spoken | | | | opportunity to learn to both read and write |
| language like Spanish, there's no faster way to | | | | effectively as well. Private tutoring generally |
| learn it! | | | | works best for this, especially if you have a friend |
| This approach to your linguistic studies begins by | | | | who is a native speaker and can help you. |
| traveling to, and living in an area where Spanish is | | | | Re-reading your favorite books (the Spanish |
| the official and (hopefully) primary language. You're | | | | edition) will help you polish your reading skills as |
| not just going to pick it up by living there though, | | | | well as improve vocabulary rapidly. |
| so make arrangements for regular classes or | | | | Remember too that during immersion, you really |
| private instruction by someone qualified to teach | | | | need to avoid the use of English (or your own |
| non-native speakers. This part of learning Spanish | | | | native language) so that you may force yourself |
| is simply to understand the basic constructs of | | | | to think in Spanish. It's very difficult to learn a |
| the language and develop simple grammar skills. | | | | language if you're constantly translating back and |
| By living within the culture itself, you'll have access | | | | forth in your mind, so press yourself to use it |
| to practice speaking to a wide and diverse group | | | | instinctively. |
| of people. It's often helpful to concentrate on | | | | If you are on the fast-track using this |
| speaking with children and older residents, who will | | | | methodology, say for career reasons, you should |
| enjoy "teaching" you and can provide a level of | | | | also supplement what you're learning with audio |
| conversational Spanish that will provide you with a | | | | tapes or CD's and even through the Internet. By |
| richer vocabulary. | | | | combining immersion with the typical home-study |
| Oftentimes, being immersed in a culture reveals | | | | process, you'll not only learn Spanish fast, but |
| special insight insofar as the subtle nuances of | | | | you'll enjoy a far greater appreciation of the |
| Spanish. You'll gain a "feel" for the use of idioms | | | | culture as well. |
| and other expressions that just can't be | | | | |