Learning a new language can be a valuable tool in future career and education plans. Memorizing vocabulary words is the first step in learning a new language. Spanish is a language many students in the United States choose to study. Some students choose to continue their study of the Spanish language in a Spanish-speaking country. Immersing yourself in a Spanish-speaking country helps develop your use and understanding of the language.
Instructions
1. Prepare flash cards. Use note cards to create flash cards. Write the Spanish vocabulary word on one side and the English translation on the other side. Make sure the words are spelled correctly and accents are placed in the proper locations.
2. Spend time each day reviewing the note cards. Take these with you on the bus or as you walk to school. Any extra practice helps, even if it's only one word. As you review, think about the Spanish word and how it is spelled and the accent. Make time to go through the entire stack of note cards once or twice each day. Set aside those you don't know and go through those cards one more time.
3. Make word associations and look for cognates. Try linking a Spanish word to an action, event, person or thing that helps you remember the word. For example, the word el amigo means a male friend in Spanish. Break the word "amigo" into "me" and "go" as in "me go with my friend." Picture yourself going with a male friend in your mind to enforce the connection. Look for Spanish cognates of English words such as "animal" is "el animal" or "tomato" is "el tomate."
4. Practice with a native speaker. Using vocabulary is the best way to remember the words. Find a native speaker and utilize the vocabulary you know, even if it's just a few expressions. Hearing a native accent will help train your ear and assist with your pronunciation. Check with your Spanish teacher for suggestions on practice partners.
5. Label common objects around the house or classroom. Use sticky notes or note cards and tape to label common items around the house. Place the Spanish equivalent of the word on the item so each time you see the object you'll be reminded of the vocabulary word. When you see the word, practice saying the word in Spanish. Pull these off every couple of weeks and test your knowledge.
Tags: note cards, around house, flash cards, male friend, native speaker, Spanish language, Spanish word