Learning Spanish just became more exciting because I’ve discovered social media can help me achieve my goal—to become proficient. Over the years, I’ve taken several great in-person classes and practiced with other language learners. Now, I am ready to try something new that provides daily information that I can use immediately and measure to track my progress.
Spanish is a must-know
Guess which country is listed in second place after Mexico for having the most Spanish-speakers? The United States, based on a recent study (PDF) by the nonprofit Instituto Cervantes. According to the report, America has 41 million native Spanish speakers. Since social media is the perfect platform for marketing and business, why not use it to enhance your Spanish language learning, either for personal and professional development?
Turn to Twitter for Spanish
Twitter is a gold mine for language learning because there are a treasure trove of accounts from native speakers, Spanish teachers and Spanish language lovers from all over the world. The Guardian reports “… Spanish is the second most used language on Twitter in London and New York.” And, Twitter is free, fun and fast. Use these strategies to cultivate your Spanish language knowledge:
Study a new palabra (word) daily from these resources:
- @Spanishlanguage—Presents tips from Transparent Language. Best features: Audio of the word with English translations.
- @SpanishDict—An excellent Spanish language tool. Best features: Two sentences using the Word of the Day.
- @Vamospanish—Hosted by a Spanish language school in Argentina. Best feature: Preguntas (questions) are encouraged.
- @Spanishblog—Supports Spanish teachers as well as students. Best feature: A wealth of information.
Follow Spanish language-related #hashtags
- #ilikeSpanish—Tweets from Spanish language fans. Best feature: Creative ideas to learn Spanish, right at your fingertips.
- #Spanishteach—Inquiries and insights from Spanish language educators. Best feature: Educators teaching us how to become proficient.
Want to include children?
- @Spanglishbaby—Helps parents raising bilingual children. Best feature: Fosters multiculturalism.
- @MundoLanugo—Uplifts cultural pride of preschoolers. Best feature: Fun ways to encourage children.
Track Twitter en español
- @TwitterEspanol—Twitter’s official account in Spanish. Best feature: Global data.
These are just a few of the AMAZING Spanish language learning possibilities Twitter offers. You can either follow my referenced Twitter users (plus add your own, of course) or just search for their user names to view what they tweet. Additionally, you can participate in the conversation by retweeting good Spanish language content or tweet a question. Why not practice aloud in Spanish? Best of all, you can transform Twitter into your on-demand platter of delicious Spanish language appetizers, like I’m doing.
P.S. How do you use social media to learn Spanish? What are your Twitter Spanish language tips? What is your favorite Spanish word or phrase? Mine is ¡Feliz Cumpleaños! (Happy Birthday).