Speaking and Listening to Improve Your Spanish
Part of the Spanish Word Games For Dummies Cheat Sheet
Even if you want to learn Spanish only so that you can read and write it, speaking and listening in Spanish helps you absorb the language effectively and efficiently. But talking in Spanish can be intimidating to beginners, and so here are a few tips to help you make the transition from Spanish rookie to proficient Spanish speaker and listener.
Read out loud to hear yourself speaking Spanish.
Get a practice partner (or two or three) and make the time to chat.
Seek out opportunities to interact with Spanish speakers so you get the chance to speak, listen, and learn.
Watch Spanish-language television — commercials, serials, newscasts, and so on — to hear good pronunciation and pick up on words you recognize to maintain the thread of understanding.
Buy a CD of Spanish-language songs. Read the lyrics in the liner notes and sing along to train your tongue and ear.
When watching a DVD, set the subtitles or spoken language to Spanish.
Relax and don’t be afraid to make mistakes; make every effort to keep talking and be understood, and do it with a smile!