| As an online language teacher, I often get asked "How | | | | at my site Second, you need a language buddy. In the |
| should I go about studying?". People are often | | | | old days, you would send off for a penpal, but these |
| confused because of all the different learning methods | | | | days, you can logon to somewhere like Myspace and |
| out there. While obviously, immersing yourself in a | | | | find hundreds of people willing to help you learn their |
| Spanish speaking country will help you more than | | | | language. |
| anything else, this article is aimed at the majority of | | | | Thirdly, you will need a few handy books. A dictionary |
| language learners. Those of you who want to learn a | | | | to help you identify any words you do not recognise. A |
| language as more of a hobby, rather than lifestyle. | | | | phrase book to help you build up phrases for all kinds |
| When people ask me how to study Spanish, I mention | | | | of scenarios. And last, but not least, some childrens |
| two main points. First, you must adopt a multi-prong | | | | books. These are great because they will help you |
| attack. There are lots of different ways to study and | | | | learn the basics, just as a child would. |
| each have pros and cons. Secondly you must be | | | | Now, just because you have these tools at your |
| consistent. Find something that works and keep | | | | disposal, doesn't mean you'll automatically learn the |
| working at it. Changing how you go about learning | | | | language. It now takes committment. Not a whole lot, |
| Spanish will not do you any good at all. | | | | but 30 minutes a day, minimum. If you have an audio |
| So what is this "multi-prong" attack? I like to use as | | | | program with 20 minute lessons, listen to at least one |
| many useful resources as I can. The first weapon in | | | | per day. Flick through some of your books, look up any |
| your arsenal should be an audio/software program. | | | | strange words in your dictionary. Continue to chat to |
| This will be the foundation of your learning and | | | | your online pen pal. Just keep at it and you'll be |
| products these days are both of excellent quality and | | | | amazed at how quickly your skills will increase. |
| reasonable in price. I've reviewed the top few products | | | | |