How Long Does It Take To Learn Spanish?

I can't remember how many times I've been asked this question by anxious students and students-to-be! Truth is there are so many variables (age, motivation, resources, learning strategies, dedication, exposure, number of languages already spoken, etc.) that it's impossible to give any serious estimate. So instead of mentioning a scary number of hours, months (or years!), I usually suggest a few things instead:

1. Start as soon as possible: Any amount of time, longer or shorter, begins the day of your first Spanish class. What are you waiting for?

2. Put in as much as you can: As with most human activities, effort is rewarded with success. You will progress quicker with two classes a week than with two classes a month. You will progress quicker if you do the homework than if you don't.

3. Persevere: As most things in life, learning Spanish is not a straight motorway. Sometimes you will progress more, sometimes a little bit less. Some verbs are harder to remember than others and so on. Don't be afraid of discussing any difficulties with your tutor, they will know what to do.

4. Don't compare yourself to anybody else: We all have different skills and learning styles. It doesn't make us better or worse, just "us". Comparing yourself to others is unfair and deprives you of the pleasure of enjoying and practicing what you have learnt. Besides, probably the main advantage of a private tutor is that you can go at your own pace!

5. Focus on what you have learnt and NOT on what you don't know: Being able to hold even a short conversation in Spanish will boost your self-confidence and melt more than one heart.

6. Practice, Practice, Practice: Take advantage of any chance to practice what you have learnt. And you don't need to travel to Spain to practice. there's enough Spanish speakers in the UK to satisfy your socializing needs.

And, above all:

7. Enjoy the process: Learning Spanish, whatever your motivation is, should be a fun and soul-enriching activity. It will widen your point of view and will provide your relationship with the world a whole new perspective. Enjoy the ride, it's more of a stroll than a race.