If you want to have a competitive advantage in today's business world, you need to be able to speak at least one language other than English. In a country like the USA with its large immigrant communities, this is even more important since it will help create mutual understanding and respect too. One language that is not that hard to learn and that is as widely spoken internationally as English is Spanish and by following a few tips, you can make Spanish lessons in Houston work for you.
Houston, TX is a very cosmopolitan city, with people from all over the world living and working here. Since Texas used to be part of Mexico, a large part of the population are of Mexican descent. In addition, there are large communities of immigrants who came from other parts of Latin America, including Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. In fact, more than a third of the city's people speak Spanish at home.
So many people who speak the language of Pablo Neruda or Gabriel Garcia Marquez make finding a teacher quite easy. A good idea is to find a reputable language school and ask for classes that involve private lessons or small groups. This will ensure personal attention but you'll also have a better guarantee that the teacher is competent and qualified.
You'll be assigned a class depending on how much of the language you already know. If you don't know any Spanish at all, you'll start with beginner's classes. First you'll learn greetings and other basic phrases. Then you'll start learning simple vocabulary and the grammar that will form the basis for more advanced classes later on.
It's very likely that your teacher will give you written homework assignments. These will require some effort on your part but are very important. They help you practice your reading and writing skills and consolidate what you've learned during the lesson. The teacher can also see which areas you struggle with.
Your classes will also include conversation. You'll struggle at first and make lots of mistakes but don't lose heart. In fact, go out there and practice by speaking to as many Spanish speakers as you can, from colleagues to shopkeepers. They'll be pleased that you're trying to learn their language and will help you.
Like English, Spanish has many accents and regional expressions. Expose yourself to these with the help of music and movies. Listen to radio stations that play styles such as ranchera and rent movies from Mexico, Chile or other countries in Latin America. In this way you'll not only learn how everyday people speak but you'll also find out more about Hispanic cultures.
Total immersion is a great way to practice once you know a little bit of Spanish. When you don't have the option of speaking English, you'll be surprised at how much you learn. Therefore, make your next vacation destination somewhere in Latin America and try building in some time volunteering, which will get you out of the tourist centers and out among the people.
Houston, TX is a very cosmopolitan city, with people from all over the world living and working here. Since Texas used to be part of Mexico, a large part of the population are of Mexican descent. In addition, there are large communities of immigrants who came from other parts of Latin America, including Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. In fact, more than a third of the city's people speak Spanish at home.
So many people who speak the language of Pablo Neruda or Gabriel Garcia Marquez make finding a teacher quite easy. A good idea is to find a reputable language school and ask for classes that involve private lessons or small groups. This will ensure personal attention but you'll also have a better guarantee that the teacher is competent and qualified.
You'll be assigned a class depending on how much of the language you already know. If you don't know any Spanish at all, you'll start with beginner's classes. First you'll learn greetings and other basic phrases. Then you'll start learning simple vocabulary and the grammar that will form the basis for more advanced classes later on.
It's very likely that your teacher will give you written homework assignments. These will require some effort on your part but are very important. They help you practice your reading and writing skills and consolidate what you've learned during the lesson. The teacher can also see which areas you struggle with.
Your classes will also include conversation. You'll struggle at first and make lots of mistakes but don't lose heart. In fact, go out there and practice by speaking to as many Spanish speakers as you can, from colleagues to shopkeepers. They'll be pleased that you're trying to learn their language and will help you.
Like English, Spanish has many accents and regional expressions. Expose yourself to these with the help of music and movies. Listen to radio stations that play styles such as ranchera and rent movies from Mexico, Chile or other countries in Latin America. In this way you'll not only learn how everyday people speak but you'll also find out more about Hispanic cultures.
Total immersion is a great way to practice once you know a little bit of Spanish. When you don't have the option of speaking English, you'll be surprised at how much you learn. Therefore, make your next vacation destination somewhere in Latin America and try building in some time volunteering, which will get you out of the tourist centers and out among the people.
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