Today I want to talk about adult Spanish classes, for those of us who are not fluent in the local lingo, while living here in Spain. If you are thinking to yourself, I’m too old or don’t want to attend school at my age, think again. Don’t you wish you could speak the local language a little bit better or understand what is being asked of you in the post office, chemist or town hall? It’s fine thinking you know a word, but are you using the correct pronunciation? This could save your blushes.
If you want to know who we use for classes, it is Speechless in Spain and we love going. It is a friendly, relaxed learning environment and you are also taught phonetics as well as the written language. They also run educational talks too, looking at different periods of history relating to Spain.
Online Apps
Now if you are using the online apps, you are missing out on a lot of things.
Making New Friends: This type of class is perfect for networking and making new friends. With our class on a Monday morning, we then go for a coffee ( or a wine or beer ) at one of the local bars in the square and have often been there a couple of hours later in the sun, chatting away. Further to this we also have a Thursday morning meet up which started out originally as a way to spend an hour practicing our Spanish from the lesson three days before, but in our group is just another get together to shoot the breeze over a cold beer, wine or coffee. Often we have been there three hours later!
Improved Communication: Adult Spanish classes help you develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively in Spanish. Whether you want to travel, work, or connect with Spanish-speaking friends and family, these classes will equip you with the tools to do so confidently. learning nuances etc can make all the difference.
Cultural Awareness: Learning a language often involves exploring the culture and traditions of the people who speak it. Spanish classes can provide insights into the rich and diverse cultures of Spanish-speaking countries, allowing you to better understand and appreciate their customs, music, art, and literature.
Career Opportunities: Not everyone moving from the UK to Spain is retired or looking to retire straight away. In a globalized world, knowing Spanish can open up new job opportunities. Many employers value employees who can communicate in multiple languages, and being proficient in Spanish can make you a more attractive candidate in fields such as international business, education, healthcare, and more. If you’re looking for a part time job in a local bar, animal rescue or shop, a smattering of Spanish will help when dealing with the locals.
Cognitive Benefits: Learning a new language enhances cognitive skills. It can improve your memory, problem-solving abilities, and multitasking skills. The mental exercise required to master a new language can also help keep your brain active and sharp as you age. As part of our classes, we will from time to time do a quiz or a word search type puzzle, but in Spanish
Personal Growth: Learning a new language is a challenging and rewarding experience. It can boost your self-confidence as you see your language skills improve over time. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and personal growth, as you step out of your comfort zone and embrace a new way of thinking and expressing yourself. Being able to order a full meal or do your shopping at the local market in the local dialect can give you a sense of satisfaction.
Why Apps Or Online Learning Is Not The Best.
Some of the American apps are popular but they are also not that great for Europeans wanting to learn Spanish to use in Spain. This is because they are using the Mexican variations of the Spanish language!
Limited Interaction: Online language learning apps typically rely on self-paced lessons and exercises. While they can help you acquire vocabulary and basic grammar skills, they often lack opportunities for meaningful interaction with native speakers. This can hinder your ability to practice speaking and listening skills in real-life situations. So if you’re travelling to South America these apps are fine.
Lack of Personalization: Online apps may not cater to individual learning styles or needs. They often follow a one-size-fits-all approach, which might not address your specific strengths, weaknesses, or goals in learning Spanish. Personalized guidance and feedback from a teacher or tutor can be more effective.
Motivation and Discipline Challenges: Learning a language requires consistency and motivation. Online apps can be less motivating for some learners, as there may be no external accountability or social interaction. Without a structured learning environment or a support system, it can be easy to lose interest or not maintain a regular study routine.
While online apps can be a convenient and cost-effective way to begin learning Spanish, they may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you require more personalized instruction and interaction.
Using a local Spanish instructor who also adds notes and course work onto their own app is a much better option, as these are tailored to the needs of the local population. While Castilian Spanish (often simply referred to as Spanish) is the official language of Spain and is spoken throughout the country, different regions do have their own dialects. Check out the Speechless in Spain Facebook page for more information.
Not Just Adult Spanish Classes
Although we are talking about adult Spanish classes, there are also options for the kids to brush up their learning. Fun and creative classes to help your child improve their language skills, boost their confidence and achieve higher grades at school! This is ideal for the youngsters who want or need to improve their Spanish but outside of the formal, official classroom setting of school.
