El modo subjuntivo

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by ChicadeJeep

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

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?

[ChicadeJeep]

Originally Posted by chileno

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

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

Originally Posted by Perikles

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?

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?

[chileno]

Originally Posted by ChicadeJeep

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?

Yes and no, really!

It depends on the practice, not only the amount of it but the type.

Transcribe a novel and at the end you will definitely will notice the difference, even if you do it in a month or less. But you have to dedicate your time to it.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by ChicadeJeep

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?

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.

[chileno]

Originally Posted by Perikles

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.

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.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by chileno

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.

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

[chileno]

Originally Posted by Perikles

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

Bruto!

[ChicadeJeep]

Haha! You guys are funny.

No - saying simple things to my husband such as "would you like a glass of milk?" Etc.

You two make me laugh!!
I am a very self-critical person which does make it harder I imagine/suppose/guess.

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.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by ChicadeJeep

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

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

Originally Posted by ChicadeJeep

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.

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.

[chileno]

Originally Posted by Perikles

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.

Remember that the proficiency in his/her own language plays a role too. So recommending book just like that, to your liking, it does not mean much, other than making it worse for the learner, could be way above her/his head or so easy that leave her/him wondering... in either case the person might end quitting the learning of a new language for "later" which translate to never again.