Hi everyone.
Today I am writing a post in English, and I really hope I don't make any grammar/spelling mistakes, since I claim to be advanced...
The reason for writing this, is that I am feeling really stuck at the level I am at right now (Spanish). And I couldn't think of anyone who could answer my question better than the wonderful community on this platform.
I feel like I am not making any progress. I went back to A1/A2, after I noticed it was too overwhelming. At first I thought that was the reason for why I was feeling stuck. Only after coming back, I didn't feel any better about my Spanish.
Do you ever feel stuck, or like you aren't making any progress? And if so, what did you do to get over that?
I don't know if it is good to know, but I am just sixteen and am still in school. I also have an evening job, so I don't have a lot of time. I am studying Spanish everyday, but not everyday for hours . (most of the time 15-30 minutes)
If you have any tips, please let me know!
Thanks :D
Hi Yoël! I also try to learn Spanish and what helps me a lot is listen to the language. Most of the time I listen to podcast (e.g. Español con Juan...). You can download the episodes and listen wherever you want (doing exercises, driving by bus). When I’m at home I watch YouTube Videos in Spanish. There are a lot of sitcoms like “Friends“, “Big Bang Theory”... Ok, maybe not the right series for your age but you can probably find some stuff that you like. Try it with subtitles. You can really learn a lot this way. Most days I listen 2 hours to Spanish things. And that is beside working 8 hours a day and having a family to care about.
Hi Yoel! (I'm sorry, I don't know how to write your "e"!). I think consistency is key - half an hour a day is very good! Doing something every day is important, so that it becomes part of your normal routine. In addition, a variety of methods and source materials keeps the learning fresh - podcasts, reading, YouTube videos , grammar exercises, and conversation when you can. Try not to judge yourself week by week, but rather, every 3 months for example. It's a more realistic point at which to review your progress. Keep at it, you will get there!
@Doris Thank you! I love listen to podcasts, I will definitly do more of that! Also, which YouTube channels do you recommand? Thank you so much for the recommendations!
@Rachel2021 Thanks! (Also, it's fine, not many write my name with the "ë") I am going to look for more, and different, kinds of source materials!
I'm stuck in Portuguese too honestly XD. I found that for when I got a higher intermediate level in Romanian, that this happened too, and then after a period of three months of this struggle phase, my level then "solidified" if that makes sense. Things started to click into place and go more smoothly, as it seemed that my brain was taking a pause to sort everything out. So give it some time, your brain is just trying to make sense of the language.
@Yoel, I recommend Juan from https://1001reasonstolearnspanish.com/ — he teaches in context, by role playing, etc. I find his method to be very effective. He has a podcast as well as a YouTube channel
@TG-KROENING174, Thanks!
@BonnieFazzio, Thank you!!
Yoel, I think you're doing a fantastic job already. School is very consuming and mentally draining, and working a job (even if it is just part-time!) often takes what is left of your mental and physical energy! 15-30 minutes every day is better than nothing; you just need to let time do it's thing and don't give up!