There are many methods and strategies for learning a language. You can find many resources and tips about how people learn in different ways. The key isn’t what method you choose, but what you keep in mind when choosing a method.

I think everyone should find what works for them based on their preferences and interests. If something others recommend doesn't work for you, you may need something different.

However, for a method to be effective, it should comply with three essential principles backed by science:

In order for the information learned to move from short-term memory to long-term memory, we need to review the material a couple of times. This allows the brain to retrieve the new words and rules before forgetting them.

If we review something just once and never consciously use it, we’ll probably forget it in a short period of time. That's why it's important to repeat podcasts, videos, or readings a couple of times and apply what we learn, or at least review it.

Immerse yourself in the language using the right content. Choose content that you can understand about 85% of (you don't have to measure that, just make sure you can capture the general sense and understand most of the words).

This allows your brain to focus on the message and activates its natural ability to acquire language through meaning and context. Stephen Krashen developed the comprehensible input theory, which explains that we acquire language when we understand what people are telling us and what we are reading.

Keep this in mind when choosing materials and expose yourself to content that is slightly above your level, but still decipherable. It will help you advance constantly.

It's not just for staying motivated, it's also for better vocabulary and rules acquisition. The brain more easily remembers things connected to emotions, experiences and personal passions. This creates strong emotional connections with words and phrases. Look for content that you find interesting and connect what you learn to your daily life and passions.

That’s why most people find traditional grammar lessons boring and difficult to follow. They aren't connected to real life or your interests. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't learn grammar, but learning it in context is better.

Finally, this type of content is more likely to expose you to real-world slang and idioms. That brings you closer to a more natural, everyday Spanish.

Then as you explore your options to find what works best for you, keep these three important keys in mind. I'll tell you about more strategies you can try in the next newsletters!

See you soon!

Yazmin.

If you want to speed up your fluency by talking to native tutors, I recommend using Preply. By signing up through this link, you will receive an automatic 30% discount on your very first lesson in any language and teacher. Make sure you register by clicking directly on this link so that the system can automatically apply the downgrade:

Good luck!