This is a letter to all the people who have failed their Spanish courses. The kinds of people who have stared at their textbooks for hours and still can't figure out the difference between "por" and "para", "ser" and "estar", or any other tricky rule of this language. The people who cannot for the life of them strengthen their Spanish. This book, first and foremost, goes out to you.
Second, I would like to clear up that I am by no means fluent in Spanish. I am teaching these concepts to people who are struggling because I have struggled too. There will be times where I will slip up in my grammar, so if you see a mistake, please correct me or else it will be very embarrassing. It's important that I learn how to improve so I can help you improve, too.
Third, this book is not designed to make you fluent in Spanish all by itself. This book merely teaches the grammatical concepts of Spanish. The only person who can make you fluent is yourself. Ergo, if you intend to use this book as a backbone, there are several resources and strategies that I have found to be instrumental in what I am able to teach today (don't worry; all of it is free):
1.) Download an app called Duolingo on your phone, iPad, or computer. Although this site constituted for about half of my Spanish grammatical studies, it is most useful for extra practice. I highly recommend it for learning new vocabulary.
2.) Subscribe to "The Spanish Dude" on YouTube--he has more great videos on Spanish grammar and vocabulary.
3.) Make a book of flashcards, ring-cards, or index cards, to write notes down for on-the-go learning.
4.) Make another book of ring-cards, flashcards, or index cards for learning new vocabulary.
5.) Carve out time to learn. If you are serious about learning Spanish, you will need time. You cannot rely on this book alone.
6.) Obtain some articles written in Spanish (for those who are Spanish III and beyond).
7.) Download some podcasts in Spanish (also for those who are Spanish III and beyond).
I will teach these concepts in order of what you would see in a traditional textbook. You will see some slight disparities in the way I teach, but that's to be expected. Ready for this? Then let's jump right in.
YOU ARE READING
Language Bites, Volume I: Spanish ✔
Non-FictionEver wanted to learn Spanish? Are you stuck on past tense preterite, are you tired of stupid teaching methods, or needed to practice your vocabulary? What about strengthening your conversational skills through interacting online with real people who...
