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Learning the lingo.

Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2019 11:11am
12 replies691 views8 members subscribed
Jerome

Posts: 65

32 helpful points

Joined: 1 Feb 2019

Hi Y'all,

Reading many of the posts that appear on this excellent forum I am struck by the many, many items relating to how to meet and mix with the Brit community, rather than attempting to assimilate. 

Whereas I am totally sympathetic to the difficulties of learning a new language when one is, shall we say, of advancing years (my own skills are pathetic and lamentable), I do find it a little strange that more people are not making that rather important effort, particularly if one is bent on living in Spain. Or maybe those people just do not subscribe to this forum.

I am currently reading an enjoyable little romp called 'The reluctant Expat' by a chap called Alan Laycock which details his venture into moving to the Spanish countryside. It has rather inspired me to make that effort myself. Definitely worth a read and there are absolutely masses of web sites on learning the lingo from the very basic to the more esoteric.

Just a thought.

Elizabeth

Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2019 1:10pm

Posts: 8

4 helpful points

Location: Ricote

Joined: 20 Apr 2018

Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2019 1:10pm

Very well put Jerome. It is a struggle to learn a new language but it is rather a necessity for those of us who have chosen to live outside the British enclaves. The Spanish are warm and welcoming people on the whole and encouraging to people trying to learn the language. 

Roland

Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2019 1:49pm

Roland

Legendary helpful member

Posts: 3519

2581 helpful points

Location: Camposol

Joined: 23 Feb 2018

Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2019 1:49pm

I love trying to do all sorts of things using the Spanish language 

Car service, shopping, buying new car tyres etc.

The trouble is the Spanish like to practice their English on you when you really want them to speak in Spanish !!

I get in a bit of a tangle sometimes but a bit of arm waving and gesticulating usually sorts things out 

IngerKari

Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2019 10:06am

Posts: 7

1 helpful points

Joined: 19 Nov 2018

Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2019 10:06am

Very well put. And thank you for the website, Jan! We are located in Isla Plana, and are looking for a group to practice Spanish conversation with - the problem would be for us that we are only here a few weeks per year, and would be interested in joining sporadically, which of course means that we would surf on other people's ongoing activity. Maybe we could contribute with a fee for participation? Other ideas would be to check if there are groups which are for Spanish-speaking tourists, like hiking groups - one website I tried did not seem to be very interested in new members.  Beside hiking, we are interested in history in general, societal  and political development of Spain.

Burnie

Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2019 11:35am

Posts: 58

11 helpful points

Joined: 28 Aug 2018

Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2019 11:35am

I love this set of books - 4 in total I think. These books motivated me in learning the language, first using YouTube - although I found many of these were Latin American so different pronunciations - and then a 1:1 tutor for a few months in the UK. Just these two strategies really helped me to get a grip on the basics of vocabulary and grammar, and now I can hold a simple conversation when we stay in our holiday home. After a month in summer, I found I had many ‘switched’ conversations where I spoke in Spanish and they spoke in English! 

The free magazine I pick up in Furniture Plus has a What’s Going On section, and often advertises language exchange sessions in & around the areas of Pto. de Mazarrón. If there’s any other drop-in sessions, I’d love to know about them too. 

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Jerome

Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2019 12:34pm

Jerome

Original Poster

Posts: 65

32 helpful points

Joined: 1 Feb 2019

Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2019 12:34pm

Hi Y'all,

Further to my first post there is a chap on YouTube called Dr. Evans who has done many, many tutorials in Spanish. Although some of it reflects South American Spanish most is very relevant and he gets absolutely rave reviews because of his teaching style.

If even I can benefit from it and actually learn summat then anyone can, as I never was the swot of the class (more like the dunce).

So, worth checking out if one wants to make an effort. Here is one of his:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oXAwaZPHFM

Cheers and buena suerte!

 
IngerKari

Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2019 9:20pm

Posts: 7

1 helpful points

Joined: 19 Nov 2018

Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2019 9:20pm

Hi, all, thank you! Back at home, and will use the links! I did not get which four books you were thinking about, Burnie? Will be working to improve my skills and hopefully get an opportunity to practise next year! 

Pillings

Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2019 11:13pm

Posts: 36

8 helpful points

Location: Archena

Joined: 13 Jul 2017

Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2019 11:13pm

I think hes referring to the reluctant expat as he has written 4 in the series

Burnie

Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2019 8:45pm

Posts: 58

11 helpful points

Joined: 28 Aug 2018

Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2019 8:45pm

Yes, I was referring to The Reluctant Expat series - there are four books in total. I really enjoyed them as a light-hearted read. 

Sarah / Burnie

sharon 55

Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2019 7:48am

Posts: 49

19 helpful points

Location: Calabardina

Joined: 9 Jan 2018

Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2019 7:48am

Hi Jerome . 

I’m moving from Australia to Calabardina in January. Very keen to learn the language. I’ have downloaded Duolingo and practice every day . I can’t imagine living in a country and not speaking the language. 

I’m hoping to go to Spanish school in Aguilas when I arrive  . Will try and get the book you’ve suggested. Thanks. 

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