Hi everyone,
In this post, I'd like to ask for recommendations on materials you've used or are using to learn Spanish, but first, let me give you more context. Basically, I've been learning this language since May, and my learning process is simple. I'm taking an online course, and also using Busuu and Memrise. However, I'm lacking the resources for passive learning, like podcasts, YouTube channels, movies, TV series, songs, and books.
Additionally, I'm also feeling unmotivated to learn Spanish for some reason I can't put my finger on. This isn't a new language for me since I had it at school, and Spanish and Portuguese have a lot in common. I saw research saying that there's a 90% similarity between these languages, which is a lot. And I think herein lies the problem; all these similarities make things very hard.
A few months ago, I took a Greek university course, and it was really fun. Learning a new alphabet, the structure of the language, and different words made me really excited to understand Greek. However, I don't have the same passion for Spanish. That's why I'm asking for content that you think is interesting and can help stroke my interest in learning Spanish. I'm also making some changes to my schedule, so I can have more fun with the language.
Thank you, or should I say muchas gracias?
I am not learning Spanish, so I unfortunately can't help with recourses. However, how about you look for topics you're interested in? And then go from there with blogs and podcasts, etc? Or you look for something like "Easy Spanish" and see what topics and levels they offer?
Beginners material is often not too interesting. 🥲 But of it is really similar to Spanish, you might be able to find things you do understand also in higher levels.
@HaneNoSasayakigoe - Hi! Thank you for the suggestion. I listened to "Easy Spanish" podcast, and it was fun. Their videos on YouTube are fun as well, but they aren't really my cup of tea tho. Furthermore, I'm trying to find materials in higher levels, but unfortunately, native speakers speak too fast. 😅 Reading is an activity I'm willing to do too, and it should be easier than listening right now.
Can't you reduce the speed on videos and podcasts? I mostly make it faster, because people speak too slow. But I would slow down, if I had trouble with the speed. Or listen to it more than once, if it is interesting or fun. But normally I also don't repeat stuff. 😅
Yeah, slowing down the speed is an option, and I do it sometimes. But listen to the same thing more than one time isn't something I can do, because it becomes too boring. 😵💫
Look up Dreaming Spanish and Comprehensible Input. It's a very effecting method that sounds like what you are looking for. The key is to consume material on your level that you are interested in. The Method is explained very well on the Dreaming Spanish website and there is enough free content to keep you going for a while on any level. There's also an entire Wiki for recources especially for this method. https://comprehensibleinputwiki.org/wiki/Main_Page#Spanish If that's still too boring, maybe try watching documentaries on YouTube about topics that you know really well, or read and watch material you already know well and love, like a favourite book, a movie, a show in Spanish. Play with the language settings on Netflix and watch your favourite show with Spanish subtitles in Spanish.
@Sheysira - thank you! Comprehensible input is definitely what I'm looking for. I'll check this wiki page out. And I changed my Netflix to Spanish, unfortunately, the captions aren't the same being spoken sometimes, but it's better than nothing.
Edward, let me start off by saying that your English is so good. You keep a consistent tone throughout your writing, which is so natural and pleasant to read. There's very little to correct.
In terms of Spanish, you have to find something that will keep you interested, be it a podcast or YouTube channel. But more importantly, it should be someone you want to emulate in your own spoken Spanish because there's so much variety and you don't want to end up with a mishmash of Spanish dialects. Does that mean that you only listen to Spanish in the dialect you want to communicate in? No! You should expose yourself to input in all of the dialects, but only study and shadow the dialect you want to perfect. I'm completely bilingual and will think of some good resources for you.
@CocoPop - thank you for your kind words! And I genuinely appreciate each of your corrections.
You made me realize a point that I didn't give much attention before. The thing is, I've decided to imitate Spanish from Spain, consequently I've been listening just to it. And I'm not exposing myself to different dialects of Spanish, as a result, my resources are limited. I did it because I was afraid of having a mixed accent, but it looks like it wasn't the best idea. Anyway, thanks for your suggestions.
@Edward: My pleasure! If you want my advice... If you live in the Americas, Iberian Spanish may not be the most practical choice. It's only spoken in Spain and learned in Europe for the most part. I believe you live in Brazil. This actually gives you an ample gamut of South American dialects to choose from.
@CocoPop - you're right. I live in Brazil, and I thought about choosing a Latin American dialect. Mexican and Argentinian accents really caught my eye, but the course I'm taking teaches Iberian Spanish. The differences aren't hard to identify; the use of vosotros, pretérito perfecto compuesto, and ceceo/seseo are the ones I can remember now.
*Those accents caught your ear 😉
@CocoPop You can't really advise a Brazilian to learn Argentine Spanish. This is like asking an Italian to eat pineapple pizza.
I'm being sarcastic, except for the pineapple pizza.
Edward, I'd be more worried about having a mixed vocabolary than having a mixed accent. Unless you need to take a proficiency test, nobody should critique your accent. To be honest, the more you progress in the language, the more flexible you are.
Coco, correct me if I'm wrong, but in my opinion, Spanish is less standardised than English. Central and South American dialects, especially those in the north of South America, have had an influx of words from local languages. All those local languages are completely different from one another. Then take Argentine and Uruguay, where the Italian immigration has played its part in shaping both the vocabulary and the pronunciation.
Why am I saying this? Because you said it yourself that you're taking a language course which is in Spain Spanish. I expect you'll be required to write and read a lot of stuff. Focusing on another version of Spanish right now might not be beneficial to you. When you're done with the course, study whatever version you prefer. There's no need to add stress to something you're supposed to enjoy. I hope I didn't end up confusing you even more.
As for compelling content in Spanish, I'm afraid I can't help you. But I'll see what I can do.
@Simone: I actually never mentioned Argentine Spanish 😉 But to me, to live in South America and learn Iberian Spanish is like learning British English, so you can move to the United States.
@CocoPop I agree with you. However, he's taking a language course in Iberian Spanish. Since I assume it's a university course, I think Eduardo should stick to Iberian Spanish. If it's not a university course, then Eduardo should focus on the dialect(s) he prefers. It all depends on what he wants to achieve with the language.
Eduardo, don't take me wrong, but are you learning Spanish just because you're supposed to learn Spanish?
@Simone-, thank you for your comments. I'll try to answer all your questions here.
First thing, I want to pursue a career in international relations. I didn't explain this in the post, so let me summarize here. Basically, in Brazil, to be able to follow this path, we have to speak three languages: English, Spanish and French. So, yes, I'm kind of learning Spanish because I'm supposed to do it.
Second thing, I agree with your point of sticking to Iberian Spanish until I finish my course, and I decided to do it. What I'm doing now that I didn't do before is exposing myself to different dialects. I'm listening to various podcasts, and started reading Un mundo feliz (Brave New World). These activities gave me more will to keep learning, and enjoy the process.
Finally, it's true I have to take a proficiency test in the future, and for me having a good accent/pronunciation is also important for personal reasons.
That's it; if you have more questions, feel free to ask. Thanks again.
You're kind of taking two parallel paths, which is what I'm doing as well. On the one hand, you should focus on the proficiency test, but on the other hand, you're trying to consume compelling material.
My piece of advise is to give priority to the second path. If you think of Spanish as a duty, you'll be likely to fail.
Unfortunately, I'm not learning Spanish, so I can't suggest you books or films. However, If I can watch content in (Iberian) Spanish and still get the point of what's going on, I expect it'll be easier for you.
Thank you for your advice, @Simone-!
I agree with you; when we see learning a language as an obligation, we're more likely to give up.
I think films dubbed into Spanish might be a great resource for you. In general, voice actors tend to speak in a more "standard" and clear way. I don't know how good is the Spanish-speaking dubbing industry, and I don't what's the general opinion on dubbed films in Brazil. But I have a "vague impression" that dubbed films are frowned upon or are
deliberatelydone in a bad way in certain countries.Well, dubbed movies are good indeed. My experience with Spanish dubbed content is small; I watched an animation dubbed in Iberian-Spanish, and it was great. The voices were clear and very natural. However, I tried to watch a documentary called Minimalism in Spanish, and the dubbing wasn't good. They just lowered the original voices and added the Spanish version. Consequently, the result was strange and unnatural, in my opinion. As for Brazil, the majority, not to say all of the content, is dubbed. I think for that reason, the Brazilian-speaking dubbing industry is quite good.
Dubbed documentaries are often a nightmare even in Italian. There must be some logical reasons behind it.
It drives me nuts when I watch something like this.
I think you meant the Portuguese-speaking dubbing industry or the Brazilian-dubbing industry.
I was trying to say Brazilian Portuguese-speaking dubbing industry since I don't know how it works in other countries that speak Portuguese, like Portugal or Angola. Brazilian-dubbing industry would be the best option; thanks for your correction.
👍I'm here to help and learn. I'd like to share with you a few YouTube videos I enjoyed about the dubbing industry.
I found this video in the suggestion section. I read the description and I thought you might find interesting: Destinos: The Best Way to Learn Spanish 🇪🇸 🇲🇽 🇦🇷
@Simone-, thank you for this comment! PolýMATHY is an amazing channel. The videos you recommended were beyond the dubbing thing, they also talked about language learning. The last one was especially helpful; Destinos seems to be an amazing learning tool. As for dubbed content, I'll re-watch Avatar: Last Airbender, but this time in Spanish. By the way, I already had plans of giving a try to Italian and Latin, but I'd say they gained some priority after watching Luke's videos. 😅 Thanks again for your comment; it really helped me. Last thing, the Spanish dubbed version of the Simpsons can be good, but the Brazilian one is better. 🫣
I'm glag you found the videos interesting👍. As for the Simpsons, I won't argue with your statement🙌😂.