¡Hola!

¡Hola!
 

I am trying to learn Spanish and have been reading this forum as a guest for a few days and have found lots of great information, so I decided to sign up!

When I was in high school (many years ago), I completed a couple of years of German, but never became very proficient with the language. Admittedly, it was because I never worked very hard at it and just did the minimum work to get an OK grade.

Now, as an adult learner, I am very excited to study Spanish.

I too took a different language in high school. Japanese actually and I did it because it seemed Spanish was the old standby for those needing to get their foreign language credits and I wanted to be different :rolleyes:. Now in my twenties, I love Spanish and it has truly helped with my job in so many ways. I actually just sold a car in Spanish :D. This is a good forum. I was actually away for a while while finishing up some college, but now I plan on being back to start putting all of my attention on Spanish. Stick with it and ask questions. If possible, spend time with a spanish speaker and talk in spanish. Even when you don't know what to say, they will usually fill in the blank and after a few times you remember how and when to say something. Good luck!

Thank you very much for the encouragement!

One of my co-workers is a native Spanish speaker and has been really nice to answer questions and explain things for me. He made some very good suggestions on studying that I am using. For example, he suggested watching Spanish soap operas. I still can't really understand what the people are saying, but every day it seems I recognize a couple of more words than before. Also since the stories and actions are so dramatic, I can get at least a little idea of the conversation from what I can see happening in the scene.

Yeah, body language is a big thing. Everybody learns differently too. I don't learn well by watching and listening to things. I have to actually be a part of it. I work with a guy and we speak only spanish to eachother and like I said; if I stumble on something he usually knows what I'm trying to say and can help me out. The forums are nice as well because you get to try your hand at writing too. What really encourages me, is when I get to use Spanish outside of work to help someone. The more I learn, the more I get to use it. It's fun. Does your coworker speak English as well?

Yes, he speaks excellent English.

I also have another co-worker who is a native English speaker, but also speaks very good Spanish. She has given me some tips as well.

I live in Las Vegas and there are a lot of Hispanic people in the area, so I am relatively certain that I can find opportunities to try and use Spanish. Also, every year for the last few years, my wife and I have spent a week in Mexico for our vacation. It is embarrassing to me that almost every person I have met in Mexico speaks at least some English (many speak English extremely well) and I can speak almost no Spanish!

Welcome to the forums!

We have another member who lives in Las Vegas. He'll probably chat with you soon.