Hi, I am a 18 year old college student and I have taken 3 years of Spanish and also tested out of Spanish I in college. I have been out of Spanish class for a year and a half but I work with mainly Hispanics and my Spanish is pretty good, and even the Hispanics tell me that I know a lot of Spanish. My main goal is to become fluent and I was wondering if that is a reasonable goal and about how long do you think it would take if I continue studying Spanish and being immersed in a bilingual environment. My co-workers and I help each other learn the other's language.
Are there some people that have a knack for picking up languages easier than others?
Thank you very much!! :)
2006-12-30 18:39:43 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Hey Tom, yesss I cannot understand higher level math's either to save my life!!! haha! But I have always enjoyed Spanish.
2006-12-30 18:46:51 · update #1
Hello =)
It sounds as if you are nearly fluent as it stands...so, yes, I think it it certainly a possibility.
Some people do have a much higher aptitude for languages than others. I'm in my 40's and am learning Sanskrit, for example. As a downside, most higher mathematics were incomprehensible to me.
Namaste, and Happy New Year,
--Tom
2006-12-30 18:44:28 · answer #1 · answered by glassnegman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is a very reasonable goal only limited by how much time and effort you put into becoming fluent. I didn't seriously start studying spanish until my early 20's and recently completed 3 Bachelor's degrees within the Spanish field but in different areas of specialty. I also hold a Certificate in Public Services in Spanish and graduated #1 in my Spanish major. Last year I spent 3 months abroad in 3 different countries: Mexico, Panama, and Peru. Two of those stays were through the school. I am currently pursuing a Certificate in Translation and Interpretation and plan to pass the California State Interpreter Licensing Exam this coming year. So you see, it's really a matter of how much drive you have that will determine your success...but yes, I do believe some people have a 'knack' for picking up languages just as some have a 'knack' for playing golf, or doing math. But what one doesn't have in talent can be made up for through effort. Take every opportunity you can to learn. To *really* become fluent, just know you're looking at years and not months. :) Although if you moved to a foreign country for a year I'm sure you'd be fluent within a years time. Good luck!
P.S.: Also, it depends on the level of fluency you desire. If you want to be fluent in every single subject that will take much longer than just being conversational. You probably already are nearly fluent from just a general conversationalists point of view. Speaking on a deeper level on differing subjects will take extra time and effort.
2006-12-31 02:56:38 · answer #2 · answered by detierra79 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think too much emphasis is put on "being fluent", as long as you can communicate that's what's important. I took 3 years Spanish in high school and that was, well, a very long time ago...I can communicate much easier when I use Spanish on a regular basis. If I don't speak it I tend to forget but sometimes I actually dream in Spanish so the brain remembers! I'm learning Japanese and am considering taking a Mandarin class as well. You will find your vocabulary will continue to expand as you are exposed to different situations. Try watching movies in Spanish and it's funny but I used to watch Telemundo alot and it helped!
2006-12-31 03:55:51 · answer #3 · answered by cherokeekaraoke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you are doing great. Speaking with native speakers is the best way to learn a language. Now that you are in college, it is the perfect time to study abroad in Latin America or Spain. You will learn a lot more Spanish when you are outside of the American English comfort zone. Also, try to listen to Spanish movies, television, and music to develop your skills.
2006-12-31 06:12:01 · answer #4 · answered by jellybeanchick 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can become fluent. You are only 18 years old as I understand, so you have still plenty of time for practise.
And if you have real motivation and really want to become fluent in Spanish, I can tell you for sure hat you'll get by.
2006-12-31 05:57:52 · answer #5 · answered by Katioucha Maslova 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
humans teach dogs but did you ever come across a dog teaching him or another dog shame because it happens
2006-12-31 02:43:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋