A Practical Guide to Learn Spanish for Free
16 July 2024
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19 September 2024
The best way to learn spanish on my own
Learning Spanish on your own can be both rewarding and effective if you approach it the right way. Here in this post, and video. I will explain some steps you can follow.
SPOOLER ALERT!!! Yes, it is entirely possible to learn Spanish on your own. With the abundance of resources available today, such as language learning apps, online courses, and media in Spanish, self-study can be both effective and rewarding. The key is to set clear goals, practice regularly, and immerse yourself in the language through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. While it requires discipline and consistency, many people have successfully become fluent in Spanish without formal classes, relying on the wealth of tools and opportunities for real-life practice available online and in their daily lives.
Would you like to learn spanish by your own but you dont know where to start?
Would you like to speak Spanish fluently but aren't ready to travel abroad? Would you like to learn the basics of spanish by yourself? but you dont know where to start? I have created a useful guide for you to step into the amazing world of bilingual people where you can communicate with millions of people in only 10 days!
More about this at the end of this post!
How to learn spanish by my own
The practical guide to do it!
- **Set Clear Goals**
Decide why you want to learn Spanish and what level you want to achieve. This will help you stay motivated and focused.
For example if you would like to travel to South America, you can set as your goal to have a basic understanding 3 months before your trip. That is going to be the starting point for your learning process. The same day, download duoling app or any other app with vocabulary and schedule the time during the day that you will learn from the next three months.
- **Use Language Learning Apps**
You can use any app, I recommend **Duolingo**: Great for beginners, is like playing video games while learning, this is good to create vocabulary, but I am always honest about the outcome, Duoling will not help you to speak but its great for creating a good vocabulary foundation and is fun and easy to use.
The ideal is that you do it every day for at least 20 minutes at day, you can practice while commuting to work, school, etc.
- **Immerse Yourself in the Language**
I always recommend my students to watch TV in Spanish, but **not** movies. Movies can have a negative impact on your learning because they often feature deep content, complex dialogues, and scripts written by professionals. This means you may struggle to focus on the language itself while trying to follow the plot. Instead, I suggest watching relaxed and simple TV shows—reality shows are ideal. These don't demand your full attention, allowing you to activate the listening part of your brain and get accustomed to everyday language use. Adding subtitles can also help you follow along without too much effort.
I know it might sound odd to suggest watching simple TV, or even what some might call “trash TV,” but there's a reason for it. In movies, actors follow intricate scripts, which can make the language more challenging. In contrast, reality shows feature people who often repeat the same phrases, making it easier to pick up on common vocabulary and expressions. I learned a lot of useful and fun vocabulary this way, and I believe you will too.
You can also watch YouTube videos from your favorite influencers as they travel through Latin America. These videos not only showcase fascinating places and delicious foods but also help you prepare for your own adventure while immersing yourself in the language.
4. Listen to latin music in spanish
Music is a great way to learn Spanish on your own. It’s an enjoyable method to pick up phrases and expand your vocabulary. However, I advise against using reggaeton as a learning tool. Why? Reggaeton often relies heavily on slang and shortens words to fit the rhythm, making it challenging to understand. In fact, sometimes even native speakers struggle to catch what’s being said.
5. Listen to Spanish podcast
Listen to Spanish podcasts like "Coffee Break Spanish" or "Notes in Spanish"—why not? They’re perfect for when you’re driving or cleaning. For those at an intermediate level, I personally enjoy psychology, so I would recommend those but I realize that learning Spanish with such specialized vocabulary can be challenging. So, depending on your level, it’s a good idea to start with podcasts that use simpler vocabulary, gradually working your way up to more complex topics as your skills improve.
6. Look for a language exchange to practice spanish by your own
Use platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk to connect with native Spanish speakers who want to learn your language, so you can practice speaking with each other. When I was learning German, this approach was incredible—not only for practicing basic vocabulary but also for meeting new people. In fact, I ended up making one of my best Swiss friends through a language exchange. Although I wasn’t initially very motivated to practice my German, she made remarkable progress in Spanish day by day, and now her Spanish is even better than my German, I am very glad for her!
Additionally, attending Latin parties, bars, coffee exchange meetings, or meetups where people speak Spanish can significantly enhance your learning. Immersing yourself in these environments will help you improve your skills in a fun and social setting.
7. Learn spanish by your own
For example, you can buy Grammar Books: Invest in a quality Spanish grammar book like "Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Spanish Grammar." I know learning grammar on your own can seem daunting, but you can take advantage of the many free resources available on social media. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok feature Spanish teachers who offer practical grammar tips that can make the learning process more accessible and engaging.
Another great tip is "Flashcards": Use apps like Anki or Quizlet to build your vocabulary through spaced repetition. Personally, I prefer creating flashcards by hand because I find that physically interacting with materials enhances my learning. Studies have shown that writing by hand is closely linked to memory retention, likely due to the long history of writing in human learning. This tactile process can trigger neural connections in your brain, making it easier to absorb new information.
8. Stay Motivated
Engage with Spanish learning communities online, follow Spanish-speaking influencers on social media, or set up a reward system for yourself when you hit key milestones. Of course, you can learn Spanish with me or one of our teachers, either online or here in Montañita, a charming coastal town in Ecuador. As a special gift, I’d like to give you access to our exclusive resources. We’re excited to help you on your language learning journey and look forward to meeting you soon!
Click here to get my E-book, 10 Days Spanish Survival Guide for free!
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