I am often asked, “how long does it take to learn Spanish?” I am afraid that this is largely a million-dollar question and one for which there’s no generic response.
Unfortunately there are simply far too many variables involved, in that so much depends on how much effort a student is prepared to put into studying the language, and also which technique or program they will be using. Add to that the indisputable fact that while some students may choose to use the services of a private mentor, others will select a classroom environment instead. Actually, some students will rather choose using one or other home study program which gets use from books, multimedia, software, and audio recordings. You also need to ask yourself whether or not the person will be learning the language in a land where it’s spoken as the first language, or whether they will be learning it in their home country. Additionally, the quality of a program or the expertise of a teacher will also influence the result.
Since these variables will have such a direct impact on how long does it take to learn Spanish, it is just not possible to provide a simple response to this question. In fact, I have personally met students who after half a year, managed to communicate confidently in conversational Spanish, but I have also met folks who have studied the Spanish language for a number of years, albeit on an on and off basis, and yet after many years they can hardly get by.
Instead of attempt to provide a single response to this question, I would prefer to discuss what I feel to be the quickest way of learning Spanish. The most vital step of all, is for a person to take advantage of every possible opportunity with regards to interacting in the language they would like to learn, regardless of what language that may be.
While you actually do get people who are firm followers of the classroom approach, I personally feel it takes too long unless it is done in conjunction with another technique. In my opinion, a self study strategy of high quality is easily superior in that it permits a student to move forward at their own pace rather than being tied down to the average lecture room pace. This is especially true regarding individuals who are really intent on learning Spanish.
In this situation, I would suggest a student to select a reputable program which includes a selection of audio lessons, multimedia lessons, and of course, written Spanish. Additionally, they should select a program which allows for lessons to be downloaded onto a mobile device so that the student can listen on their iPod as an example. Remember, if you’re serious about learning a language, then you should aim for having the ability to not only speak it and write it, but also to read it and understand it. Unless a program covers all four of these areas, it must be avoided or at least, you will require some further material.
As you probably have already heard, Rocket Spanish is an extremely favored program, and not without reason. Considering that it addresses all 4 of the area’s mentioned, it has gained a reputation for providing students with a top foundation for basic Spanish which in turn will make sure that you’re able to speak confidently in Spanish within a relatively short space of time. Similarly, Rosetta Stone is understood to be just as good, in that it also addresses the 4 areas mentioned above. Furthermore, it is available in two versions so that individuals can choose between the “Spain” version and the Latin American Spanish version. Judging from testimonials, it seems that the Rosetta Stone program takes a little longer to work through, which of course means it’ll take you a little longer before you develop conversational Spanish but in general, it ranks right up there with Rocket Spanish. Also, Rosetta Stone is significantly more expensive.
As you can see, there are too many variables concerned for me or anyone else to be in a position to give a simple answer regarding “how long does it takes to learn Spanish. However, you’ve potentially also gathered by this time that there are several things you can do in order to speed up the process. In fact, many students go as far as using both the programs mentioned with each other to develop conversational skills as quickly as possible. However, unless you are steadily exposed to the Spanish language, no program will be capable of making you one hundred p.c smooth. On the other hand, providing you’re at an intermediate-to-advanced level, you might consider subscribing to Puerta del Sol Audio magazine which is a Spanish language abilities Magazine. Furthermore, you’d be surprised at quite how much you can benefit from joining a Meetup group in your area that concentrates on learning the Spanish language.