I've learned some Spanish - at about an intermediate-advanced level. And I know that I should probably speak to native speakers to learn the language more effectively. However, I find it rather intimidating to speak to them. For one thing they speak much differently than the professors that I learned from, they speak faster, and they sometimes don't seem to understand what I am saying (thought I must say that my pronunciation isn't that bad, with the exception of a few sounds that I find difficult to make). And sometimes I just get weird looks. Needless to say, I find this kind of discouraging. I know I should probably just develop a thicker skin, but has anyone faced a similar situation as they were learning a new language and if so what's your advice? Any recommendations for other effective methods for learning languages?
2007-01-29 14:58:50 · 10 answers · asked by ljc_219 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Well... you just need to get over it and start using the language....
I learned English as a foreign language, so I do know what you are talking about. Some people are just very critical. They actually pretend they don't understand you. Sometimes, they indeed do not understand for you are speaking in very text book manner.
Yes, it is true, native speakers speak much faster than your professor and in class room. Phrases are far more complex and abbreviated, too.
You could always start your conversation with a statetement that you are just learning Spanish so to expect less than perfect form. Amazingly, this works most of the time. Some people all the sudden turn friendly and accomodating when you announce ahead of the time, you are beginning speaker.
2007-01-29 15:11:13 · answer #1 · answered by tkquestion 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
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2016-12-24 19:42:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey girl! I'm the same way. I have a really good friend and he only speaks Spanish and I'm sooo comfortable speaking with him and he helps me and I help him in English, and that's because we are such good friends. However, other people I do feel intimidated at first when I barely know them. I am afraid they will be like "uhh why is this gringa trying to communicate with us?!!" LOL but, you just have to get to know them a little bit and just go for it. Once I get over the fear and I start talking I realize that they do understand and they actually appreciate the effort.
My good friend, he said he loves the fact that I take the time to speak with him. He and also others will say: "sabes mucho Español" and that is the best compliment ever!!
I think the best way to learn a language is immersion!! I work with a majority of Spanish speakers and I have family that are Latino which helps. The best classroom is the world.
Buena suerte amiga!! :)
2007-01-29 15:11:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I found myself in almost the exact same situation, but just kept at it. Eventually I found a few Mexicans that were happy to help me with my ascent and teach me some new stuff as well. Just because your teacher is teaching Spanish, doesn't mean they know how to speak it 100% correctly. Also, there is a pretty good difference between the Spanish they speak in Mexico and the Spanish they speak in Spain. Just keep trying your Spanish out, and I'm sure you'll find someone that well give you a hand. And if you can afford the time and money, go emerge yourself, take a trip to Mexico or Spain, no better way to learn a language!
2007-01-29 15:09:28 · answer #4 · answered by Bunger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem in Japan, where I lived for 27 years. I am often too worried about whether I am making a mistake or of being laughed at for saying something I don't mean.
Learning language differs from person to person. Part of it is a natural ability to learn language. Just as some people are good at math and others are not. Or good at sports while others are not.
A big part of mastering a language is one's personality. People who are not afraid to make mistakes and who are naturally talkative seem to learn faster because they get a lot of practice. People who are reserved or have some reason they feel embarrassed or hesitant to speak often learn much more slowly.
And blah blah blah.
2007-01-29 15:08:02 · answer #5 · answered by homo erectus 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a complex question which can be approached from many different angles and I admit, I don't have all the answers.
Briefly, though, it is always easier to read a foreign language than to speak it or follow a conversation in it. This is because in conversations, words tend to merge and flow together whereas on the printed page, they exist as separate units of sound and meaning which can be taken in one at a time. For example, 'Dos hombres' (Two men) in Spanish sounds like "Dombray" in some varieties of spoken Spanish (Cuban, Dominican, Puerto Rican etc.) where intervocalic and terminal /s/ are routinely dropped but in writing you can tell that they are two separate words.
Whenever I heard Johnny Canales, a fast Spanish speaker, on Univision say 'Muchas gracias!' it always sounded to me like "Moo-CHUH-ross-ee-uh!" but I knew from high school Spanish class that there was a 'g' and two extra 's' -es in it from the way it was written.
This is one of these things, however, where the longer you are exposed to the conversational language, your brain will adapt to it and learn to discern the words you hear unconsciously. What sounds like gibberish to you now will gradually take on more an more meaning. The mind is an interesting thing!
2007-01-29 18:06:47 · answer #6 · answered by Brennus 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am learning to speak Chinese because my wife is Chinese. The best way to learn a language is to speak it as much as possible. If you don't understand someone in Spanish tell them you don't understand and ask them to repeat it for you and speak slowly. It may also help to point out to that person that you don't speak that language very well. Don't be intimidated.
2007-01-29 15:11:24 · answer #7 · answered by xox_bass_player_xox 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's embarrassing until you get used to it. Just don't be shy to bust it out under certain circumstances--e.g. if you hear somebody struggling to communicate in some public setting, it's okay to volunteer to help. Just get all the experience you can with native speakers. In high school, I was a TA in the ESL class, and got to practice a lot there. Sometimes restaurants are a good place---I've met more than one homesick Spanish speaker who was waiting tables--this works best in towns without a huge Spanish-speaking population--who are thrilled to let you practice on them.
2007-01-29 15:09:39 · answer #8 · answered by sarcastro1976 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
as a bilingual person who has struggled w/ a 2nd language, i have learned that ppl really do understand, esp if they have learned a 2nd language in their lives, and they are helpful and admire u for trying. even if u're awful! (and usually if ur shy, it means ur not awful!)
so the best advice i can give u is take the plunge!
2007-01-29 15:04:08 · answer #9 · answered by prtty_patricia 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well its the same with me in english.....i came to canada a few months back...used to live in pakistan and speak urdu all the time........its really hard to speak up....sometimes they dont understand what you're saying and you get so angry.....i kno my pronounciation aint gud.....but i guess i do get around little better when i speak up rather than not speak at all........just speak up....make friends....tell them to correct you when you're wrong........dont be shy........they cant speak my language and im proud of myself!
2007-01-29 15:07:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋