I got obsessed with a Spanish Television show and want to learn the Spanish language to watch and better understand the show. I have some advantage in that I am already multi-lingual. I can speak English, Cantonese and Mandarin fluently.

Although I have taken Spanish in High School and a class in College (and failed), I can’t even say “what’s up” currently. However, I am determined to learn the language to watch a show, Los Hombres de Paco.

I did what most would do when they want to learn a new language, I went out scoured the shelves of Barnes and Noble, and purchased an audio Spanish Level 1, along with Rosetta Stone, and a Spanish-English dictionary.

I gave myself one month to learn the language and be able to carry on a rudimentary conversation but mostly, be able to watch my show and comprehend.

My current process:

1. Purchase a Spanish learning audio and books.
2. Listen to my audio lessons in the morning for a half-hour as I get ready for the day or when I go on my walk.
3. Watch my Spanish show with subtitles until I can memorize the dialog in English, then I would just focus on their conversation without the subtitle. (peeking at the subtitle when I am completely clueless.)
4. I have post-it notes around the house in Spanish. And I make comments and curse in Spanish, especially when I am talking to myself. You all know what I mean. When I think . . . Okay, I respond with Vale!, I can’t in No Puedo, Sh*t in Mierda, ect.
5. If I am in a Spanish speaking restaurant, I try to talk to them in Spanish . . . thus I order my food in Spanish.
6. I would listen to the Spanish radio station on my drive home from work so I can get some music in and some DJ chat.

This is the best way to immerse myself in the language especially since my husband only speaks English and my family speaks Chinese.

I’ll keep you updated as to how well this approach works.