El Patio's Student study hints
This page will contain a collection of student suggestions about how to learn a language. You may be a beginner or a fluent speaker - level doesn't matter at all. Send us your pieces by Sunday February 28 - we're looking for a selection of entries of around 200 words, along with a photo of your choosing.
Sam McNicol: I work at a shop selling musical instruments. Many of the products we sell have labelled boxes and manuals written in English, Chinese, French, German and of course Español. I always take the time to read the Español section before looking at the English, and then go back and translate. You might be surprised how much you can figure out on your own, even if initially you only have - Do not insert the something into the something as it may cause something...
If I know that the box contains a Mixer and the Español word is Mezclador, I can work backwards to see the infinitive must be Mezclar – to mix. After a few attempts, you'll get better, and it's a different type of communication than the more conversational Español that is studied in books and classes.
So the next time you buy a laptop, DVD player, furniture etc, read the instructions in Español first! Better yet, change the default language on your mobile phone, iTunes, Skype - if you’re brave!
Sam McNicol, estudiante de escuela El Patio para uno año.
Student 1 might list her study hints which include writing fabulous postcards...
Student 2 may write about how he likes to travel to consolidate and practise his Spanish...
Student 3 possibly could write about how she learns Spanish through dance...
Student 4 might write about how he learns through playing games in Spanish...
What is your key to nailing down your Spanish?
Let us know! Email us your special suggestions...