Fastest way to learn spanish?

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Has anyone self taught themselves another language? If so, how and what program did you use? I kind of know spanish from being around the culture and school but I cannot say I am fluent. That is a problem in this town- we are 20 miles from Mexico and I heard it was really hard to get a job here if you do not speak spanish, & I believe it with the experiences that I've had. I am trying Rosetta stone but even though I get the problems right does not mean I remember exactly what I just did. Any ideas? I know it will help my Career.

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Watch TV shows en Español that you enjoy. Converse with speakers when you get a chance. Check out the vids on youtube/iTunes U, etc.

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Take 6 months off from life and head to a Spanish-speaking country and immerse yourself in its language and culture.

That's probably not feasible for most people, but it works.

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Specializes in Critical Care (ICU/CVICU).

You heard its hard to get a job as an RN over there because you don't speak spanish... I find that hard to believe. Then again, my school is in Laredo (a LITERAL border town) and they have a HARD Time finding nurses, so they can't be picky lol. There are lots of nurses there that don't. Heck, they even imported foreign nurses that don't speak spanish, much less english well. And Spanish is the primary language there, not english.

BUT back to your question (sorry for rambling), I don't speak spanish, but I took a couple summer online spanish classes. That, as well as being immersed in Spanish day in and day out.... it comes after awhile. GOOD LUCK!

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According to my lifetime development class, if you are over 10 years old forget it. College majors in Spanish forget it soon after school. Most Spanish people worldwide are illiterate, so they tend to talk in circles forever communicating simple things. Good luck.

Vamanos muchachos!

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According to my lifetime development class, if you are over 10 years old forget it. College majors in Spanish forget it soon after school. Most Spanish people worldwide are illiterate, so they tend to talk in circles forever communicating simple things. Good luck.

Vamanos muchachos!

Did you mean Spanish-speaking people? I find the above statement difficult to believe.

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Yes, Spanish speaking people. And a recent world-wide country literacy-survey, INCLUDING 3rd world countries, did have Spain within 3 of being DEAD LAST!

Just ask someone to translate for you in Spanish and see how long it takes.

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Do you think you could audit college classes?

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Sleep with a Mexican under your pillow.

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Specializes in SDU, Tele.
According to my lifetime development class, if you are over 10 years old forget it. College majors in Spanish forget it soon after school. Most Spanish people worldwide are illiterate, so they tend to talk in circles forever communicating simple things. Good luck.

Vamanos muchachos!

Forget it? Some people are talented in regards to language. I am teaching myself Arabic and am getting along nicely. It depends on the person's talents and their dedication.

Furthermore, I find your comment about "most Spanish people worldwide are illiterate" kind of misleading and ignorant. I live in Miami, FL where the main language IS Spanish--in fact, Spanish *is* my first language. I am not illiterate. My family is not illiterate. Its hard to live here without having some knowledge of Spanish.

And I also don't understand "they tend to talk in circles forever communicating simple things". WHAT ON EARTH. You think us Hispanic people are too stupid to say "My leg hurts" or "My chest hurts" to an RN clearly? I doubt the OP wants to translate La Santa Biblia in Spanish, he/she just wants to communicate with her Pts!!!! SHEESH!

/end rant

To the OP: I find Pimsleur CDs very helpful. Kind of expensive but worth a try. You pop 'em into your car and before you know it you are conversing in Spanish. Its a good start. I also suggest you find a pen pal on conversationexchange.com. That's where I find my Hebrew and Arabic pen pals. You can practice on Skype. Furthermore, I can help you. I love teaching the BEAUTIFUL Spanish language. :) PM me if you need anything.

Love, Literate Spanish-Speaker!!!! :uhoh3:

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Specializes in SDU, Tele.

Amazon.com: Spanish, Conversational: Learn to Speak and Understand Latin American Spanish with Pimsleur Language Programs (Simon s) (English and Spanish Edition) (9780743550451): Pimsleur: Books

Here is a good beginners CD for Spanish. I've tried Arabic, Hebrew, and Farsi for this series. Excellent. You can put it in the car, while you're cooking, while you're napping... whatever.

These little guides might also be helpful for Nurses & Nursing Students:

Amazon.com: Spanish for Nurses Pocket Guide (9780763751128): Arthur Natella: Books

Amazon.com: McGraw-Hillndez Torres: Books

Amazon.com: Working Spanish for Medical Professionals (9780470095249): Stacie McEniry: Books

Amazon.com: Speedy Spanish for Nursing Personnel (9780961582944): T.L. Hart: Books

I suggest you carry one of those around until you memorize really important words like "fiebre", "catarro", "dolor", "calambre", "sangre", etc... (fever, cold or flu, pain, cramp, blood)

I don't like videos on YouTube for Spanish. I tried looking for some for my Hebrew friend who is visiting Argentina--most were pathetic. :(

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Specializes in SDU, Tele.

You might also like to carry this around the job.... Amazon.com: Medical Spanish Made Incredibly Quick! (Incredibly Easy! Series) (9781582556840): Springhouse: Books

Buena suerte...

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