Keith's Ten Ways to Spanish Fluency
# 4: I have a video clip to introduce my fourth way to Spanish fluency:
Don't underestimate the power of video in the learning process. Even though it is a passive format, if you study it closely, you can learn a great deal about Spanish. Watching something will train your eye to situations and help you to read body language better. This will come in handy when you are out and about and you must read another person's body language in addition to what they are saying. Context will help you along the way.
Once you have grasped the situation, focus on listening to the words used. Key in on certain words first by identifying the ones you know. Notice how people form their sentences, expressions and questions. Try to study and emulate the phrases and intonations. DVR's are wonderful for these purposes because you can pause and play instantly over live or recorded TV. If you do not have a DVR, then try accessing videos through the Internet. You will have the same capability. You may also move to shows and movies on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Use the Internet to help you find what interests you the most. As I've said in the past, the more you can tailor your Spanish learning to activities you enjoy, the more enjoyable this process will be. Like shows and movies you watch in English, there are similar ones in Spanish.
I would highly recommend choosing original Spanish shows and movies over translated or dubbed ones. The reason being is that sometimes translations can be off a bit. It all depends on the ability of the translator which can vary greatly. One example I remember is when a character shouted "Fire!" to command someone to shoot a gun, the Spanish translation used was "¡Fuego!" which is literally a fire and has nothing to do with shooting a gun. Until you have studied Spanish enough and can spot these mis-translations, stay away from these types of shows and films.
Pick up your copy of my book, So You Want to Learn Spanish?, on sale now. I share many ways for you to practice Spanish. See below for more details.
You can still register to win one of 10 free, autographed copies of my book that I'm giving away for this Summer Series. Just click on the link in the panel to the right for your chance to win. Good luck!
~Keith
Keith's 10 Ways to Spanish Fluency can be found in So You Want to Learn Spanish? by Keith Walters
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