Habla Espanol?

[raymond5737]

The best way is to get a Latina girlfriend, preferably Cubana and spend time around her and her people. The way to fluency is through the Latino Culture. It gives you context for everything that you think, feel and want to express. In Spanish, you tend to express yourself more through your feelings which isn't as common when speaking English. Of course your thoughts, ideas, issues and concerns are important but by attaching your emotions to them, you will have a much better response from the locals and they will trust you or at least like you better.

[Danimalia]

6 hours ago, BMWBen said:

Good call with the duolingo suggestions, I've been using it the past couple days and it has been working great. I'm surprised how easily the Spanish I learned back in high school is coming back to me

 

One thing that is great about Spanish is that it's pretty easy to read once you know the pronunciation basics. If you can scrounge up an old digital translator, that might help in situations where you might have to go beyond the basics, but it's not really necessary.

 

Whenever I am in a country where I don't speak the language well, I usually greet people in the native tongue and then act a bit helpless for anything beyond that. People are pretty understanding and they appreciate making an attempt as a sign of respect. 

[Fuzz]

I've said this in a previous thread, but it still remains relevant.

Do not confuse "Dónde está el Malecón", with "Dónde está el maricón".

[Ethernut]

20 minutes ago, Fuzz said:

I've said this in a previous thread, but it still remains relevant.

Do not confuse "Dónde está el Malecón", with "Dónde está el maricón".

LOL had to look that one up. Interesting to me that maricón sounds a lot like 'murican. Hmmm Intended similarity in that ya reckon? ;-)

[chris12381]

3 hours ago, raymond5737 said:

The best way is to get a Latina girlfriend...

Yeah I did that too.  My girlfriend is Salvadorean.  Even smokes cigars.  

 

[raymond5737]

Daayum...That is hot!

[JohnnyO]

Once again on the island this past weekend and noticed Radio Enciclopedia is not live but a recording that they play a few times a day. How did I notice this? You might think it difficult as they are instrumentals after all. As I sat in 90F waiting for the AC to cool off the room, I noticed they were playing an instrumental of "White Christmas" for a second time that day. Made me laugh, fitting tune for a sauna. With a Bucanero plastered to my forehead, sweat ran down my face. I imagined giant quarter size snowflakes falling in August.

[PuffDaddie]

I'm still working on English.

[chris12381]

You might also check out Cubavisión.  The streaming quality can be hit or miss but it runs the gamut from educational, telenovelas, sports, cartoons, etc.  Keep in mind this is Cuban TV so you're going to get a viewpoint totally different that the one you're seeing on TV Martí.  There are a few streaming sources but the below seems to be the best available.

  http://www.fidelista-por-siempre.org/CubaVision-en-Vivo.aspx

 

[oliverdst]

On 25/07/2016 at 10:02 PM, Ethernut said:

So, uh, I have a trip planned to the Cigar Mecca later in the year and want to at least be able to interact with the locals. I believe it will enhance my experience tremendously. Beyond 2 years of high school (which was over 20 years ago) Spanish I'm working from the ground up. Just curious what learning paths you may recommend (or not recommend)?

I've looked at:

Rosetta Stone

Michel Thomas

Duolingo

Fluenz

FluentU

...and a few others. Currently I'm using Duolingo in insane mode and listening to Cuban news/talk radio during my drive times to acclimate to speed and intonation. I must say I can pick out much more than I thought I could but still way too slow. I'm having fun with it though. Any suggestions for learning aids welcome. I have a few months so I should be in at least remedial shape by the time I hit Cuban soil.

TIA

So, how was your trip?

[El Hoze]

I would second two suggestions:

#1 - Duolingo: it is easy, quick little lessons you can do anywhere and I'm a big believer that just building your vocabulary helps you "piece" the language together. Spanish, structurally, is fairly easy and both pronunciation/structure very consistent. English is actually full of inconsistencies by comparison. 

#2 - A latin girlfriend: I learned Spanish as I not only live in Miami but my fiancee is Dominican and we spend alot of time in DR. She learned English when she was younger but I find the eaiest way to describe her current accent is Sophia Vergara. This requires alot more patience/commitment than Duolingo but is also highly effective. 

As has been said before THE BEST way to learn a language is having a decent vocab and surrounding yourself w people that ONLY speak the language you are trying to learn. I was at one point shocked how much Spanish I knew when I was forced to communicate w someone that didn't know a single word of English. It started for me at grocery stores in DR, I would get sent to buy steaks and dinner stuff and the only way you're getting what you want is to figure it out! 

Also yes accents are a funny thing. I literally speak Dominican Spanish I go to Argentina and have a hard time understanding...so does my girlfriend sometimes! 

Enjoy, and don't be afraid to just speak. Spanish speakers appreciate an English speaker making an effort... universally. 

[Dmpotocek]

I have family in Panama, and I go visit at least once a year if not more. I am nowhere near fluent in Spanish (probably at the level of a 5 year old) but I have found that if I speak broken Spanish and the other person can speak broken English I get along just fine.


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[Philc2001]

On 7/25/2016 at 9:02 PM, Ethernut said:

Any suggestions for learning aids welcome. I have a few months so I should be in at least remedial shape by the time I hit Cuban soil.

TIA

Dude, just stop over in Miami on your way to Cuba, you'll get all the Cuban immersion you need. 

[raymond5737]

Traveling to new places is so cool, especially if you are on a mission to do something special. So here is an idea for you... No matter how much Spanish you know, no importa! Although I speak fluid Spanish, I always try to go native as much as possible, hanging with the locals that are into what I'm into. So for example, I'm an advanced diver and I love to do night dives, wreck dives, lobster dives etc. I love to try cooking local dishes and I also love my Cuban Cigars with a great rum. Before a recent trip to Grand Cayman, I searched on the Internet for a local dive master that liked to smoke cigars. Through the chamber of commerce I was connected with the LCDH proprietor, that then connected me with a few of his local friends that were advanced divers. One thing led to another and I made a connection with a local diver. I emailed him and told him what I wanted to do and he was in... Once in Cayman, we communicated and the dive master met me and my wife at the LCDH for some Cuban coffee and cigars. Later, we went to his favorite spot to dive on the Wall in Cayman. My wife just hung out at the palapa bar/dive shop and had a few while I went diving along the wall with the best guide/dive master ever. No groups, no charter, no tourists, just he and I. After our dive he invited my wife and I to his home, with his family for dinner, cigars and rum. Needless to say, we had a blast.

I have replicated this strategy in Mexico on 3-ocasions and will do the same when we go to Cuba. That way I can practice my Spanish while doing what I love; getting to know the  locals while diving and relaxing with some great Cuban cigars. BTW, I always bring my own rum and Cubans on my trips so I can be ready to share and reciprocate anyone's kindness. I also brought cigars and bourbon with me on a trip to India, but that is another story for another time.

[Cigar Surgeon]

I spent approximately 3 months with Duolingo, 1 hour each evening practicing my Espanol. I'd say it has made me much more comfortable conversing in Spanish and my comprehension in general. 

Very easy to use, and doesn't feel like a chore.