Getting Started

• Language skills are achieved through time and practice, so prepare yourself for a commitment. Because it is easy to forget what you have learned unless you use it, you must be committed to practicing Spanish daily if fluency is your goal. Research methods of learning Spanish and figure out which will work best for you and your commitment level.
  
  

Choosing a Method of Learning

• The most effective method for learning Spanish fluently is total immersion in the language by living in a Spanish-speaking country in addition to taking lessons. As this is not a viable method for most people, consider your other options.
  
  If you are looking only to speak the language, and don't care as much about reading or writing in Spanish, consider working through language CDs. Pimsleur, Rosetta Stone and Visual Link are three companies that sell CDs to help people learn Spanish phonetically. To retain everything that you have learned, find someone who speaks fluent Spanish and practice your new skills with them.
  
  Tutors and classes are other options for learning Spanish. Most community colleges and state schools offer language classes at an affordable price. Check your local schools for programs and fees. Learning to read and write in Spanish is more time consuming, and it will probably take you a bit longer to speak fluently. However, the benefit is that you will understand root words, conjugations of verbs, and how sentences are structured so that you have a better overall understanding of Spanish. This will facilitate your ability to figure out words and sentences, to properly speak the language, and to learn other Romance languages.
  
  

A Spanish-Speaking Network

• To broaden your language skills, develop a network of Spanish-speaking friends and colleagues. Search for Spanish groups on websites such as Meetup or Facebook. Novice language speakers are always looking for someone to practice with. Ask friends or relatives to listen to language CDs with you, so you can both learn something and you will have someone to practice with.
  
  If you have opted for private lessons, ask the tutor to connect you to other students for language practice. Also ask them if you can call and practice your Spanish with them after your lessons have been completed. When taking a Spanish class with others, try to form a study group with your classmates so that you can practice outside of class.
  
  People learn language through hearing it spoken. While you are learning Spanish, and after you have begun to speak it somewhat fluently, rent Spanish language films and shows. Telemundo is a Spanish television station that runs news, sitcoms, game shows and soap operas. This will help you to maintain an ear for the Spanish language.