Last Wednesday, my family and I received a visit from my sister-in-law, her boyfriend, and their sons from Valencia, Spain. They are visiting for two weeks and we are having a blast.
One of the topics I've been talking about with Juan (my sister-in-law's boyfriend) is English learning in Spain. He comments that is very hard for Spaniards to learn English since the educational system does not prioritize communicative skills. Emphasis on grammar, writing, and reading leads to a disparity between written and spoken English abilities. Also, the use of English in everyday life is limited. Spaniards are not regularly exposed to English media, conversations, or other forms of communication.
It seems like the challenges they face are similar to those that English speakers in the US face when they learn Spanish. Do you agree?
Just like Juan shared about the emphasis on grammar and writing in the Spanish education system, English learners in the US can also relate to the focus on reading and writing skills. While this foundation is crucial, it sometimes results in a hesitation to speak the language out loud, fearing mistakes and a lack of fluency.
The immersion challenge can be solved with the intention and effort to surround yourself with the language.
What is immersion?
Imagine being surrounded by the sights, sounds, and conversations of a new language as if it were your native tongue. That's the essence of language immersion! It's an immersive experience where you embrace the language in its natural context, allowing it to be part of your daily life.
Here are a couple of Spanish immersion activities you can start this week:
1. Spanish Conversational Practices:
Seek out local Spanish language meetups or conversation groups in your area. You can practice informal conversations in a supportive environment, exchange cultural insights, and make new friends who share their language learning journey.
2. Spanish Movie Nights
Organize Spanish movie nights at home or attend screenings of Spanish-language films in local cultural centers or theaters. Watch movies with Spanish audio and English subtitles (or vice versa). This activity not only enhances listening skills but also exposes you to different accents and cultural references.
It's not just about memorizing words and grammar rules. You also get to experience a whole new culture that's intertwined with the language. You get to learn about their customs, traditions, and values. It's like becoming part of a global community where you can make new friends, gain valuable insights, and share some laughter. It's pretty cool how learning a new language can connect you with people from all over the world, right?
At New Way Spanish, we believe in the transformative power of immersion. Our program seamlessly integrates language, culture, and authentic experiences, guiding you toward fluency.
Remember, immersion is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor it to your learning style and pace. Every step you take, whether it's striking up a conversation or enjoying a foreign film, propels you closer to fluency.
Muchas gracias por leer nuestro blog.
One of the topics I've been talking about with Juan (my sister-in-law's boyfriend) is English learning in Spain. He comments that is very hard for Spaniards to learn English since the educational system does not prioritize communicative skills. Emphasis on grammar, writing, and reading leads to a disparity between written and spoken English abilities. Also, the use of English in everyday life is limited. Spaniards are not regularly exposed to English media, conversations, or other forms of communication.
It seems like the challenges they face are similar to those that English speakers in the US face when they learn Spanish. Do you agree?
Just like Juan shared about the emphasis on grammar and writing in the Spanish education system, English learners in the US can also relate to the focus on reading and writing skills. While this foundation is crucial, it sometimes results in a hesitation to speak the language out loud, fearing mistakes and a lack of fluency.
The immersion challenge can be solved with the intention and effort to surround yourself with the language.
What is immersion?
Imagine being surrounded by the sights, sounds, and conversations of a new language as if it were your native tongue. That's the essence of language immersion! It's an immersive experience where you embrace the language in its natural context, allowing it to be part of your daily life.
Here are a couple of Spanish immersion activities you can start this week:
1. Spanish Conversational Practices:
Seek out local Spanish language meetups or conversation groups in your area. You can practice informal conversations in a supportive environment, exchange cultural insights, and make new friends who share their language learning journey.
2. Spanish Movie Nights
Organize Spanish movie nights at home or attend screenings of Spanish-language films in local cultural centers or theaters. Watch movies with Spanish audio and English subtitles (or vice versa). This activity not only enhances listening skills but also exposes you to different accents and cultural references.
It's not just about memorizing words and grammar rules. You also get to experience a whole new culture that's intertwined with the language. You get to learn about their customs, traditions, and values. It's like becoming part of a global community where you can make new friends, gain valuable insights, and share some laughter. It's pretty cool how learning a new language can connect you with people from all over the world, right?
At New Way Spanish, we believe in the transformative power of immersion. Our program seamlessly integrates language, culture, and authentic experiences, guiding you toward fluency.
Remember, immersion is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor it to your learning style and pace. Every step you take, whether it's striking up a conversation or enjoying a foreign film, propels you closer to fluency.
Muchas gracias por leer nuestro blog.
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