Friday, July 19, 2013

Summer Series: ¡Número Seis!

Keith's Ten Ways to Spanish Fluency

# 6:  I have a brief video clip showcasing my sixth way to Spanish fluency:


Pick up what you can in Spanish. There are tons of material out there to choose. For this way to improve your Spanish fluency, you need to find reading material in the language. But don't stop there! You need to read it.

If you're strapped for cash, go to your local library and find books, magazines and newspapers in Spanish. The library is an incredible resource. I just went there the other day. Everything is so automatic and digitized. It can really leave you dazed if you think about it. My library has computer terminals where you can search for material online to read. Often times, you will find magazines and newspapers that the library cannot have on hand in a more tangible format. I recommend checking out all of your options and there are certainly quite a few to seek out.

Once you have items to read. Go through and start reading in Spanish. You will come across unfamiliar words. Jot them down in a journal. When you have finished reading the passages, go look up in a Spanish-English dictionary those words you wrote down. Write out their meanings as they would make sense in the sentence where you found them. Now go back and read it again.

The words you have placed in your journal can now be used as new vocabulary words. Create some flashcards (either using index cards or find a free or low cost app on your smartphone or tablet). Review the words and their meanings. Take those words and create new sentences using each one. Try to incorporate them into your memory. This is a wonderful way to learn new words and expand your vocabulary!

As I have mentioned in my previous ways to Spanish fluency, it is important to tie together subjects you have a great deal of interest. This helps drive learning Spanish as a positive motivator. If something is unpleasant, you will spend less time doing it. We want to take away obstacles that impede you gaining the fluency you want in Spanish.

You don't know what you're interested in? Make a list of activities you enjoy, items you often read about, things you like to make or do both inside and outside the home. I'm sure before you know it, you'll have quite a list of topics you can cross reference with books, magazines and articles in Spanish. Happy reading!

I have many more ways to improve your Spanish. My book, So You Want to Learn Spanish?, is for sale now. See below for details.

We are just about half way through summer. Don't forget to register to win one of 10 free, autographed copies of my book that I'm giving away for this Summer Series. You will see where to click on the top right for your chance to win. Best of luck to you!

¡Hasta luego!
~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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