Introduction to Spanish Immersion

Today I'd like to talk to you about Spanish immersion. As you learn Spanish you'll hear a lot about Spanish Immersion -- I have some unique ideas on the subject, and a great, practical lesson for you -- if you're willing to participate... This lesson will benefit Spanish students of all levels -- beginners, intermediate, and advanced.

Inexpensive Spanish Immersion

As you go through the steps of learning Spanish, sooner or later you'll hear about Spanish Immersion. There are folks who say it's the only way to learn -- you must be immersed in a Spanish speaking culture to fully grasp the nuances of the language. I realize this might not be practical for everyone so I want to give some alternatives. Now, to the lesson...

Spanish Immersion Lesson

The estimated time to complete this lesson is about 30 to 60 minutes so you might want to plan the day you do it. Here goes.

First, determine the location of a Spanish Speaking super-market near where you line. If you happen to line in a large city or suburb in the United States you probably have one within a 15 or 30-minute drive. Go to the Spanish speaking super market with a note pad in hand -- and bring you digital voice recorder if you have one.

When You Arrive

When you arrive at the Spanish speaking super market, park where you can read the large signs they have in the front windows of the store, as your lesson begins there -- Do you understand all the words on the signs in the window? You might want to make a note of any new words you see (names of fruits, vegetables, meats, etc) and when you get home you can add the new words to your current vocabulary list.

When you're inside, take a leisurely walk up and down every isle in the store -- write down Spanish words for items you see. As in any super-market, there are usually large signs hanging form the ceiling, telling the contents of each isle --- take a look at all these signs and make a note of any words you don't already know so you can look them up later.

Practice With Native Spanish Speakers

Now, for those of you who consider yourselves intermediate and advanced Spanish speakers, I invite you to smile and walk up to none of the Spanish speaking clerks and ask them a question in Spanish. -- "¿Donde esta la leche?" -- or whatever questions you'd like to ask.

If you see something you need, you can get the added experience of going through the checkout line. If you happen to notice the cashier speaking Spanish with the customers up front, you could use the opportunity to say a few words in Spanish -- Spanish Immersion. By the way, if the store location happens to be convenient, you could consider shopping there on a regular basis. It's a great place to make a Spanish speaking friend and get a lot of Spanish practice.

Before You Leave

That was fun, wasn't it? Before you go back to your car, don't forget to take a few of the free Spanish language publications in the racks by the door. You'll find newspapers, car and apartment sale papers, and you might even find the bi-lingual newspaper called Reflejos.

Conclusion

The main point here is you can get a lot of Spanish Immersion without leaving your hometown. While this idea might not be possible or practical for all readers, if you spent 1 hour a week getting your groceries in that store, that would give you over 50 hours of Spanish immersion every year.

I hope you're able to give this idea a try and wish you the best of luck in learning Spanish.