How to Learn Spanish on Your Own

Introduction

• Video provides comprehensive guide to learning Spanish independently.
• Sponsored by Unacademy.

Core Learning

• Basics: Important to build a solid foundation with basics like conjugating verbs, making sentences, asking questions.
• Recommended Resources:
  • Textbook: "Complete Spanish Step-by-Step" - comprehensive, includes free audio guides.
  • Audio Platform: Language Transfer - free, 90 lessons, conversational format between teacher and student.
  • App: Unacademy Language App - contextual learning from lesson one.

Spanish Pronunciation and Dialects

• Variations in vocabulary and pronunciation across regions.
• Example: Castilian Spanish uses apical 's'; Latin America uses 'se'.
• Suggested Video: Master neutral pronunciation with a specific video.

Building Vocabulary

• Flashcards: Use Anki platform, free decks with native audio, 2,000 cards per deck.
  • Recommended after completing basic courses or reaching chapter 10 in "Complete Spanish Step-by-Step".
• Browser Extension: Twocan for Google Chrome - translates words into Spanish on web pages.

Listening Resources

• Listening is key to developing language skills.
• Podcasts:
  • Beginners: Coffee Break Spanish, Cuento.
  • Low Intermediate: Espanol con Ana, How to Spanish.
  • Upper Intermediate: Oye, News.
  • Advanced: Radio Ambulante, Caso 63 (Chilean drama), Nadie Sabe Nada (Spanish comedy).

Mastering Grammar

• Consistent use of resources leads to natural internalization of grammar.
• Recommended Video: Comprehensive video covering all Spanish grammar.
• Suggested Book: For deeper grammar practice with exercises.

TV Shows and Movies

• Recommended for advanced learners (B2 and above) with Spanish or no subtitles.
• Netflix Recommendations:
  • La Casa de Papel
  • Club de Cuervos
  • Jugando con Fuego Latino

Speaking Skills

• Methods to Improve Speaking:
  • Chat with AI (e.g., ChatGPT) for practice and correction.
  • Video chatting with tutors or language exchange (Preply).
  • In-person meetups via platforms like Meetup.com.

Reading Skills

• Helps in mastering the language, complements listening practice.
• Recommended Resources:
  • Free ebook of children's stories.
  • Paco Ardit's graded readers for various proficiency levels (A1 to C2).

Conclusion

• Comprehensive resources and methods for self-study in learning Spanish efficiently.
• Encourages questions and engagement from viewers.