Learning Spanish For Traveling & Living In Mexico

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, and if there is any language you should learn, it should be Spanish. While many of you will think about learning Spanish because of your passion, some people must learn this language because they need to.

A lot of people move to different countries with a different language, and if you don’t know the local language then living there can be tough. Even if you are just traveling to another country, you will notice a difference when you can speak or understand the native language. It can transform your entire trip, and you will have much more fun.

How Can You Learn Spanish?

Learning how to speak Spanish is not as difficult as it may sound. Learning a new language can seem an impossible thing at first, but if you know the right techniques, you can master any language in a few months.

1.    Listen To Podcasts/Shows

When you listen to anything for a certain time period, you will unconsciously retain that information. You must have seen how children can sometimes know the dialogues of cartoon movies and rhymes. This is because they listen to the rhymes and watch the cartoons so many times that they memorize it unconsciously.

A similar technique can be applied if you are learning a language. Listening to Spanish podcasts or songs will help you learn in a way that your subconscious is not aware of. Listen to Spanish words and then learn about their meanings. It will also help you acquire the correct pronunciation.

2.    Download a Language Learning App/Software

Technology has given us unlimited gifts. We can download applications and softwares that can help you with learning any language. Rosetta Stone is such a software that will help you. Duolingo is another popular app that language learners should download in their devices. An advantage of these apps is that you can learn anywhere and at any time.

3.    Speak In Spanish!

Once you have learned enough Spanish words and phrases, you should start speaking in it whenever you get the chance. This way you can know about the mistakes you are making, and you will learn a lot. It would be better if you speak Spanish with native speakers.

Advantages of Learning Spanish

If you are traveling to Mexico and are still not convinced about learning Spanish, here are a few things you should consider.

1.    Increased Job Opportunities

If you are living in Mexico or Spain, then you will have more job opportunities if you know Spanish. Not knowing the local language will limit your options and that is not beneficial in the long term. Nowadays the world has become a global village, and a language barrier is not considered a good enough excuse. People prefer to hire people who are bilingual as it is good for their company. Spanish increases your chances of getting better positions at your job.

2.    You Can Integrate Into Society

How do you expect to adjust in a place where you cannot speak the local language? Moving away from home is hard, and it becomes harder when you cannot adjust to your new home. The best way to move on with your life and adjust is by connecting with other people. You cannot expect to live in Mexico and make friends if you do not even know Spanish.

Learning Spanish is necessary for you to communicate with others. It will benefit you in every situation from buying groceries to visiting a tourist spot. If you live in Mexico and do not know how to speak Spanish, you will continue to feel like an outsider.

3.    Improves Your Overall Experience

Imagine going to Mexico, and you don’t know the local language. You will feel lost all the time with no sense of direction. Now, if you will travel to the same place, but this time you know how to speak Spanish, you will have a much better experience. You will not have to ask for people to translate the signs etc.

Now that you know the benefits of learning Spanish, you should think about doing it. You will not regret it!

About the Author:

Lara Smith has worked for Wall Street English for 20 years. After studying at Stanford University and subsequently doing a CELTA course, she began her career in teaching. She is obsessed with languages and currently writes blogs at https://www.mimicmethod.com/.