Speaking Spanish, even when you can read and write a fair amount of it, can be a challenge. I was just thinking about this and it occurred to me that for some of us, it would be helpful to think that when we are practicing our Spanish with other people, we are doing a kind of performance.
Now if you are an introvert, this may not exactly thrill you. But there still may be something in it for you.
When I was twelve, I starred in a play that was put on at a summer camp I went to. I was exhilarated and empowered by the experience, even though I didn’t continue my dramatic career after that. Or did I, unknowingly?
Now I think back to six or seven years ago, when we started traveling some in Mexico and gradually decided to try living here. I felt that exact same sense of exhilaration and empowerment when I succeeded in having a friendly chat with a Mexican… here’s an example from my website, Mexico with Heart, when we standing in a long line at the border to process our documents and enter Mexico.
As we talked with Mexicans, we were beginning the process of listening, listening, listening to Spanish, letting the musical sounds just be a flow at times, while at other times, many of the words would stand out.
Several of the people we chatted with were Mexicans who lived in the U.S. and were on their way to visit family. One woman spoke Spanish quite slowly for me, and then as she saw that I understood, she picked up a lot of speed. We were in line behind the last people in the American caravan. A woman from that group, directly in front of us, farted. My new friend lowered her voice and said something to me about it not smelling like apples. I wondered if that was an expression in Mexico for that occasion or if it was her own phrase.
Not the most elegant example, I admit.
But if you are struggling with learning to speak Spanish, try thinking of it as performance and see if that helps.
I also think that I have probably underestimated the value of Spanish language classes previously. They do provide that performance opportunity, as well as the chance to make friends with others who share your interest in Spanish.
The play’s the thing!
