Tips for learning Spanish on a busy schedule

Growing up in southern Idaho I went to school with, played soccer with, and just generally co-existed with many native Spanish speakers. Not surprisingly I developed a fascination and love for the language, specifically the Mexican dialect and way of speaking. I decided I wanted to learn it. Over the last few years after much trial and error and while staying consistent with my efforts, I’ve gotten myself to an intermediate level and can practically communicate anything I want to say! (although something in a very roundabout way hahaha) I’ve also established a daily routine that I stick with, and have different tools I use to strengthen different parts of my Spanish knowledge!

Consejo #1 start off with the basics using Duolingo

The ONLY way you will make any meaningful progress in your language journey is through CONSISTANT and DAILY efforts. What better way is there to begin establishing habits than through a FREE app literally designed to get you on it everyday? There isn’t. Duolingo will teach you the most important grammar concepts in ways that are simple and so that you remember. Don’t rely solely on Duolingo, as it simply is not good enough to make you fluent by itself. Having said that, however, I STILL use Duolingo every single day, and it is one of the best tools for learning a ton of vocab and grammar.

Consejo #2 Learn the lyrics to catchy Spanish songs!

One of the reasons I began learning Spanish was so that I could understand the awesome songs I kept hearing and impress my Spanish speaking friends by singing them when they came on at parties or the radio. So I began memorizing the lyrics to songs that I liked. This has benefitted me in so many ways its hard to keep track. To name just a few it has MASSIVELY increased my vocabulary, taught me some slang, improved my grammar, and has taught me the difference between several different genres of Spanish music. There’s something about the passion in songs that really cements words and phrases in your mind!

Consejo #3 watch Curious George in Spanish (with Spanish subtitles)

Better known as “Jorge el Curioso”, this show has been amazing for me. I watch one twenty minute episode a night and occasionally pause to translate a word on my phone. I may move on to more interesting shows geared more towards my age group in the future, but for now Jorge el Curioso is more my level because even though its very simple Spanish, I only understand around 75% of it. I think if you are understanding 95-100% of a show, it may be too easy for you and you should move on to something more complex. Oh, and it doesn’t have to be Curious George, just anything you find enjoyable enough!

Consejo #4 radio and podcasts!

Find a radio station in Spanish and listen to it on your commute to work! Or all day if you drive all day like me. Podcasts are also great (although can be less passive), especially once you understand enough Spanish to be able to pick out words here and there.

Consejo #5 give your brain chatter some meaning!

Maybe it’s just my adhd brain that has caused me to begin doing this, but on my commute to work and throughout my day I find myself looking at common objects and trying to translate their names to Spanish in my head. If I don’t know it I simply search it really quick! This is an incredibly passive way of learning and can bring you FAR if done consistently everyday.

Consejo Final… #6 SpanishDict app word of the day!

Download the app. Learn a new word everyday and practice the ones you learned days prior. Super easy to use. Nuff said hahaha. The app offers much more but honestly I just use it for vocab because Duolingo does everything else better.

“Consistency for me is everything.” -Alexei Navalny

I’ll leave you with this.. if you are ever feeling burned out and cannot do all of these things in a day, just do one Duolingo lesson and your word of the day on SpanishDict. Just keep your habit of studying everyday alive, dammit!