Whether you want to learn Spanish in Madrid for personal growth or professional, it truly is one of life’s most fulfilling experiences. Coupled with the immense opportunities though, you will face a number of challenges on your quest too.  In other words, you might stumble along the journey and make some mistakes.

 Here are the top 7 mistakes you need to avoid while taking Spanish lessons in Madrid:

Mistake #1: Spanish and English cognates

Cognates are those English and Spanish words that have a similar shape and meaning. While some Spanish and English words mean the same thing, there are plenty of exceptions to this rule.  Case in point is ‘Embarazada’. It might sound like ‘embarrassed’ to you, but it actually means ‘pregnant’ in Spanish. Make sure to study common false cognates and partial cognates.

Mistake #2: Ignoring proper pronunciation

Pronunciation is everything in Spanish. You may be overwhelmed initially, but make an effort to imitate native speakers. Generally, it is common for non-native speakers to make the b and v sound different from each other.

Mistake #3: Not speaking Spanish

Learning a new language is a skill. And the best approach to improve this skill is to practice it. Don’t just depend on theoretical knowledge. Instead, make use of every opportunity to converse with Spaniards in Madrid. This will enhance your pronunciation, speaking and listening skills.

Mistake # 4: Relying on a single method

There is no fixed formula to learn a new language. As mentioned earlier, textbooks are important but variety is essential to learn Spanish.  Incorporate writing, reading, speaking and listening into your learning approach. Watch Spanish movies, TV or talk shows; read books, online articles or the newspaper; chat with your friends in Spanish – anything that keeps you going.

Mistake #5: Direct translation of Spanish words

Don’t translate words and expressions directly. This leads to an unnatural sounding speech. Instead, understand and embrace new expressions.  Incorporate them in your daily conversations without making translations from Spanish to your native language.

Mistake #6: Considering learning as homework

Many people consider language learning as a colossal task. This approach is highly detrimental to your ability to learn Spanish. In fact, the most effective way to study Spanish in Madrid is to immerse yourself in the city’s art, literature, and culture.  Don’t over-think the rules. Rather, trust your instinct and gut, and enjoy the whole learning process.

Mistake # 7: Fear of making mistakes  

Never be afraid of making mistakes. Don’t fear speaking Spanish in public just to avoid the embarrassment of saying something incorrectly. Whatever errors you make – be they grammatical or of pronunciation – just remember that you will learn something from them.

In conclusion, learning Spanish in the City of Madrid is not easy. However, it does get easier over time as you become aware of your mistakes.

Looking for the best Spanish classes in Madrid?  Contact language4students. Their qualified faculty offers individual and group Spanish courses in a friendly environment to students from all over the world. For any queries, email them at info@language4students.com