Strategies for Learning a Foreign Language When learning a foreign language it is important to study every day. Aside from any written homework you may have, plan to spend some time each day memorizing the current vocabulary and verbs. For most students, it is more effective to study for minutes 3 times a day, than to spend one full hour on the subject. It might also be a lot easier for you to find time to study if you break it in smaller periods. NHake 2014

When studying the vocabulary, take time to listen to the pronunciation of the words included on the audio recordings. It will help your pronunciation, which in turn will help you learn to spell them properly. If you own an MP3 player, you may want to download the audio onto it so it will be more accessible. NHake 2014

Learning a foreign language is like learning math; you will continue to use what you have already learned and to build upon that knowledge. Therefore, if you find you don’t understand something, make an appointment to see your instructor or a tutor right away in order to get some extra help. NHake 2014

Participate actively in class. You can’t learn another language by simply observing. You have to be willing to speak it and to learn from the mistakes you make. NHake 2014

When you are listening to your instructor or the CD, or are watching a video, make intelligent guesses as to the meaning of words you do not know. Use the context, intonation, and if possible visual clues such as body language, gestures, facial expressions and images to help you figure out the meaning of the word. NHake 2014

Use a variety of techniques to memorize vocabulary and verbs until you find the ones that work best for you. Some students are kinesthetic and need to write the words, others are auditory and need to listen to recordings of the words on the CD while looking over the list, and still others are visual and need to use flash cards. NHake 2014

Study with a friend or form a study group. Not only might you benefit when your friend understands a concept you have difficulty with, but it will also provide you with more opportunities to practice speaking as well as listening. NHake 2014

Use a variety of techniques to memorize vocabulary and verbs until you find the ones that work best for you. Some students are kinesthetic and need to write the words, others are auditory and need to listen to recordings of the words on the CD while looking over the list, and still others are visual and need to use flash cards. NHake 2014

Review material from previous lessons. Because learning a language is cumulative, it is important to refresh your knowledge of vocabulary, verbs and structures learned in earlier lessons. NHake 2014

Grammar is an essential part of any language. While it may be helpful to understand some basic concepts of the English language, such as pronouns and direct objects, it is important not to constantly make comparisons and to learn the new structures. NHake 2014

Try to use Spanish for all your classroom interactions, not just when called on by the instructor or answering a classmate’s question in a group activity. Don’t worry that your sentence may not be structurally correct; the important thing is begin to feel comfortable expressing yourself in the language. You might even initiate a conversation with your instructor or another classmate before or after class. NHake 2014

Find ways to use your language in real-life settings. Seek out international students from Spanish-speaking countries or if possible, visit a local restaurant or shop where there are native speakers, and initiate a conversation. Explore opportunities to travel or to study abroad. Using the language in different social interactions will help to increase your proficiency as well as your confidence. NHake 2014

Get a good dictionary that has complete entries including idiomatic expressions. Ask your instructor for some recommendations. When you look up an English word for its Spanish translation, pay attention to the parts of speech so that you don’t select a noun when you want an adjective. If the entry has a number of options, look up some of the words in the Spanish-English section to ensure that you choose the correct word. NHake 2014

Look for ways to expose yourself to the language outside of the classroom. Find music you enjoy in Spanish, watch a Spanish language film or buy a magazine or newspaper published in Spanish. Not only will this help you to increase your vocabulary, but you will also become more familiar with structures and expressions used by native speakers. NHake 2014

When speaking, try to think in the Spanish and speak spontaneously rather than translating everything. If you find you need a word that you don’t know, rather than saying it in English or looking it up in the dictionary, try describing the word. With a little practice, this skill will become easier. NHake 2014