Tackling Spanish the Easy Way

I started learning Spanish relatively late in life: 33 years of age. However, since then, I have worked as a medical interpreter, proofreader, conversational Spanish instructor, and I love reading El Pais, the Spanish equivalent of The New York Times, daily for its fresh European perspective. In this book, I present the "core" knowledge necessary for basic mastery of Spanish conversation and learning. I also present my secret treasure trove of useful websites, garnered as a New York State certified librarian, as well as the basic verb conjugations and common vocabulary that is essential to know if you are going to a Spanish-speaking country or want to be understood. I also share useful study techniques for learning Spanish from somebody who's done it later in life! This book is primarily for the American student who may have failed at learning Spanish while in school. The good news is that it wasn't your fault. The American style of language education and acquisition does not work because the language does not become part of you. The emphasis in America on reading and writing Spanish dooms most language students to fail to learn the language. Babies do not learn to read and write before they learn to speak. It would be absurd to expect them to do that. However that is exactly what the educators in America expect of their students. No wonder they fail!Oral communication is key for language acquisition and retention. If you can speak the language, and Spanish is a phonetic language, you will be able to read and write well enough to get by in most situations. Although you will not be able to practice your speaking or listening skills with this book, I will give you some suggestions about how you go about doing acquiring the skills to succeed in Spanish. Also, I will go over extremely common vocabulary and phrases to give you the "core" skills you will need to talk to a Spanish-speaker.