Is there an easy way to learn the Spanish language?

Question

I'm Puerto Rican, American. I haven't spoken Spanish sense I was about 6 or 7 years old. My mother does not speak Spanish at all. I grew up with her. Now that I'm an adult I'm really wanting to get back to my roots. I'm proud of my Puerto Rican heritage, but I don't speak Spanish. I've been out of practice for so long I don't remember hardly anything at all. I don't have anyone to help, because everyone around me speaks only English. It's weird to say, but I feel ashamed that I don't speak Spanish. I thought it would be easy to learn because I was familiar with the language as a very young child. But that is not the case. It seems even harder than ever now. It just will not stick. What can I do that will help me learn?

Answer 1

The best would be to spend some time in Puerto Rico or with family/friends nearby who speak Spanish at home. You learn better/faster/easier in an environment where you're surrounded by the langauge and forced to listen and speak (the same way a child learns). Having been exposed to Spanish as a child, you probably understand more than you realize, and it will come back very fast.

Another thing to know is that Puerto Rican Spanish has some noticeable differences in accent and vocabulary from the Spanish typically taught in the US (Mexico City dialect), so taking a regular Spanish class might end up being frustrating and/or confusing since it will be different from what you learned as a child. Also, because you would be classified as a "heritage Spanish speaker", you might have difficulties (or at least be bored easily) with regular Spanish classes because you already have some understanding of the language (probably more than you realize). If you take a class, look for a class specifically for "native speakers" or "heritage speakers", ideally one for Caribbean Spanish if it's available.

Answer 2

I would say that the easiest way would be to spend a year in Puerto Rico...visit the land of your ancestors, and if possible, find yourself a job for the high tourist season, so you can afford to stay. Then you can not only re-learn the language, you can visit the country itself and see how beautiful it really is!
If you can't do that, try and find a spanish speaking association in your town, and join. They will help you recuperate your spanish.and you will probably meet some lovely people at the same time!

Answer 3

Move to Southwest Florida. No one speaks English there. You could learn spanish in any Wal-Mart.

Answer 4

Hi,
It's good to see someone who is proud of there heritage.
Some people have had success w/ sleep learning.Get yourself a learning tape and play it while you are sleeping at night.Try this for a week or two and see if it works.If not youv'e lost nothing

Answer 5

Get a penpal. That helps a lot. Ask all you don't understand and practice, practice, practice, practice.
I mean.. there is no easy way to anything. all needs effort, and learning a language is surely one of those things.