If you’re heading to Spain this year on holiday, it’s useful to pick up some words and phrases before you go. Check out our handy guide to the top five tips for learning Spanish before your next holiday.
1. Take a course
Studying a course is a slightly pricier option, but there are some reasonably-priced, or even free, language courses available. You needn’t be daunted by a lengthy or expensive course either, as if all you want is something to boost your vocabulary on your summer holiday, a low-priced or free mini-course is all you need. Sites like Memrise are ideal for all levels of language learner, and they’re easy to use.
2. Use an app
Apps are another excellent method of learning Spanish, and you can tap into them any time you like. You’ll also have the app handy during your holiday, so you won’t have to panic about remembering everything.
One of the best things about using an app is that they’re quick, easy to use, and often free. You can use them as and when you like, and they’re ideal for you if you can’t commit to a formal course.
3. Try auto-translation software
Plenty of languages can be learned or translated via auto-translation software. With AI and intuitive technology, you’ll be picking up new words and phrases in no time. It can help your pronunciation and accuracy to hear your own voice translated back to you, and some of the software available is designed to enhance your learning.
Auto-translation software is a new and exciting industry, and there are improvements to the technology all the time. If auto-translation takes your fancy, keep an eye on the industry.
4. Don’t forget about traditional books
If you’re more old-fashioned and prefer traditional learning methods, there are still plenty of language books and tapes on the market. They’re usually reasonably-priced, and you can purchase them secondhand too. If you do decide to invest in something more expensive, be reassured that you can sell it on to someone else afterwards.
Ask your friends or post on sites like Freecycle, and ask if anyone has language tapes or phrasebooks they’re not using. You’d be surprised at what people dig out of their cupboards.
5. Find an online friend for Zoom chats
With all the Zoom chats and video calls around these days, why not seek out a language exchange partner? Post in Facebook groups or on forums, and connect with a Spanish speaker learning English. One of the best ways to learn a language is to have informal conversations with native speakers. You never know, you might make an excellent friend in the process, and perhaps you can even visit them when you travel.
No matter how you choose to learn Spanish for your next holiday, bookmark this list, and you’ll always have a few ideas to choose from. Maybe one method, such as apps, won’t work for you, so have a reread of this article and try a different technique.
