Struggling to pick up a new tongue

Written by Inna

When I set off for Costa Rica, I was excited to hit the beach and experience a new culture but I had one big doubt in the back of my head how was I going to talk to anyone? I was coming to a Spanish speaking country, not knowing a word of Spanish!

After 4 months here, I am definitely nowhere close to fluent, but I feel more comfortable getting around and am able to have basic conversations. Here are some basic tips I have learned the hard way for anyone struggling like me to pick up a new tongue….suerte!

Don’t be embarrassed to try! I think this is the golden rule- it is inevitable that you will mix up words, ask for the opposite of what you want, get strange/annoyed looks, etc( I once accidentally told a hotel receptionist that I wanted him while trying to check in) but if you let that stop you from trying you will NEVER learn! Just keep a sense of humor and remind yourself that it’s all part of the fun of learning.

Plenty of Repition. It is believed that people need to hear a piece of information about 7 times before it sticks in your head. When you hear a new word, don’t expect to remember it right away, keep in mind that you will have to use it and hear it several times before it sticks in your head. Try to use new words/phrases that you learn whenever you get the chance.

Practice Practice Practice. This may seem obvious, but the best way to learn is get out there and start talking. The more time you spend talking, the faster you will learn, try to find local friends, co-workers etc and start talking!

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