I have been learning English since 5th grade. Unfortunately, I still barely speak. I am a university student right now and this year is my final year. It means that I'm very busy and I have a lot of work to do. I don't know why, but I've decided to improve my English this year, too. All of the sudden, I just thought, '' it's time to get into action''. There is no more drama and no more study. I want to learn in funny ways. I want to speak more naturally, not like a robot. I want to express my feelings directly. I have been researching various ways of language learning popular things like shadowing, listening to audiobooks but I didn't enjoy myself doing these activities. I can't speak like books. I mostly understand B2 or C1 books. But still, I can't speak on these levels. What do you think about this topic? Should I keep going with these activities? Do you have any recommendations?
I think the most important thing to language learning is to have fun. Your level of understanding in English is very high. There are so many books out there, maybe you just haven't found the right one to listen to yet. Shadowing can be very useful, but if it's not fun, you won't want to do it. Wouldn't it be better to find a book or TV show in English that you love and spend your time that way? Maybe if you find something you love enough, you might even want to shadow it! :)
You might be right. I love watching Tv series or movies in English. Watching Tv show is quite useful. I just watch all of them. Maybe, I should read their scripts. Shadowing is not my cup of tea, I think :) I feel stupid while I'm doing it. I have some problems only speaking. Thank you for helping with my writing :)
Have you tried listening to podcasts? There are lots of Spanish language podcasts out there that are beyond the basics or grammar-focused. Although I have not listened to English podcasts I am sure there are interesting ones out there for your level. BTW (by the way), your writing is very good.
Sometimes, I listen to Luke's English Podcast. I chose this one because it has free transcripts. It's just a little bit longer than the other ones. But I don't know how to use the podcast for improving my speaking skills.
I absolutely agree that you should find something you enjoy! I'm the same, I find it much easier to read another language than to speak it. The best practice in speaking is finding someone to speak with, of course! But that's not always easy or comfortable. There are some programs that let you record yourself speaking and other people will offer corrections. (I think busuu does this?) It's not the same as practicing natural conversation, but it can give you practice with pronunciation. To be honest, I just talk to myself a lot!
Tv shows and music are a good start. There's probably more content in English than any other language in the world so you will absolutely find good quality content in english about any topic. Also, I recommend the "Easy English" videos from the "Easy Languages" youtube channel.