| If you are living in a Spanish-speaking community, you | | | | You can always tell them that you are studying |
| are probably finding it easy to practice your Spanish. If | | | | Spanish or only speak a little if it gets hard. Using the |
| not, you may feel that your Spanish speaking time is | | | | phone in a foreign language is a challenge. Go ahead |
| limited to whatever chance you are getting to practice. | | | | and try! |
| As enjoyable as that may be, it is time to venture out | | | | A safer way to get in some listening practice is to |
| and use what you have learned. This will make it real, | | | | watch one of the many Spanish speaking programs, |
| and it is a lot of fun. | | | | talk shows, soap operas, sports networks, you can |
| It is one thing to write in a new language, with spell | | | | find on cable television. Commit a half an hour to sitting, |
| checkers and dictionaries to keep us correct, and | | | | taking notes if you want to, and using the body |
| another to listen and understand Spanish or try to | | | | language and expressions that you see to help you to |
| speak the language in response to what others are | | | | understand what is happening. Even better, rent a |
| saying. Here is a trick I learned from a great English | | | | Spanish speaking DVD. Then, you can rewind and play |
| teacher I had when I was studying English; try some | | | | a scene over again to try to improve your |
| anonymous phone calling. It might sound silly, but it is a | | | | understanding. Try to say some of the expressions |
| safe way to give speaking or listening to Spanish in a | | | | out loud. (Just be sure to be careful using them if you |
| real situation a try. | | | | are not sure what they mean!) |
| Many companies these days give you the option of | | | | Most of all, try to do something new. Your language |
| choosing Spanish or English when you call to get | | | | learning experience should be an alive and developing |
| information. If you know of or remember a company | | | | thing. Try to find ways to really use it in your life, and |
| such as this, go and call that number,( maybe your | | | | make it yours. Remember your motivation; why are |
| credit card company, or electric company or a | | | | you studying Spanish? Picture yourself doing so, and |
| telephone calling card company). When the prompt | | | | this week, make the leap to doing it. You are doing |
| says, "Para Espanol press 2", do it! The worst that can | | | | great. Keep up the good work and enjoy yourself. |
| happen is that you will end up hanging up on a | | | | Tip #5 In the US, there are so many opportunities to |
| computer. At least try to listen to what it says and see | | | | use Spanish. The next time you overhear people |
| if you can understand. You can call back again if you | | | | speaking in Spanish, or see something written in it, test |
| do not, and it is a good way to "break the ice". If you | | | | yourself, by asking for the time, or trying to read the |
| are feeling brave, try to respond in Spanish if you have | | | | sign. |
| the opportunity. | | | | |