Friday, February 7

How To: Learn Spanish (For Free)

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I'm currently working on brushing up my Spanish. About five years ago I was pretty fluent. That was five years ago, though, and since then I haven't had any reason to use it except a week long trip to Costa Rica two years ago. All that work, studying, and experience down the drain. Well, not entirely. A lot of that information is still stuck in the back of my head waiting for me to access it... it just seems to be a little lethargic. My brother and husband are both fluent in Spanish and I really want to get my skills back up to a conversational level so that I don't loose everything I knew before.

While most of these sources are Spanish specific, there are very similar websites for other languages. The more commonly spoken the language, the more likely you are to find resources. Thanks to my brother, Connor, for most of this list and information.

Study Spanish - Study Spanish is a website with a free curriculum to follow. You can also purchase the premium version, but the free version is quite good. The site has lot of different resources, but a good place to start would be with the vocabulary. They will walk you through a list of your vocab on each topic, then there is an oral section where you can hear a native speaker say the word, there are flash cards, matching games, quizzes, and tests all as available (and free) resources.

The Mixer: Language Exchange For Everyone - This website is not specific to Spanish, so whatever language you are wanting to learn, this is the site for you. What better way to learn Spanish than speaking with a native? At this website you pair up with a native speaker of the language you want to learn and, in turn, wants to learn your native language. You must use Skype, so be sure to have that downloaded and set up first.

Notes In Spanish - Here you will find a plethora of podcasts in Spanish. You can choose from Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Choose the appropriate level and then listen to these while you are working out, waiting for the bus, eating breakfast, or whenever works for you. Even if you are not able to give it your full attention, making your brain think in your second language more frequently will help the words stick and become more natural. Listening to the podcasts is free, but if you want practice you can order the corresponding worksheets.

Conjugation.Org - Not sure if the verb you are using is irregular? Need to tell someone something in past tense? Plug in your verb, hit the 'conjugate' button, and learn how to say that word in present indicative, imperfect, preterite, future, conditional, imperative, present subjunctive, imperfect subjunctive, gerund, and past participle.

Duolingo - Help can be found online at their website or by downloading the app on your smart phone. It's a bit like a free Rosetta Stone that you can use on the go. Great for comprehensive review, you can always take a placement test to skip ahead if you are more advanced.

Los Simuladores - Want to be entertained while practicing your Spanish? This cheesy TV show is up on YouTube for your free enjoyment. Watch an episode at night before bed to keep your brain in the game.

12 comments:

  1. Amiga que post maravilhoso amei o vídeo , bom final de semana.
    Blog: http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br/

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    1. ¡Gracias! Espero que tengas un gran domingo!

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  2. I study spanish for two years in high school. I really enjoy it :)

    http://www.juliechagas.com/

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    Replies
    1. I studied Spanish during school too and loved it! Just wish I had the opportunity for classes now to help keep up with it!

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  3. spanish is a difficult language to learn. I'm from Spain so I know what I say
    =)
    new post: http://tupersonalshopperviajero.blogspot.com.es/2014/02/denim-chanel-style.html

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    Replies
    1. It is, learning the conjugations and colloquial terms can take a long time! Thankfully I have a head start since I used to be pretty fluent. Lot's of time and work will get you there, though!

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  4. love the spanish language! Learnt it when I was in high school!

    Make sure to check out my blog, I do a combination of health, animals and fashion weekly!

    www.laurinawong.com

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    Replies
    1. I love it too! When I was finally old enough to take Spanish in school I was delighted. Now it's a matter of retaining it all!

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  5. Today we know different languages ​​has become an important thing, especially in our environment.
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  6. Thank you for posting this! I actually am from Argentina so Spanish was my first language but the second I moved to Los Angeles, I eased into english and ended up losing my ability to speak it so fluently! My parents and my sister always talk to each other in Spanish, thankfully I understand what they say! This is great :)
    Hope you're having an amazing day, Lauren! xx




    ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ Creme de la Chic ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡

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    1. I'm glad you find it helpful! I think it is a whole lot easier to understand a language than to speak it. When you hear a word you've heard before it pricks your memory, but when you are trying to say something and pull words out of the blue it's much harder! Good luck working on your Spanish!

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