Foreign Language Learning Aptitude - Learning Spanish Effortlessly
Have you noticed a person in your Spanish language class who seems to learn the lessons effortlessly? This person just appears to glide through all the assignments with no trouble at all. -- While others burn the midnight oil working harder and harder just to keep up.
In the same way certain folks learn musical instruments better and faster than others, some people are more naturally suited to learn Spanish faster.
There are a wide variety of tests that are designed to measure foreign language learning aptitude. -- Language schools can use these test results for placing students in the appropriate levels of instruction. -- These tests can be used by business and government to find the right people they need to learn languages.
What can you do about Language Learning Aptitude
What, specifically, does Spanish language learning proficiency have to do with you? Are you above average in Spanish language proficiency? Do you need to have a certain level of language proficiency to be able to learn the Spanish language?
Due to the nature of it, for the most part you don't have much control over the level of Spanish learning aptitude you have at this time. You were born with your personality, study habits, etc. -- and these are the things that determine your ability to learn. -- One factor you have some control over is this: They say that on average younger students have an advantage in learning Spanish so you might want to take this as advice to learn now and don't put it off for a few years.
Having said that, no matter what level of language learning aptitude you find yourself with, everyone has the ability to learn Spanish, and how you think about the project of learning Spanish will affect your plan and will eventually have a lot to do with the success you have as a Spanish speaker.
Spanish Learning Expectations
In the beginning Spanish students seem to have a wide variety of expectations about how difficult the learning process will be. There are some who have thoughts that learning Spanish is a huge project that is likely impossible for them.
On the other end of the spectrum are some people who might have read or heard that Spanish is an easy language to learn. While it's true there are more difficult languages this could be a troublesome attitude for some students because it might lead to taking studying too lightly, not doing enough of the work, not progressing then getting frustrated and quitting before reaching the goal of speaking Spanish fluently.
Somewhere in the middle of these 2 extremes is where most of us Spanish students find ourselves, -- and this is actually the best place to be. We want to appreciate that learning Spanish is no small task and yet we want to be confident that it's something we are capable of doing.
Knowing My Style -- And Succeeding With It
Know yourself and your attitudes about learning Spanish as you go about the learning process. Do you think it's going to be extremely difficult? Do you believe learning Spanish is going to be very easy? Do you find your thoughts to be right in the middle of these?
Here are a few more things to think about: Do you like to study alone? Or are you energized in a group and prefer to learn that way. Do you like to study first thing in the morning when your mind is freshest? -- Or are you a night owl and do you do your best work in the evening or late night? Thinking about these kinds of questions will help you make a plan to learn Spanish. A plan that will succeed.
Now Make Your Spanish Learning Plan!
When you know the style of Spanish learner you are, you are better prepared to make your personal learning plan. If you like to learn on your own, you might want to stock up on learning materials such as software courses, books, and CDs. -- If you like to study in groups, make sure you enroll in a lot of organized Spanish courses.
And most of us will be in the middle and should select a mixture of both of these methods.
Conclusion
So most Spanish students can worry less about the amount of aptitude they were born with, but realize that because we all think about learning Spanish differently, not everyone will have success with the same type of approach. -- If you take some time at the start to think about how you like to learn it'll make learning Spanish more enjoyable and bring success sooner.