The Secret To Learning Any Foreign Language: Spanish, Chinese, you name it

Learning Spanish on YouTube.com

Jim Sarris — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:33:11 +0000

Learning Spanish is a lot of work. But that’s ok because achieving any goal is a lot of work. The real challenge is in making the work fun and enjoyable so you feel like continuing.

Your textbooks will give you all the Spanish verb conjugations. You’ll get reading practice from short stories. You’ll get listening practice from CDs and audio tapes.

And, if you follow the book from page 1 to page 400, you will learn Spanish. However, there is only one problem. You many die of boredom first. And once boredom sets it, then you have the perfect excuse to stop studying. (more…)

Why Learn Spanish in Spain?

Jim Sarris — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:36:47 +0000

With so many Spanish speaking countries nearby, why travel across the Atlantic Ocean to learn Spanish? Here are some pros and cons for making the trip.

Learning Spanish requires a study of verbs, tenses, grammar and most importantly, contact with native speakers. You can get all the reading and writing you like either at home or at a local community college. But speaking takes a little more effort. (more…)

Review of The Secret to Learning Any Language

Jim Sarris — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:48:55 +0000

I am very happy to offer this independent review of The Secret to Learning Any Language. It contains the pros and cons and clarifies things in ways that help you understand what the resource is all about.

So, without further ado, …the review.

“Reaction to The Secret to Learning Any Language”

This book has an interesting premise—that whether the reader is enthusiastic about learning or simply needs to learn (for job, promotion, etc.) this book will help. The honesty of addressing the readers’ needs and how best to approach the language from a position of inexperience is repeated throughout the book and lends credibility to its structure.
WHAT I LIKE: (more…)

How Much Spanish Do You Need To Know?

Jim Sarris — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:50:12 +0000

Being able to speak Spanish is a definite plus for anyone who wants to advance in their career. However, many people don’t realize that you don’t need a ton of Spanish to make a difference. It’s the 80-20 rule. You only need to know 20% of the Spanish you think you need in 80% of the situations.

Let me explain. (more…)

Is Learning a Foreign Language Abroad For You?

Jim Sarris — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:59:13 +0000

Study abroad programs offer the fastest way to fluency. There is no question about that. You get the language in so many ways: you read the street signs, the menus, hear the people at the bus stop, the list goes on and on.

Yet, there are people that have had a hard time with language learning, regardless of where they are. For many of these people, they don’t feel studying abroad is the answer because for them learning a foreign language is not going to happen.

Well, nothing could be further from the truth. Just follow these simple tips. (more…)

Learning foreign languages in 10 minutes a day?

Jim Sarris — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 13:06:21 +0000

A dream come true! Learn a language in 10 minutes a day. Well, like a lot of things, this statement is true if you are talking about learning the basics. Ten minutes a day is enough. However, if you want to learn to speak and understand, and you’re beginning from scratch, you’re in big trouble. (more…)

Why Study Abroad Programs Fail

Jim Sarris — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:55:12 +0000

Study abroad programs appear to have the learning system down. They provide the classes and the living arrangements and, of course, the country where you want to study. It’s all there.

So why do the majority of students that travel overseas to learn Spanish or other languages come back with little or no improvement? (more…)

Why speaking Spanish is brutal

Jim Sarris — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 17:49:13 +0000

Speaking Spanish, speaking Chinese or any foreign language can be tough for a number of reasons. For me, the top reason is the humble pie you have to eat as you learn.

If you’re a funny person who always gets the crowd going, you’ll be a wallflower watching and trying to understand. If you’re intelligent, you’ll have no way to show it. If you’re creative, get a pad and markers because your words won’t do. (more…)

Learn Spanish To Make More Money

Jim Sarris — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:21:01 +0000

Learning Spanish means a lot more than growing culturally. It can mean growing economically as well. (more…)

Learning Spanish at any age

Jim Sarris — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:09:47 +0000

Learning Spanish is not a question of being young and unaware. Yes, it does help to be immersed in Spanish (or any language) at a young age. Sure it makes learning almost automatic. But who is to say that Learning Spanish can’t be almost as easy (and more fun) at a later age…any later age. (more…)