Build Spanish Vocabulary ACTIVELY - it works!

However, research now shows that if you also work ACTIVELY on building vocabulary, you will progress much, much faster. Furthermore, in order to comprehend a text, readers should be familiar with 95% of the words in the text at any level. Therefore it makes sense to do everything you can, to ensure that you broaden your Spanish vocabulary as quickly as possible.

What exactly do they have in mind?

We will review a few simple, but highly effective techniques to jumpstart your Spanish vocabulary skills. Take a look at our suggestions. Then, pick and mix from all these activities and build a formula that works for you, that YOU enjoy.

SMART Spanish vocabulary building techniques

As far as possible, concentrate on learning MEANINGFUL chunks of language - rather than mind-numbingly boring word lists. Spanish sound-bytes are what you need. Fashions in language learning as in everything else come and go. Now, the latest 'new kid on the block' is the return to favour of vocabulary learning. But, just as with Chanel or Dior fashions, vocabulary learning returns with a new twist. Now, we talk of 'lexical phraseology'. This means that we learn CHUNKS of useful, meaningful, language.

Computer analysis of the language people actually SPEAK have revealed that we communicate using certain common 'chunks'. Sound-bytes, perhaps. This is how we should learn Spanish. This is how any good modern Spanish language courses such help you learn communicative Spanish FAST. When you are working on Spanish vocabulary, you should try to focus on meaningful chunks, phrases that interest YOU. Use your Spanish dictionary to reinforce memory and consolidate your mastery of Spanish vocabulary.

Supplement a good Language Course with Spanish Vocabulary building

The connection between knowing Spanish Vocabulary and success in reading Spanish has been clearly established.

Research shows that vocabulary is the FIRST challenge for students faced with an unfamiliar text in Spanish. Understandably, if you are faced by a Spanish text with many unknown words, you tend to quickly despair and get discouraged.

Also, you will tend to continue reading your Spanish text for longer if the vocabulary is more familiar.

Where do we start to actively build Spanish Vocabulary?

What better starting point for Spanish beginners than to survey all the Spanish vocabulary you already know, without even trying. Yes, it is true!

You already know loads of Spanish, espanglais or cognates, Spanish words that are closely linked to English words. Run down through this useful list (link at end of page) of about 150 common Spanish words that you already know! You will also learn how you can easily 'make' hundreds more Spanish words! This is motivating.

Spanish words that are closely linked to English words are known as 'cognates'.Usually, they share the same Latin root. You will see that with slight modifications (usually with some change to the word ending and pronunciation) many Spanish nouns can easily be converted into English nouns. (Beware though: cognates do not always mean the same thing in both languages. For example, in Spanish, "informal" means unreliable rather than casual).

Basically, there are two ways to learn vocabulary

You learn vocabulary PASSIVELY through working through a course like Visual Link Spanish Viusal Link Spanish is a different kind of Spanish Language Course. With Visual Link Spanish™, you learn to build sentences, ask and answer questions and truly communicate in Spanish right from the beginning. (You could try Free Online Lessons to see for yourself).

The course is taught by native Spanish speaking linguists. It has also been reviewed by a Ph.D. professor of Spanish and a native Spanish speaking lawyer. Visual Link Spanish™ has been taught successfully at university level during the past 5 years and at corporations and government organizations since 1995. It has also been sold in all 50 states and in over 65 countries worldwide.

Use Flash Cards to learn Spanish vocabulary

• Invest in a pack of index cards.
• Write Spanish word or phrase on one side and the English equivalent on the other. Then, all you have to do, is use a spare moment to flick through your cards.
• You can store cards / words you know and repeat those you still need to learn.
• Short phrases, meaningful 'soundbites' are best.
• Try to make a habit of reading the Spanish words aloud - you are doubling your learning power by LISTENING to the word as well are reading it!
• Be selective. Only learn vocabulary that you need: your hobbies, work, lifestyle. If you don't follow football, don't bother learning football terminology!

FOCUSSED learning wins hands down each time.

You will be amazed and delighted at how quickly you can build up quite a store of useful Spanish Vocabulary.

Try this free Online Vocabulary Builder Tool

Online Vocabulary Builder is a nifty tool I came across at a nice maths website. You might enjoy this.

Why bother using Vocabulary Builder?

Well, the very effort of organising, sorting your Spanish Vocabulary will, in itself, help you learn and progress. It may be worth your while to take a look. It may help you apreciate the real progress you are making when you actively learn Spanish vocabulary.

Use your Dictionary to imprints Spanish vocabulary on your mind

Consult a good dictionary. Find out all you can about the new word. It seems that the very effort of looking up a word helps imprint it in your mind. (Don't believe me: read about this research by Grabe & Stoller, 1997). Get into the habit of looking up a few words at the end of each study session. Maybe, you would like to keep a journal of interesting words / phrases you've discovered. Or, add them to your Flash Cards, or, your Online Vocabulary Builder.

Regular Spanish dictionary work will certainly pay off in confidence-building and speed up your reading skills. Successful Spanish learners use a Spanish Dictionary regularly. Using the dictionary gives you a much more accurate understanding of words. You also remember words you look up better and use them more confidently.

Consult this Online Spanish Dictionary regularly

Intermediate, Advanced Spanish learners need current vocabulary

You've already invested the time to learn Spanish Language basics. Do you now want to improve or maintain your Spanish? If so, look no further. I think I have found the ideal programme for you. This innovative Spanish Audio Magazine is perfect for that awkward stage when you have completed a good Spanish Course and now want to acquire real workaday fluency!

Puerta del Sol will help you take your vocabulary, grammar, and listening comprehension skills to the next level.

As well as broadening you vocabulary, an impressive team of contributors will introduce you to the issues, personalities, and traditions that comprise the rich fabric of Hispanic culture.

There is no doubt that if you work through those magnificently produced Audio-Magazines systematically, you will acquire a large amount of up-to-date vocabulary and idiom, and will eventually be in a position to tackle real-life radio and television programmes.

(The text in Puerta del Sol is read marginally slower than real-life but this is good: it gives you a chance to absorb lots of new vocabulary and phrases. Play the CD in your car, while you jog: any time, any where and you will be amazed at how fast you absorb great, REAL Spanish!

Then, when you have time, you can follow up with a 70-page booklet containing full transcripts and a detailed glossary section. This is no ordinary vocabulary list. As well as linguistic points, it includes highly readable, comprehensive background information on personalities and places mentioned in each item. Compulsive reading for Europhiles!

And Peurta del Sol delivers even more: a Study Supplement is also available for each edition, with structured comprehension exercises in the target language. Designed for independent learning, these are admirably clear and focused For intermediate or advanced learners, Puerta del Sol is quite simply the best vocabulary tool we have so far found. All of us teachers are sensitive to the problems of the intermediate Spanish learner. You have got over the initial hurdles and the initial excitement. Most programmes are designed for beginners. Sure, you would learn a certain amount from them, but why should you waste time re-tracing your steps. Puerta del Sol may be just what you are looking for.

This nicely produced bi-monthly audio-magazine ensures that you have the vocabulary for all topics currently being discussed in Spain. No getting stuck in a rut with Puerta del Sol. Lively and exciting, this is a painless way to build a terrific vocabulary. You are now at the stage when you need to break out of 'school' Spanish. This may be what you need.

Packed with features on the culture, travel, politics, music and literature of Spain and the Hispanic world, this audio- magazine is ideal for students, businessmen, professionals: for anyone who needs to use Spanish or is interested in Spanish / Hispanic culture.

This hour-long radio style Spanish audio-magazine is available on CD or cassette with accompanying transcript and notes. Contains interviews, reviews and news features. And, by the way, comes to you with a money-back guarantee!

Boost Spanish Vocabulary Skills with Peurta del Sol Browse our list of 150 Spanish cognates - this is an easy way to extend your vocabulary

Studying a list of cognates, of espangles is a useful excercise if you are learning Spanish vocabulary. It reassures you to know that even before you start, you know loads of Spanish. By studying out list, you can get a feel for Spanish language also. But, there is a snag.

Some cognates are deceptive. In fact, they are referred to as false friends, because they deceive and in fact can sometimes have quite different meanings. Some in fact, could cause you emabarrassment - or worse!

Take a look at our classified list here.

Beware False Friends, Falses Amigos when learning vocabulary