Common Mistakes People Make When Learning Spanish (and How to Avoid Them)
Whether you are learning Spanish for business or pleasure, the journey to becoming a proficient speaker is far from an overnight process. With this in mind, it is important to know that when learning a new language there is a lot to contend with. Vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation all take time to master, and even native speakers of Spanish sometimes encounter difficulties.
However, although making mistakes is a normal part of the learning process, there are some slip-ups that are easier to avoid than others. Identifying these frequently made errors early on can even speed up your learning so that your Spanish can start to sound more naturalistic. So, let us discover 3 common pitfalls that people make when learning Spanish while suggesting what you can do to avoid them.
Going Solo
Surprisingly often, people assume that they can teach themselves an entire language without any assistance. Unfortunately, in the majority of cases, this approach is destined to fail. Unless you are incredibly self-sufficient, attempting to teach yourself Spanish using only a book, or an app is just too informal to be successful. If you want to learn a language quickly and efficiently, then you need to work with a qualified language tutor. One example of an organisation that is committed to quality language tuition is the UK Language Project. You can learn more about their Spanish language courses by checking out some of the resources on their website.
Put simply, embarking on a Spanish language course enables you to stay focused on your learning. Each lesson is geared around what you specifically want and need to know and therefore your course can be tailored to your own likes and interests without having to cover topics that are not relevant to you. It is also no secret that booking your place on a language course holds you accountable to your learning. Moreover, paying for tuition guarantees that you can take as much feedback and value from each session as possible, making it easier to stay motivated and get your work done.
Relying Heavily on Knowledge of English
In the early stages of your Spanish learning journey it can be tempting to assume that any words resembling English have the same meaning. These types of words are known as cognates. Generally, Spanish and English do indeed have some shared vocabulary and therefore some common meanings can be found. Nevertheless, there are several exceptions and so it is vital that you stay alert for any false or partial cognates. For instance, ‘sopa’ which resembles the English ‘soap’ actually refers to ‘soup’. The Spanish for soap is instead ‘jabón’.
Similarly, it is not just vocabulary that can confuse aspiring Spanish speakers. Although most Spanish sentences can be formed using English sentence structures, there are times where word order can differ. Firstly, in Spanish, adjectives are typically placed after the noun that they modify. Secondly, there are incidences where the subject is placed after the verb. Switching up sentence structures in this way can subtly change the intended meaning. Accordingly, when learning Spanish, it is fundamental that you pay close attention to these nuances as any distinctions can enrich your use of the language.
Fear of Mistakes
Learning a new language can be incredibly daunting at first. Regardless of whether you are entirely new to Spanish, or are just looking to expand your existing knowledge, some reservations about your abilities are totally normal. That being said, you cannot let nerves hold you back from making progress. As with any learning process, mistakes are inevitable so you must not be scared to put what you know into use. Sincere attempts to learn and use a language are always appreciated by others in the Spanish-speaking world so do not let insecurities dim your confidence.
Want to give your confidence a boost? If so, you might want to seek out a Spanish speaker for help with practicing your writing and speaking skills. If you do not know any friends, relatives, or colleagues who can speak Spanish, you could always look for a Spanish club in your local area. Practicing your Spanish with another person can encourage and inspire you to use your newfound language more often. Again, a native speaker can identify any mistakes and correct you in a safe and comfortable environment without any consequences.
Ultimately, when learning Spanish, it is crucial that you immerse yourself in as much of the culture as possible. This might mean spending time in Spain or Latin America or surrounding yourself with fluent Spanish speakers. Above all, through perseverance and dedication, you can efficiently achieve proficiency in Spanish and enjoy your language learning experience to the best of your ability.
Learning Spanish is a fantastic way to expand your career horizons. Feeling ready for a fresh start? If so, check out these common signs that you are ready for a new job.
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