Experiences learning Spanish?

[Groove Doctor]

Practical phrases and politeness go a long way for newbies I think. Maybe keeping in mind that while learning to speak complete thoughts, ask questions and sound coherent, that the most popular words are out there, but maybe are not the most useful in every situation. Listening and comprehending are almost always more difficult I think.

I guess what I'm saying is that a list of words is an almost useless thing to learn unless learned in context with other words to form meaning. Those words used with other less popular to form meaning and communication would probably go a long way.

I think I remember reading that if you know how to use around 3,000 words correctly and in context; in most languages you are about as good as 98% of the population. 1,000 words and you are good to get by. A list of words however, is nothing if you are talking to someone on the street.

You don't need to know that many words, but you need to know how to use what you know!

I've learned several different languages at different times before travelling overseas, and common words have been absolutely essential in helping me.

I rote learned about 300 common words and 40 sentences for travellers before a month in Spain. People could understand me and I could understand enough of what people were saying. I really surprised myself.

OP - find the method that works for you.

EDIT: It's definitely worth the effort. You'll wish you did it years ago!!

 

[BboogieXVII]

If you find any particular issue, ask here or via PM.
I'm a native spanish speaker that somewhat understands the spanish / english interaction.
Whatever I can't answer, I'll ask my wife she is an english teacher (meaning she teaches english as a second language to spanish speakers) and she is a language geek.
I'm sure I can assist.

Thanks Man, I will take you up on your offer.

 

[BboogieXVII]

I've learned several different languages at different times before travelling overseas, and common words have been absolutely essential in helping me.

I rote learned about 300 common words and 40 sentences for travellers before a month in Spain. People could understand me and I could understand enough of what people were saying. I really surprised myself.

OP - find the method that works for you.

EDIT: It's definitely worth the effort. You'll wish you did it years ago!!

That's the way to do it! Good on ya.

 

[Jeff Scott]

My father was born and raised in northern Argentina, and his family and friends who would come up to visit would, invariably, speak Hispani (word I learned from a chicano in L.A. ) But dad never tried to teach us Spanish. Once out in L.A. I began picking up choice Spanish phrases from the locals. Needless to say, most of those I would not use in a daily fashion if I wanted to live! Those Mexicans were a great fun loving bunch of people.

 

[the harp unstrung]

 

[BboogieXVII]

Beautiful. I have watched the beginning of the documentary; it looks very promising.