When talking about communication and words, the more you know, the better it is. The usual question, however, is how to increase the number of words you know, your Spanish vocabulary. Most of the time, Spanish students are very concerned with building their vocabulary. There would of course be additions to their list, but they often forget them as soon as they learn a new word. What can be done? Can you increase your vocabulary easily?
The truth is, it can be a difficult thing to do, but there are some shortcuts you can try to help you remember new words. Here are some tips: Read Spanish newspapers, magazines, and literature. Take note how the words are used to get the meaning. When you can’t determine the meaning from the context, you can use a dictionary, but cautiously. Don’t interrupt your reading flow though checking the dictionary every 2 minutes. Just a note: for vocabulary-building purposes, stay clear of textbooks. Magazines, newspapers and books will give you much better view of everyday usage of Spanish vocabulary.
Tip 2. Use the words. You can’t make use of 50 new words if you don’t take them out of the back of your mind. Using a new word three to ten times a day can really help you learn the work quickly. So, try to do the same. Practice using them in sentences. Try slowly adding a new word in you conversations. Of course, some words might be out of place, but if the person you speak to knows you are learning to speak Spanish, he will most likely assume you are practicing. And thinking you are crazy? Not! Don’t be afraid of practicing what you are learning. If not, those new words will just rot away and be of no real use.
3. Have conversations. Find someone with who you can proctice speaking with. It can be a fellow student, or a Spanish-speaking friend. Never go through the day without using some Spanish Try meeting someone on the internet and correspond with them through email or chat. You can also try building your vocabulary by writing.
4. Don’t forget why you are learning Spainish in the first place by being obsessed with just your vocabulary. The problem is that you fill your brain with stuff you can’t use. To make your efforts to learn Spanish vocabulary more orderly, prioritize and collect first the words that correspond to your purpose for learning. In other words, if you are learning because you are going on vacation to Spain, then learn all of the vocabulary that pertains to that ttrip first. Once you can use those words, then expand.
