TIPS FOR LEARNING A LANGUAGE FROM SCRATCH

Learning a language from scratch may seem overwhelming, but with the right strategies and habits, it's far more manageable and can even be fun. The first is to decide precisely what you want to do with the language - travel, work, study, or just for fun; this will keep you motivated through rough days. The next thing to do is to get yourself into a daily routine, (even 10 or 15 minutes is a lot, as consistency is worth much more than cramming), because routine can definitely help. Another good tip is to surround yourself with the language: MP3s you can listen to while commuting, tv shows, social media accounts or even use it as the language on your phone all of these are quick and easy ways to get more exposure to the language’s vocabulary and pronunciation without you feeling like you’re studying. It’s also really useful to speak right away, even if all you know are a few basic phrases because mistakes are part of learning, and they’ll help you gain confidence. You could also make this a more fun process by using apps, flashcards or games. Be sure to choose one you enjoy because the learning is supposed to be a journey, not a chore. And lastly, be patient with yourself and celebrate every little move forward. Every new word is one step in a different world, and the most important thing is to enjoy the journey while acquiring a new life-long skill. 

MOTIVATIONAL PHRASE:  “Every new word is a door that opens to a greater version of yourself.”


VIDEO ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TIPS FOR LEARNING A LANGUAGE FROM SCRATCH:

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ITALIAN AND SPANISH THAT SURPRISED ME

It's true that Italian and Spanish are very similar because they both derive from Latin, but when I began to learn Italian I noticed a few differences that really took me aback. One was the musicality of the language: Italian is more melodic and with a stronger rhythm, as if every sentence were arranged to sound nice, while Spanish is more rapid and blunt. What also struck me was doubled consonants pronunciation: for Italians, “pala” and “palla” are totally different words, and I couldn’t recognize that difference at first that made it really hard for me to understand how to tell those apart. Another surprise was the gestures because in Italian we practically use our hands to communicate, and following some of them helped me to understand the meaning more easily. I was very surprised by the articles and how different you used them: in Italian, you are forced to use them even for things that they don't use them for in Spanish, for example: il caffè, la fama, la casa. Also, there are words that look the same but are completely different, and those can create funny misunderstandings, as for example *burro* (in Italian: butter). 

Last off, I was curious to learn how Italian could mirror a warmly expressive, passionate cultural persona which has long been sensed in the way the language is spoken and felt. Learning these differences not only helped me to get better, but also made me love the Italian language even more.

MOTIVATIONAL PHRASE:

✨ “Learning a language is discovering a new world within yourself.” ✨

Video about the difference between the Italian and Spanish languages:

INTRODUCTION

 ABOUT ME

HELLO! My name is Jennyfer Jácome Jara, I'm 21 years old and I live in Guayaquil, a city which has been the setting for a lot of what I've lived and learned. Now, I have also my personality, my own way of thinking and living. Right now, I would describe myself as a impatient but fun and Extroverted girl with non stop energy pushing me all the time to find something new to learn.

One of my favorite daily activities is house cleaning. Tidying up isn't only a task I have to do: it's how I make myself feel at home and calm. I feel a sense of satisfaction when everything is in place, because then I can better plan my day, and concentrate more, and I can also realize that what I see is a reflection of me.

I'm one of those people who have clear objectives at all times and make every effort to accomplish them. A dream of mine is to go overseas. I get really excited about going to other countries, experiencing their traditions and culture, and challenging myself with new things. Because I knew traveling makes you open your mind, but when you start traveling you realize it helps you grow as a person more than anything and makes you appreciate what you have even more.

I’m a young woman living in a constant state of becoming. I understand that I have a new lesson every day, and that everything I go through (both sweet and bitter experiences) takes me one step closer to the woman I want to become. With willpower, enthusiasm and the intention of improving myself, I go on my way towards my goals, trusting that fortune will present me the means to accomplish my dreams and to live further experiences which will steep my personal tale.