A new year has just begun, and many of us have found ourselves mulling over our New Year Resolutions, which often might include the goal of learning a new language. I must confess, based on my own personal experiences with New Year Resolutions, that they are normally doomed to fail, regardless of how good our intentions are. Life starts back up with a vengeance after the holidays and many of us quickly shelve the resolutions we were so certain we could actually achieve this year, for once.
What if there were ways to break down language learning into some unique strategies that might help you edge closer to that goal of speaking Spanish that you have had for a while? Sadly, I cannot promise you an instant or easy solution, but here are some ideas for easier ways to squeeze more into your day, or night, actually. One study has shown that language reinforcement while you sleep can be helpful in promoting learning Spanish, among other languages. Now, you don’t even have to feel guilty for catching a few z’s, because you might learn Spanish at the same time!
1. Make a plan while you’re still awake
Obviously, while learning Spanish in your sleep is a great, creative solution for busy folks, you cannot rely just on your sleep time to learn Spanish. Planning and studying should be at the top of your language-learning strategies list. Foreign language learning doesn’t look the same for everyone, so don’t worry if there is something that doesn’t work for you, specifically. It is important to remember the 4 points of language fluency: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. As long as your study plans incorporate all of these points, you’re off to a strong start.
If you’re planning on trying the unique approach of learning Spanish while you’re asleep, make sure to spend more of your waking hours working on writing, reading, and speaking. You’re targeting the listening aspect while you’re sleeping. Structure your learning targets to incorporate both written and oral sections, and prepare your vocabulary plans so that you can use the nighttime to play something you’ve already looked over.
2. Choose what type of audio you’re going to listen to while you sleep
I suggest having a variety of listening materials, depending on your mood. Maybe sometimes I like listening to classical music at night, and sometimes I fall asleep with the TV on. There can be different nighttime options that range from vocabulary words you’ve been working on, to simple audio books, or even Spanish language music.
If you are not really a flashcards type of person, one of the best ways to practice vocabulary is to record yourself saying the words and their definitions. For those of you who are reading a book in Spanish as a way to practice reading and grammar, finding that same book on tape to listen to at night is a great, unique language learning supplemental strategy. If this is something you already incorporate into your personalized Spanish language learning, you’re halfway there!
3. Review and reinforce your learning
Having a daily plan of writing and reading practice, along with pronunciation and conversation exercises, is the first step towards Spanish proficiency. Maximizing your sleep time and using it to develop your vocabulary skills could benefit you as well. Of course, no language learning process is really complete without review and reinforcement. Whatever topic you have chosen, book that you are reading and analyzing, or vocabulary list recording to listen to, additional reinforcement of the same topic is vital to convert short term memories to long term memories. Review the materials once you wake up, and maybe have had some coffee, to continue improving your Spanish language skills.
Perhaps some would be skeptical of the concept of learning a language while you’re sleeping. And, of course, there are different schools of thought on the efficacy of the practice. Language learning is an art as much as it is anything else, and each person is unique. Don’t be afraid to try new language learning techniques as you continue your language learning journey, and listening to any type of Spanish language audio at night will never hurt!
Remember, a sign of increased foreign language proficiency is when you begin to dream in that language, so what is stopping you? Of course, if you have questions or are in need of guidance throughout your quest, you can always contact one of our experienced Spanish language tutors to help you through the process!
Catherine Donnelly