2020-11-11
Even though in Mexico as an expat you have contact with lots of locals speaking English (it is usually not difficult to find professionals who speak some English like doctors, dentists and lawyers), learning some Spanish is a fantastic idea and can open lots of doors for you. By showing a will to speak Spanish, even if we make lots of mistakes, just the sheer effort of trying is greatly appreciated by locals.
How is it that some people can easily learn a language or languages? And some of us have a hard time it seems no matter how hard we try? Our list of reasons to not learn or “not being able to learn” as we like to justify, is long. We’ve perfected our excuses. And, although it may seem like a simple idea, polyglots all agree that you have to want to learn the language. You have to be excited about it and wrap your mind around the feeling of loving it!
And you should find a method that works for you: Make a list of a few phrases, use them and don’t be afraid of making mistakes, read something that is interesting to you, watch a show or a movie in Spanish, use the apps: Duolingo, Anki.
Finally, make a system. Whether that means waking up 15 minutes earlier or listening to a podcast in the car, you have to create a plan to learn. And you have to commit. Myabe you’ll practice speaking Spanish every Monday for 20 minutes. The language-learning process must become part of your everyday life. If it does, you don’t have to create extra time.
And of course, you will need patience. You will not speak fluently in 8 weeks. But you will make a noticeable improvement. The brain learns language best in small chunks. It is literally figuring out a code. Give it time and consistent work and it will happen.
People who learn languages often talk about their breakthrough moment. It is a moment during the language learning where they realize that they can express themselves in the language. They may not sound eloquent, they may not use the exact words they would like to use, but they can figure out a way of getting where they’re going in the language with what they have
Learning this new language does take work but you may be surprised to see that as you take learning into your own hands and do it in a way that is personally enjoyable, it may be easier than you think. ¡Suerte!