How Long Does It Take To Learn Spanish?

I am often asked, “how long does it take to learn Spanish?” I’m afraid this is essentially a million-dollar question and one for which there is no single answer.

Unfortunately there are simply too many variables concerned, in that so much depends on how much effort an individual is ready to put into learning the language, and also which technique or program they are going to be using. Add to that the fact that while some scholars may decide to use the services of a personal tutor, others will select a classroom environment instead. In fact, some individuals will rather opt for using one or other home study program which makes use of books, multimedia, software, and audio recordings. You also need to ask yourself whether the student will be learning the language in a place where it’s spoken as the local language, or whether they will be learning it in their home country. Similarly, the standard of a program or the expertise of a teacher will also influence the result.

Because these variables will have such a direct effect on how long does it take to learn Spanish, it is just not possible to provide a simple answer to this question. In reality, I have personally been involved with students who after six months, managed to communicate confidently in conversational Spanish, but also , I’ve met individuals who have studied the Spanish language for a period of years, admittedly on an on and off basis, and yet after many years they can barely get by.

Instead of attempt to provide a generic response to this question, I would prefer to offer what I feel to be the fastest way of learning Spanish. The most vital step of all, is for a student to take advantage of every possible opportunity with regards to interacting in the language they would like to learn, irrespective of what language that might be.

While you certainly do get people who are firm adherents of the lecture room approach, I actually feel it takes too long unless it is done with another strategy. In my opinion, a self study strategy of good quality is by far superior in that it allows a student to proceed at their own speed rather than being tied down to the average classroom pace. This is especially true regarding individuals who are truly serious about learning the Spanish language.

In this case, I’d suggest a student to select a credible program which includes a range of audio lessons, multimedia lessons, and of course, written Spanish. In addition, they should choose a program which allows for lessons to be downloaded onto a mobile device so that the student can listen on their iPod for example. Remember, if you’re serious about learning a language, then you should aim for being able to not only speak it and write it, but also to read it and understand it. Unless a program covers all 4 of these areas, it should be avoided or at least, you’ll require some further material.

As you’ll have already heard, Rocket Spanish is an intensely popular program, and not without reason. Considering that it addresses all 4 of the area’s discussed, it has gained a name for providing students with a first foundation for basic Spanish which in turn will ensure that you are able to communicate confidently in Spanish within a comparatively short space of time. Similarly, Rosetta Stone is known to be quite as good, in that it also addresses the four areas discussed 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 would appear that the Rosetta Stone program takes a little longer to work thru, 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 quite a bit costlier.

As you can see, there are too many variables concerned for me or anyone else to be able to give a simple response regarding “how long does it takes to learn Spanish. However, you’ve doubtless also gathered by this point that there are a few things you can do in order to hurry up the method. Actually, many students go as far as using both the programs discussed in conjunction with each other to develop conversational skills as fast as possible. However, unless you are steadily exposed to the Spanish language, no program will be capable of making you one hundred percent smooth. On the other hand, providing you’re at an intermediate-to-advanced level, you could consider subscribing to Puerta del Sol Audio magazine which is a Spanish language skills Magazine. Additionally, you’d be surprised at quite how much you can benefit from joining a Meetup group in your area that focuses on learning the Spanish language.