The most traditional way to begin learning Spanish, or any foreign language, for that matter, is with the alphabet. This is essentially the same way a child learns their own native language. It makes sense. After the alphabet, you would then move on to some basic words. From this point, you would start to learn some basic grammar. Again, this is pretty much the same way a child would learn how to speak their first language. It is a natural and logical progression.



One of the major disadvantages to such an approach is that it seems to be too rigid and inflexible. It often turns into just using rote memorization. In return, many students will learn Spanish, but will never be able to hold up their end of an impromptu conversation. The bottom line is that such learning shows us the glaring differences between learning and speaking Spanish in a formal class versus an informal setting.

A much better way to learn a language is through the use of a conversational Spanish class, lesson or course of instruction. For true learning to take place in this situation, you need to have an instructor who is fluent in the target language. This way you will be able to get guidance and help along the way. Also, any improvisations in the actual conversations can be handled with ease.

One way to do this is to just dive right in to actual conversations. Many of these type of programs will give some basic introduction to each conversation first. So, you will learn some words that are necessary to each conversational lesson and then you listen and repeat. After this, you will jump in and actually have your own conversations. These should be useful and give you practice with actual situations that you may encounter. This will give you real practice in as close to a real life situation as you can have.

From this point, you will probably be given a book which has some conversation topics. Maybe there will be some introductory words and background. Then, there may be some questions. These questions are designed to be conversation starters. Answer them in any fashion you see fit.

In an actual class setting, everyone will get a chance to answer the question and join in the conversation. The idea is that it should be lively and kept going. Try to answer the question in a different or unique way. Maybe answer and then ask a question of your own. Have fun with this, it will help you to learn better and retain more. Draw on words that have been used and introduced in other lessons.

Another great way of using the conversational experience is through audio lessons or courses. However, you should be careful with these. Make sure that whatever course you choose, will have only native speakers. Hearing native speakers is VERY important. You will be able to learn inflections, stressed and unstressed syllables, and many other nuances of the language. You will simply not have this understanding if your teachers are not native speakers.