Learning Spanish

[TheKansan]

To those who have learned to speak spanish as an adult, how did you go about doing that? How long did it take? What tips can you give me for learning the language?

I ask because like most places, the area where I live has a fastly growing hispanic population and the local departments all are looking for persons who speak spanish. I am thinking I would be much more valuable as a candidate with this skill. I currently know a little bit of spanish having taken 4 years of the language in high school and 6 credit hours in college, but I am far from fluent, and my knowlegde of the language is pretty limited. Thanks for any help.

[StateChamp]

I know this might sound funny but the way I learned it was to do it. Practice makes perfect. I would talk to others in Spanish to my best ability. If you have someone, like your wife or G.F. get them involved by not speaking a lick of English and just doing Spanish. Each day I studied for 1-2 hours in the morning or night than the rest of the day I spoke it. Try to be around others that speak it and interact with them. You will learn it quick this way. Just from experience.

[tc05sti]

Honestly, I was thinking about picking up Rosetta Stone and sitting down over the summer and just do all three steps.... they guarantee you'll learn or your money back.... the only downside is that it runs about 500 for all three steps :eek:

[TheKansan]

Honestly, I was thinking about picking up Rosetta Stone and sitting down over the summer and just do all three steps.... they guarantee you'll learn or your money back.... the only downside is that it runs about 500 for all three steps :eek:

Yeah I was actually considering the exact same thing. It might be worth the money, but only if we are willing to invest the time.

Maybe I will start with buying the steps one at a time. Its hard to immerse yourself in a language when no one else you know speaks it. I guess I can watch the spanish tv channel, and listen to the spanish radio stations.

[Tinga]

Some colleges will have Spanish courses. Maybe they can work with you on tuition waivers etc.

[jumbojack]

Get a spanish-speaking gf. You will learn muy rapido!

[Snuffy65]

Maybe I will start with buying the steps one at a time. Its hard to immerse yourself in a language when no one else you know speaks it. I guess I can watch the spanish tv channel, and listen to the spanish radio stations.

This actually works kinda well AFTER you learn basics. I tried learning this way but when you know no spanish they talk waaaaayyy too fast to comprehend anything.

Sadly my wife knows spanish. However her accent is horrible so she is embarassed to speak it. Her grandma will talk spanish and she always responds in english. She won't even work with me, so sad.

However, the most spanish I learned was from her grandma because she always talked "spanglish" to me. I then could gather what she is trying to say.

[ICE2DSS]

I know a number of federal agencies that use Rosetta Stone. I've used it myself and highly recommend it if you're self motivated. It's a great program and will definitely get you to learn spanish if you put in the effort.

[nebraska_deputy]

This class I listed below is going to be at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center at the below dates. It's a class for LEO's only. The course name is titled Spanish DUI Enforcement, but they go over more general terms for dealing with spanish speaking people on a day to day basis. I took the class last year and it was great. If you take the class you will see it's more geared towards LEO contacts for just about any situation. There is a lot of info. if it's something you want to know more about PM me. I do know that most of our classes in Grand Island are open to other out of state agency's it's something to check. Oh and they do give you a couple CD's and a book at the end of the class to keep.

http://www.nletc.state.ne.us/NLETC_Course_Calendar/CourseDetail.aspx?classID=1723

Description
This 24-hour course is designed for officers with little or no Spanish language vocabulary. This program is designed to attempt to bridge the communication gap between the officer and the Latino motorist. The learning objectives will be reinforced with practical exercises. Students are responsible for any lodging and meals.
Equipment

Start Date 6/30/2008 Start Time
End Date 7/2/2008
Tuition Lodging and meals as applicable Class Limit 30
Location NLETC
Instructor Jose Alentando
Coordinator Dave Harnly
Prerequisite None

[MvExplorer]

hola amigo.

The absolute best way to learn spanish is to immerse yourself as much as possible. If it is at all feasible, I HIGHLY recommend you spend some time in a spanish speaking country. I know this is a tough request to fill, but after spending 3 months in Latin America, I came back speaking better spanish than I ever had, including after 4 years in highschool and numerous high-speed classes in college. I know it might not be possible, but if you can, I really recommend it.

Also, look at some of your colleges or community colleges nearby. See if they offer night classes or something, its better than nothing.

Mike