When you are learning Spanish, you usually have lessons once or twice a week, so it’s very difficult to forget what you learnt. But, what happens when you reach the level you wanted, or when you pass the exam you need? Do you think that you don’t have to do anything else? The answer is ‘no’. If you don’t use your Spanish often, you may forget it. No matter how much you have studied for years, when you don’t use a language, it is very likely that you will gradually forget it. As we don’t want this to happen to you, here you have 8 tips that you can easily apply not to forget your Spanish over time.
Read a book
There are lots of books in Spanish, so we’re sure that you’ll find one that suits your level. This will help you to keep a rich and varied vocabulary.
Read online newspapers
You don’t have to look for the biggest book in the library to read in Spanish. You can search for any Spanish newspaper and read articles about topics you are interested in. You’ll kill two birds with one stone: you’ll practice your Spanish comprehension and you’ll find out the news of the day.
Watch films or series in Spanish
Regardless of your level, this is always a good option. You can adapt any film to your level by adding subtitles in your language or in Spanish, or if you are advanced, you can watch it without subtitles.
Extra tip! If you hear a phrase or word that you want to remember during the film, write it down and repeat it out loud to learn it better.
Listen to music
Listening to music will help you learn different ways of expressing yourself in Spanish. There are many music platforms that also show you the lyrics of the songs while playing them, so whatever your level is, you have no excuse. However, we do encourage you to listen to songs first without seeing the lyrics. This way, you will be able to check how much you have been able to understand.
Write something in Spanish
We’re sure there is something you write regularly, such as a diary, a gratitude journal or any similar notebook where you put all your ideas down on paper. Why not do it in Spanish? Even if it’s just a part of what you write down, writing in Spanish will help you not to forget the language.
Language Exchange
Check if there is a language exchange close to your home. They are often organised in universities, associations or even bars. It consists of sitting down for a coffee with a native Spaniard who wants to practise your language. Half the time you speak in your language and the other half in theirs. It’s a great way to practice your Spanish and meet new people.
Talk to yourself
No, this is not a joke. When you are alone at home, you can narrate the things you are doing, remember the things you did yesterday or the things you are going to do tomorrow, or you can even tell yourself a made-up story. The point is to practice your Spanish so you don’t forget it.
Join a conversation club
We are not including this tip because we run a conversation club, in fact it’s quite the opposite. We created a conversation club because we know how valuable it is and how helpful it is for those who don’t want to forget their Spanish. It is a convenient way of practising your Spanish with other people who have your same level.
Do you think you can implement any of these ideas in your daily life? Choose any of the tips to refresh your brain and avoid forgetting the Spanish you have learnt. As our name says, Keep Spanish Alive!