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Here are some helpful hints to facilitate the process of learning Spanish. While you'll still need to have a good textbook, classroom instruction or online course, these steps can speed along the process of mastering the Spanish language.

Subtitles

Watch English-language movies with the Spanish subtitles on. You'll slowly absorb the Spanish words and their meaning while watching your favorite films! This is an inexpensive and fun multi-media technique.

Kids' Books

Favorite kids' books in other languages are also a great choice. These don't have to be simple, either. If you love Harry Potter, consider picking up a Spanish translation. You already know the story, and puzzling out the words is a lot easier.

TV

Watching TV shows in Spanish can help you to learn the language quickly. Telenovelas (similar to soap operas) are great for hearing Spanish spoken clearly and with good diction.

Comic Strips

Spanish language comic strips in newspapers and on the web can help you to learn Spanish, particularly idioms which you wouldn't learn from a textbook. Furthermore, the short format makes them easy to follow (and fun to read).

3x5 Cards

You can make your own flash cards by carrying index cards with you and writing down unfamiliar Spanish words and phrases when you come across them. Look up the meanings later and write them down on the cards - you'll have made a great learning tool.

Remember High School?

Many of us took a little high school or college Spanish or a related foreign language. They are a good base to build on, since you've already been exposed to the idea of conjugation and grammar. Those who have already learned French or Italian will have a head start on word order, but might have a little more trouble when it comes to pronunciation.

Talk With Native Speakers

If you live in an area with a large Spanish speaking population (for instance, Texas, California, Florida or larger cities like Chicago and New York), you'll have an easy time meeting native speakers to practice your skills with. However, even if you don't have a lot of native speakers to converse with in your area, get in contact with a Spanish club or students from a Spanish class.

Practice Every Day

Practice makes perfect, but it's far more effective if you practice daily. The more often you work on your Spanish, the better chance you have of learning it quickly and easily. You don't have to get stuck in the same daily "learning" routine either - mix it up to keep it interesting!

By using these tips, you'll make learning to speak Spanish much quicker and more fun. You should also choose a self-study or classroom Spanish course which has a proven track record and uses a variety of teaching techniques. Many people give up on learning a new language due to burning out on a dull routine. However, there are fun and interactive methods now available which can have you speaking Spanish quickly.

Have fun and let us know if you have any questions!