Many different paths can be chosen when it comes to learning Spanish. Audio tapes, books, and software all promise to teach their users Spanish. They make a variety of claims, some true and some not so true. Correct spanish pronunciation is a key when learning Spanish. But the key to success is to the find the method of how to learn Spanish that works best for you.
Different methods
Audio tapes or CDs
When it comes to learning Spanish, audio tapes and CDs have several advantages and several glaring disadvantages. It is easy to get the proper flow and pronunciations of the spoken language down through listening to other people speak. By hearing how others do it, your brain will more than likely try to emulate their style.
Sentence structure
However, audio tapes or CDs cannot teach you how to write the language, nor can it explain the rules of sentence structure. While good for learning how to say certain phrases properly, they do not do a great job of conveying the why of language structure. That is to say, while the phrases that they will teach you will be correct, any phrase you attempt to say that you haven’t studied through the tapes may be wrong because you don’t understand why Spanish works the way it does. Audio tapes are a great way how to learn Spanish phrases before a trip.
Spanish books
Books are another tool used for learning Spanish. The advantages of books are that they are very good for learning the structure and form of the language. By being able to show you through diagrams, charts, and explanations the way the language works and is formed, books can be a great tool for learning the guidelines.
But there are drawbacks, too. Pronunciation is very difficult to learn from books and to write alone, so books alone are not a good way how to learn Spanish speaking and pronunciation.
Software programs
The software combines the best of books and audio tapes into one useful package. By being able to both read and hear what you are learning, a deeper understanding can occur. The software is, for the most part, the best way to learn Spanish on your own.
The software lets you go at your pace allows for you to go to any portion of the learning you wish to study. It is very easy to navigate and achieve the results you want.
Drawbacks
There are drawbacks here, too. For the computer illiterate or for people who dislike staring at a computer for long periods of time, software is not the best answer. It will merely make you unable to focus on the learning process because you are worried or frustrated by the software and the computer.
Finding the right tool to employ during the learning of Spanish is a major key to success. Weigh the pros and cons of all of them and decide what is right for you.
