Learn Spanish
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Spanish phrases
By Anthony Pemberton
For many people learning a language is a feat. Many find it hard to grasp the concept of grammar as well as to get over the hurdle of pronouncing new sounds in another language without feeling embarrassed about it in the process. Even though it may seem dull it shouldn´t be. Learning a language is exciting and you are opening yourself up to a new culture and its people.
When in a country a lack of communication makes many people feel ignorant when they cannot communicate in the language of the country they are in. Knowing even just a small amount of the language, that is to say just knowing how to order in a restaurant, day-to-day transactions, greetings, introducing oneself, being able to talk about small things is a start for further progression to a better command in the language.
With regards to Spanish, as it is the third most spoken language in the world it certainly has a lot of importance in many areas of the world. One good thing about learning Spanish is that its pronunciation is heavily phonetic and the words are pronounced how they look, apart from a few exceptions but that will be the first thing many people learn when they start studying Spanish. Another thing learners of Spanish will notice when they start to learn it and become immersed in the culture is the pragmatic difference between languages. For example Spanish often employs direct imperatives to order or ask for something in simple service transactions. It is not uncommon to hear “Dame tomates para un gazpacho” or “Ponme un café con leche”. Although it sounds rude in English in Spanish it is the normal everyday way to say things.
Additionally, it has to be borne in mind that having the ability to speak Spanish does not only open the door to be able to survive in Spain but Latin America also, where other countries have Spanish as their official language.
Learning a language is all about interaction so getting out there and starting to speak is essential. There is no better way to practise. Putting language into practice is normally the most effective way to recall information, learn new words and Spanish phrases as well as how to use them properly in different situations.
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