I speak to a lot of students about learning Spanish and there are always mixed views as to how easy or hard it is. There is no obvious correlation to those who find it easier than others, it’s not like all women aged 47 who are lawyers and already speak two other languages say they find it easy whilst all men aged 27 who work in restaurants and are keen surfers find it difficult. So I’ve done some digging and have actually found some common ground. So in this blog post I share with you why some people find it easier than others to learn Spanish and what you can do to make your language learning much easier, and sooo much more fun.
What makes learning Spanish difficult?
- Pronunciation Differences: Spanish has certain sounds, such as the rolled “r” (trill) or the “ñ” sound, that might not exist in a learner’s native language. Pronunciation can be tricky for learners who aren’t used to these sounds.
- Grammar Complexity: Spanish grammar includes concepts like gendered nouns, verb conjugations that change depending on tense and subject, and the use of subjunctive mood, which can be confusing for learners, especially if these concepts don’t exist in their native language.
- False Cognates: Spanish shares many words with English that look or sound similar (cognates), but not all of them have the same meaning (false cognates). For example, “embarazada” means “pregnant” in Spanish, not “embarrassed.” These false friends can lead to misunderstandings.
- Verb Conjugations: Spanish verbs change their form based on tense, mood, and subject. There are regular and irregular verbs, and mastering them requires memorization and practice. The number of different conjugations can be overwhelming for some learners.
- Idiomatic Expressions and Regional Variations: Spanish has a wide range of idiomatic expressions that may not translate directly into other languages. Additionally, there are many regional variations in vocabulary, accent, and usage across different Spanish-speaking countries, making it hard for learners to know which form of Spanish to learn.
- Lack of Immersion or Practice: Language acquisition benefits greatly from immersion and consistent practice. People who do not have access to native speakers or a community where they can practice regularly might find it harder to retain and apply what they learn.
- Learning Style and Methods: Not everyone learns in the same way. Some people might struggle if the teaching methods do not align with their preferred learning style (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc.). Moreover, traditional methods like rote memorization can be less effective and less engaging for many learners.
- Fear of Making Mistakes: Language learning often involves trial and error. Learners who are afraid of making mistakes or feel self-conscious speaking in a new language may struggle to practice effectively.
- Differences in Language Structure: For speakers of languages that are structurally different from Spanish, such as those with different alphabets or grammar systems (e.g., Chinese or Arabic), the learning curve can be steeper.
- Time and Motivation: Learning a new language requires time, dedication, and consistent effort. Some people may not have enough time or motivation to stay committed, making progress slower.
But this has all got rather complicate and doesn’t really answer the question. I think it’s got more to do with “how” you learn as opposed to “what”.
“How” we learn vs. “what” we learn
Consider kids for example. Children learn languages through play, storytelling, songs, and social interactions, which are highly effective methods of language learning. These methods are often engaging and help with retention. Adults on the other hand often learn through formal study, which can be less engaging and more focused on rote memorization which can be boring and well appear to be more of a chore (aka difficult).
I recently started learning Welsh. I found it incredibly difficult and stopped within a few weeks. I analyzed my reasons for stopping and it boils down to the “how”. The way I was being taught did not suit me at all. It was boring and confusing which meant I learnt very little and as a result found it “difficult”. I’ve since found a tutor who teaches Welsh from Spanish – and very similar to way that I teach Spanish (because I know that the methods I use to teach Spanish work)!!!
It’s also obvious than some people are naturally better at languages than others. Which could be down to the environment they were raised in just as much as the genes they were born with.
Learning as a child
Children’s brains are highly plastic, meaning they are more adaptable and capable of forming new neural connections. This makes it easier for them to absorb new sounds, vocabulary, and grammatical structures. Which is why being exposed to a language as a child gives you an advantage to language learning as an adult. As we age, our brains become less plastic, making it harder for adults to acquire new languages with the same level of fluency and naturalness as children.
What can you do to make learning Spanish easier?
So what can you do if you want to learn Spanish but are finding it difficult? Well to start with you can try these three things; Firstly, learn about something you’re actually interested in; fishing, scuba diving, cooking and focus your learning on that. Secondly, spend as much time as you can immersed in the language. It won’t make you fluent overnight but it will help the language feel more familiar which is a huge bonus. Lastly, do a little bit of learning, often. Something like my 15 Day Language challenge is great for helping you create a language learning routine.
It took me years to become fluent in Spanish, endless courses and tutors. Ultimately it was the immersion that did it. Try a few different things once you find something that works for you stick to it for a few weeks, then look for something else – this helps keep the learning relevant and interesting, less boring and you know what that means…it will feel much easier!
