Will listening to learning Cds during the night help you learn a language better?What are some good tips?
I was wondering if i play my how to learn Spanish CD at night that i will be able to learn the language better is this true? If not can someone give me some good tips on how to remember and speak languages better?
EDIT: Yeah but im also really nervous to talk to people who speak the language because i feel like i either A) Have a thick accent or B) Might be saying the wrong words and get laughed at
Is there any way to over come this fear as well?
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Filed under: Spanish Lessons
To the CD question: I agree. It’s not going to work. You have to be active and enjoy the process. Because I loved speaking Spanish to everyone and anyone, I improved quickly. BUT on the other hand, it doesn’t hurt to immerse yourself in Spanish.
**To the fear question: You can do tons of things:
I think the best advice I ever got was: find a person who is the same level Spanish as you (If you’re a beginner find another beginner). Pick a time (like a 1 hour coffee break) and a place that doesn’t have a lot of Spanish speakers (like a Starbucks in a non-Latino area), and speak Spanish to each other. If it helps plan beforehand what topics you’re going to talk about. And just speak.
Since both of you are at the same level, you’ll both make a lot of mistakes. That’s actually really good! You learn through mistakes. And don’t worry about picking up your friend’s mistakes. First is that your build your confidence. Once you get used to talking nonstop for 30 minutes to an hour or more, then take the next step: talk to someone who is more advanced (or even a native speaker).
Also, try the little things. Order in Spanish at a Mexican restaurant. Speak in full sentences. If the waiter responds in English ask him if your Spanish was correct.
**To the accent issue
Watch Spanish TV and repeat back what they are saying. The more dramatic and exaggerated the show, the better. Imitate the character as much as you can. Act along with them and really get into it. TRUST ME it works wonders on your accent.
**To the saying wrong words issue
Memorize some set phrases and dialogues from your Spanish lessons. For example, go to the unit on ordering at a restaurant and making friends. Practice the dialogues repeatedly (in front of a mirror, with your new friend, whatever). When you get in a situation where you have to speak to a native speaker, the correct phrasing and grammar will come out automatically. You can get creative and play around with sentence structure later. For now, just start talking.
¡Buena suerte!
No, it won’t. The best way to remember and speak Spanish better is to practice in real life situations with native speakers. Real learning has to be active, not passive.
Yes it does.
I recently read a note about this in the Scientific American: Mind Magazine.
They talk about how new Research has brought more evidence to sustain the theory that it does help.
Here are the last sentences, is kind a long to write everything down and is not online.. sorry…
" ‘We were certainly surprised’ says co-author Ken Paller, director of the Cognitive Neuroscience program at Northwestern explaining that he did not expect such strong results. Although previous research has suggested that sleep alone can help consolidate memories this study is the first to show that sound cues can strengthen specific spatial memories. Paller and his colleagues will next explore how long these effects last and wherther aural cues can strengthen other types of memories as well. Until then, go ahead and play those French tapes while you snooze– It couldn’t hurt."
-Melinda Wenner, Scientific American Mind!