Some Good Approaches for Spanish Language Acquisition
In this article, I will talk about some effective ways to learn Spanish that some people may not be aware of, helping you stay on the right track to acquiring the Spanish language more efficiently. These methods include Stephen Krashen’s Comprehensible Input techniques and the importance of thinking in Spanish. Applying these two approaches while learning a language can lead to faster improvements in fluency and comprehension.
With its rich phonetics and vast cultural resources, Spanish provides an excellent environment for students to immerse themselves in the language naturally.
Here, I will explain how any learner can use Krashen’s Comprehensible Input technique while studying Spanish and why thinking in Spanish is crucial for mastering the language.
How to Use Krashen’s Comprehensible Input Technique in Spanish Language
Stephen Krashen is an American linguist who created a theory for acquiring a language while studying it. One of the most popular concepts of this theory is the comprehensible input. This concept emphasizes that any student can learn faster when they study material that is a little bit above their level. For example, if your Spanish level is beginner, you could study some intermediate-level vocabulary. To do so, try these strategies:
1. Use Visual Aids in Spanish
When you are starting to learn new vocabulary or grammar structures in Spanish, it is good to rely on pictures (where you can see the whole context). This could help with the student’s intuition rather than just memorizing. This way, it is easier to not forget what you’ve learned and retain words in your memory much faster.
2. Try to Have Conversations in Spanish with Native Speakers
Do not be shy to have conversations in Spanish, because if you talk with native Spanish speakers, you will for sure hear new vocabulary, new expressions, and proper pronunciation. They can also help you pronounce some words in a better way. This is a great help to get exposed to the natural speech patterns of the Spanish language.
The Importance of Thinking in Spanish
Another important aspect of learning a language is to be able to think in the target language, in this case, Spanish. Many students still depend on translating from their native language to Spanish, which slows down communication and makes it more difficult to be fluent. Trying to think in Spanish has several advantages:
1. Increases Speaking Speed
When learners stop translating in their mind, they are able to respond more quickly while talking, which improves the quality of the conversation.
2. Improves Your Grammar in Spanish
Thinking in Spanish could help you get familiarized with grammatical structures and allow you to be more confident whenever you have to talk.
3. Practical Ways to Start Thinking in Spanish
To do so in a practical way, you can start by the typical method of labeling Spanish language objects that are around you. Also, take some time out of your day to describe daily activities in Spanish, both out loud and in your mind. Another way is to try to watch a movie in Spanish without subtitles—concentrating on understanding the words in their context is very important to internalize the language. Finally, read the breaking news in Spanish, make sure to understand all the content, and repeat everything you learned to a family member or friend in Spanish. If you are able to repeat the news to a native speaker, it is even better since they will be able to correct your pronunciation and grammar.
Érika Torres Gil