If you want to have a competitive advantage in today's business world, you need to be able to speak at least one language other than English. In a country like the USA with its large immigrant communities, this is even more important since it will help create mutual understanding and respect too. One language that is not that hard to learn and that is as widely spoken internationally as English is Spanish and by following a few tips, you can make Spanish lessons in Houston work for you.
The oil business had drawn people from many parts of the world to Houston, TX, making it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the USA. Moreover, the city has a huge population of Hispanic descent. After all, Texas once was part of Mexico and as Chicanos often say, they didn't cross the border; the border crossed them. Add to this the many people coming from Central and South America in search of a better life and it's not surprising that around 37 percent of the people in the city speak Spanish as their home language.
So many people who speak the language of Pablo Neruda or Gabriel Garcia Marquez make finding a teacher quite easy. A good idea is to find a reputable language school and ask for classes that involve private lessons or small groups. This will ensure personal attention but you'll also have a better guarantee that the teacher is competent and qualified.
You'll be assigned a class depending on how much of the language you already know. If you don't know any Spanish at all, you'll start with beginner's classes. First you'll learn greetings and other basic phrases. Then you'll start learning simple vocabulary and the grammar that will form the basis for more advanced classes later on.
It's very likely that your teacher will give you written homework assignments. These will require some effort on your part but are very important. They help you practice your reading and writing skills and consolidate what you've learned during the lesson. The teacher can also see which areas you struggle with.
Your classes will also include conversation. You'll struggle at first and make lots of mistakes but don't lose heart. In fact, go out there and practice by speaking to as many Spanish speakers as you can, from colleagues to shopkeepers. They'll be pleased that you're trying to learn their language and will help you.
It's also good to expose yourself to different accents and to the way people speak in their everyday lives. Watch movies from different parts of Latin America. The subtitles will help you follow the plot but focus on the phrases and sounds. Music helps too and radio stations catering for the Hispanic community will play a variety of songs that will help you learn everyday expressions and slang.
Total immersion is a great way to practice once you know a little bit of Spanish. When you don't have the option of speaking English, you'll be surprised at how much you learn. Therefore, make your next vacation destination somewhere in Latin America and try building in some time volunteering, which will get you out of the tourist centers and out among the people.
The oil business had drawn people from many parts of the world to Houston, TX, making it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the USA. Moreover, the city has a huge population of Hispanic descent. After all, Texas once was part of Mexico and as Chicanos often say, they didn't cross the border; the border crossed them. Add to this the many people coming from Central and South America in search of a better life and it's not surprising that around 37 percent of the people in the city speak Spanish as their home language.
So many people who speak the language of Pablo Neruda or Gabriel Garcia Marquez make finding a teacher quite easy. A good idea is to find a reputable language school and ask for classes that involve private lessons or small groups. This will ensure personal attention but you'll also have a better guarantee that the teacher is competent and qualified.
You'll be assigned a class depending on how much of the language you already know. If you don't know any Spanish at all, you'll start with beginner's classes. First you'll learn greetings and other basic phrases. Then you'll start learning simple vocabulary and the grammar that will form the basis for more advanced classes later on.
It's very likely that your teacher will give you written homework assignments. These will require some effort on your part but are very important. They help you practice your reading and writing skills and consolidate what you've learned during the lesson. The teacher can also see which areas you struggle with.
Your classes will also include conversation. You'll struggle at first and make lots of mistakes but don't lose heart. In fact, go out there and practice by speaking to as many Spanish speakers as you can, from colleagues to shopkeepers. They'll be pleased that you're trying to learn their language and will help you.
It's also good to expose yourself to different accents and to the way people speak in their everyday lives. Watch movies from different parts of Latin America. The subtitles will help you follow the plot but focus on the phrases and sounds. Music helps too and radio stations catering for the Hispanic community will play a variety of songs that will help you learn everyday expressions and slang.
Total immersion is a great way to practice once you know a little bit of Spanish. When you don't have the option of speaking English, you'll be surprised at how much you learn. Therefore, make your next vacation destination somewhere in Latin America and try building in some time volunteering, which will get you out of the tourist centers and out among the people.
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