Tips for learning Spanish

[@DerekKenny-l2u]

Thanks Mike

[@rozdisley4108]

Thanks Mike, good advice. I have struggled with apps as most teach Latin American Spanish. Also pronunciation is something I really struggle with. People here speak so fast, my neighbour here has been a fantastic help. Definitely going to start watching the Spanish news. Great tip thanks

[@johneasingwood6737]

another good show Mike. I've been to Spanish lessons here at home, did a couple of years with it, Duolingo for years off and on. I'm getting a grip now but as I've said to my wife several times children can speak and understand English by the time they go to school without learning all the grammar. I sometimes use the satnav in Spanish in the car on roads I know, be careful if you're somewhere unfamiliar lol Anyway Costa Teguise on 4th January, can't wait. Have a Happy Xmas or Feliz Navidad . Take care

[@LanzaroteInformation]

Have a great time here! You’ll be in time for the three kings processions.

[@johnnymac26]

Great info

[@stevemiffling7586]

Thanks Mike. Some great tips on how to learn the Spanish language.

[@CanariesExplorer]

Very sensible tips, however, in my experience it's best to study and have lessons on some of the basics first such as grammatical structure, basic vocabulary, the present tense and present perfect tense of common verbs. This will make the immersive learning part easier and less tedious. Listening to spanish songs and looking at the lyrics is another enjoyable way to learn. Also, there are many Spanish language films and programmes on Netflix and KZbin that can be watched with Spanish subtitles.

[@jimbo8009]

Excellent information, personally on my Spanish journey I got a bit disheartened at first with all the different ways of saying things ie I, you, he, she ,etc. My angle was at first just to speak in the first person it worked for me by giving me enough confidence to get on the bottom rung of the ladder. Really enjoy your videos and must say Lanzarote has become my favourite Island.

[@LanzaroteInformation]

Good advice. I also tell people not to worry about tense initially.

[@chrislewis343]

Some great advice Mike. At my grand old age I decided to start learning Spanish last year, and have tried all sorts of methods. Like you say, there’s no substitution for immersion, and making Spanish part of your day. The biggest issue I have is how to stop translating my English in my head into Spanish that I can then say, then doing the same in reverse when I hear a Spanish response. Is there ever a point when you think in Spanish?

[@LanzaroteInformation]

A good question, and yes, but, for me, only in fairly simple exchanges. As soon as the conversation gets really complicated, I’m back to translating in my head.

[@chrislewis343]

@ - thanks Mike, I guess I just have to accept that also! I always hear from the natives, “un poco, un poco”

[@baztess8281]

I learned I small amount of Spanish when I lived in Spain, which seemed to be enough to get me by but recently on a trip to Fuerteventura when asking for a “tanke” (large beer) I was given a gin, when I questioned about it ie: this isn’t a large beer I was told to “speak English then” which I found to be very rude as I was (I thought) trying my best to speak in their language only to be told to speak English. I didn’t realise that there are some subtle differences between Canarian Spanish and mainland Spanish 😮

[@LanzaroteInformation]

I’ve never heard anyone ask for a tanke, but I did some googling and apparently in some regions of Spain, “Una tanque de cervesa,” is used for a very large, one litre beer. Stick with “Una jarra” for a normal large beer.

[@ToothTalksTravel]

I'll never forget walking into a supermarket and saying to the guy behind the counter 'Tienes huevos?' instead of 'Hay huevos?' 😂 I never got it wrong again 👍

[@aileenoneill5619]

Great tips Mike, have tried Spanish language cds & apps but not useful for everyday chat

[@jimbo8009]

Hi, I picked up a little book: 15minute Spanish it has everyday stuff in it and if you search round can be picked up very cheaply used.

[@andrewflowerday4694]

Thanks for the tips Mike. As a regular visitor to the island I'm ashamed of how little conversational Spanish I know

[@christianrauch6490]

El acento es fuerte y muy “british”. ¡Hay profesores en línea que explican muy bien y te corrigen si es necesario! ¡Piensa afuera de la caja! !Y usa las muletillas!

[@LanzaroteInformation]

No hablo español en el vídeo ¿cómo sabes cómo es mi acento?

[@gregorio269]

Mike great content as always , as a spanish speaker the bars , restaurants and shops will always appreciate visitors asking for stuff even if you make a mistake , One thing Mike , could you try to stop waving your hands in front of the camera , I find it very distracting !

[@christianrauch6490]

Tienes razón no has hablado mucho pero algunas frases… suficiente para escuchar el acento. Creo que para ingleses no es fácil perder el acento… no quiero ofenderte pero es así. ¿0 piensas que no? Has recomendado cuatro periódicos y escuchar la pronunciación de estos periódicos era suficiente para escuchar el acento! ¿No lo creas? ¿O que piensas al respecto de tu acento?

[@LanzaroteInformation]

Estoy seguro de que tienes razón, Christian. Mucha gente de mi pueblo piensa que hablo español con acento francés. 😄

[@christianrauch6490]

⁠vale. ¿De que país son tus amigos? No creo que hispanohablantes piensen que el acento suene francés… creo que es màs importante comunicarse entendible que fijarse en el acento. (Mi error) una buena semana!