Originally Posted by ChicadeJeep (Post 68343)

I find myself becoming frantic and impatient as I feel that I am not as far along as I should be. This is my second course and I should be comfortable having a conversation where I can discuss anything from family to work

Originally Posted by chileno (Post 68347)

That's why you should do what I am telling you. Besides of what you are already doing. :)

Originally Posted by Perikles (Post 68349)

But what are you measuring yourself against? I honestly think you are doing yourself an injustice. Nobody would be expected to 'feel comfortable' after studying so short a time - I expect you to be sweating and exhausted. I guess you are at a stage where you know what to say, but by the time you have worked it out, the moment has passed and the conversation has moved on leaving you feeling inadequate. Am I near? :)

Originally Posted by ChicadeJeep (Post 68492)

Thank you chileno! I most definitely will take your advise.



Yes! Absolutely! My husband keeps asking me to say stuff in Spanish and I know what I should be saying but just can't figure it out. I forget words. I forget simple words! My course work is what is saying I should be at that point. But I have only been honestly studying (via a course) for 5.5 months now. Is that a time frame that a person should be comfortable with all this new learning?

Originally Posted by ChicadeJeep (Post 68492)

But I have only been honestly studying (via a course) for 5.5 months now. Is that a time frame that a person should be comfortable with all this new learning?

Originally Posted by Perikles (Post 68512)

I would say not - I would be very jealous of somebody who could claim that. I have been studying languages on and off for decades, and it takes me (literally) years before feeling 'comfortable'. :)

Edit: It also depends hugely on what level of competence makes you comfortable. A self-critical person has a hard life here.

Originally Posted by chileno (Post 68554)

Take in account all she is saying is that she cannot make even small statements to tell her husband because she gets :) all knotted up. :D

Originally Posted by Perikles (Post 68556)

:lol::lol: .. I get the point. However, this may, or may not, involve the dynamics of a relationship. Dangerous territory. :rolleyes:

Originally Posted by ChicadeJeep (Post 68639)

I am a very self-critical person which does make it harder I imagine/suppose/guess. .

Originally Posted by ChicadeJeep (Post 68639)

I found the local library the other day and will be going to find a Spanish novel to transcribe as soon as I can! Perhaps they have movies as well.

Originally Posted by Perikles (Post 68640)

Good - this means that you have a better chance of finishing up speaking excellent Spanish. :)

This is a very good idea, but please be careful in your choice of book. Some are very heavy going, for example Gabriel García Márquez. If you see a book by Tracey Chevalier (especailly the Girl with the Pearl Earring) translated from English, try one of those to begin with - very nice but simple style. :)