The Music Method: My Journey to Fluency in Spanish
Learning a new language can be a daunting task, especially when time and resources are limited. However, I have developed a unique and effective approach that has helped me achieve fluency in Spanish. By leveraging music, I was able to immerse myself in the language and gain the confidence I needed to communicate effectively. In this article, I will share the steps I took to learn Spanish and how you can apply them to your own language learning journey.
Introducing the Music Method
Let me start by introducing myself. I am a native Spanish speaker with a medium level of English. My interest in English stemmed from my love for music and learning new cultures. In 1996, at the age of 41, I began my journey to learn Spanish. At that time, I was working full-time, which made attending classes impractical. However, thanks to Mxican rock band MANA (meaning "manna" in English), I was able to create a personalized learning plan that worked for me.
Steps to Achieve Fluency
My method, known as the Music Method, consists of several steps that can help anyone achieve fluency in a new language. Here’s a breakdown:
Step 1: Listen to Music with Lyrics
The first step is to listen to the music while reading the lyrics of the songs. This can be done through YouTube, which provides the lyrics alongside the audio. Alternatively, if you prefer CDs, make sure to get the original version which often includes the lyrics.
Do not worry if you don’t understand every word. At this stage, you are learning the phonics or how the words sound. Listen to an album several times to ensure you understand the word order and pronunciation.
Step 2: Write Out the Lyrics
Once you feel comfortable with the pronunciation, shut off the music and write out the lyrics on a college-ruled piece of paper, leaving one space between each line. Then, using an online dictionary, rewrite the lyrics in English. This helps you begin to leave English behind but keep it as a crutch for now.
Step 3: Understand the Lyrics
Now, listen to the songs again. This time, you should understand the meaning of the words. The goal is to comprehend the song and gain a deeper understanding of the language.
Step 4: Sing Along
Sing the song with the music playing and try to copy the singer's accent and pronunciation as closely as possible. Over time, you will find that you can recite the lyrics word-for-word and understand their meaning.
Step 5: Move to New Albums
After completing one album, move on to another. You will quickly notice that key phrases and constructions from previous songs are repeated in new ones. This will help you build your vocabulary rapidly.
Other Learning Resources
Here are some additional resources that I used to further my language learning:
Soap Operas and Telenovelas
Once my vocabulary had grown, I started watching soap operas (telenovelas) to gain a deeper understanding of the language. While they may seem cheesy or contrived, they are a fantastic way to learn. I recommend recording them and replaying scenes with subtitles in Spanish to measure my progress.
Spanish-Only Dictionary
To further my independence from the English-Spanish dictionary, I purchased a children’s Spanish-only dictionary. I started looking up unfamiliar words as I watched the soap operas. You can also watch movies dubbed into Spanish with Spanish subtitles, but the words may not match up perfectly due to different dubbing companies.
Speaking with Native Speakers
As my vocabulary grew, I started speaking with anyone and everyone in Spanish, to the best of my ability. I found that Spanish speakers were gracious, understanding, and helpful in my quest to learn their language. Remember, they are learning a harder language – English!
Reading Materials
Finally, read books, newspapers, and magazines to boost your vocabulary and reading skills. Practice writing too, as it will help you transition from hearing and speaking to reading and writing in the language.
Conclusion
Language learning can be a challenging but rewarding journey. By using the Music Method, I was able to achieve fluency in Spanish in less than two years while working full-time. I hope that my story can inspire you to embark on your own language learning adventure. Remember, the most important thing is to immerse yourself in the language and practice consistently.