How can I improve my understanding of the Spanish language?

Question

One of my majors in college is Spanish, and I have a hard time understanding it when it is spoken. I do okay writing it, and a little better reading it, but when I hear it spoken (especially fast), all of the words seem to slur together. I have tried watching Spanish-language movies and listening to Spanish radio for practice, but it doesn't seem to help much. Does anyone have any suggestions? Are there any websites out there that could help me with this? Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Answer 1

Check with the department of modern languages at your university. There are often international students who need help with English. You can do English sometimes and Spanish other times so that you can improve.

Can you afford to do an exchange program? I had the same problem until I actually attended school in Mexico and lived with a Mexican host family. If you cannot afford a semester of college check into the language schools in Mexico (or other countries). Cuernavaca is known for its great language schools. It is where I lived and is a great place.

If you watch Spanish language movies try doing it with subtitles in Spanish so that you can see the words. That will help you get more used to what they sound like when they are pronounced quickly. You can do that with most DVD's.

It is hard because you hear words that are similar and then they run together and you are not sure which one it is. One I remember being stumped with is "entiendes." I was in a store (en una tienda) and so when my friend asked me if I understood (entiendes?) and I responded Si, we are in a store lol. I am teaching right now school vocabulary; el lápiz. We realized that the word la pizarra sounds like lápiz. Seeing the words as you hear them will help.

The best thing that you can do is immerse yourself. If you cannot actually do it outside of this country then do what you can inside of our country. With a large Hispanic population you will surely be able to meet some people that you can practice with.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I do not feel I realize your query - I imply it kind of feels like you will have replied it your self. Why would not doing that upgrade your language knowledge? There are 4 key knowledge worried with studying a language - writing, listening, speakme, and studying. You're running on a minimum of 2 of the ones at the same time you concentrate to the Spanish radio station.

Answer 3

Definately find a person that speaks Spanish, fluently, and make them talk to you in Spanish all the time.
One of my Spanish teachers would NEVER speak English. So I got so used to having to understand classtime intructions while she spoke that the words don't slur together for me anymore.

Hearing it ALL the time helps So Much.

Answer 4

I agree. You should listen to it constantly and you will get better. What I do right now, since I'm just learning Spanish, is listen for words that I know and verbs. That way I get the general jist of what is being said. I wouldn't recomend it for a converstation though. Just answering questions.