Thinking Spanglish – A survivor’s guide to learning Spanish

Anyone learning Spanish will tell you that the journey is long and full of twists and turns. Are you struggling to maintain motivation? Tongue-tied when it comes to talking? Does Spanish grammar fill you with dread? Should you even bother to learn Spanish if you’re living in Spain or planning to move here?

In episode eight of When in Spain I talk to Melissa from Thinking Spanglish, a blog described as a ‘survivors guide’ to learning Spanish, aimed at helping people overcome their fear of learning and improving Spanish.

We answer the ‘dreaded’ question, should you or shouldn’t you learn Spanish to live in Spain? Can you survive without it…? We find out.

We also look at language learning resources, the challenges and rewards of learning Spanish, some top tips for language learning and of course we’ll compare our own language learning experiences and insights.

Melissa’s long held ambition to live abroad brought her to Spain four and a half years ago – via her passion for flamenco and her various stints teaching in Spain. We met up on a sunny terrace in Madrid. Apologies for some of the loud and unexpected traffic noise on what’s usually a quiet street.

Here are a few links to resources mentioned in the episode:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/spanish/mividaloca/

http://thinkingspanglish.com/best-flashcard-app-spanish-in-a-month-elky-entertainment-llc-version-1-28/

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WHAT IS WHEN IN SPAIN?

The When in Spain show is a weekly podcast show, recorded in Madrid (and other parts of Spain) where l talk about my ‘warts and all’ observations and insights on life and culture on the Iberian peninsular.

In each episode of the podcast I cast an eye on everyday life, people, places, politics, culture and history and attempt to give an honest opinion from a Brit who has a love-frustration relationship with Spain. I shall attempt to dispel or indeed confirm Spanish stereotypes through my ramblings and see if I can delve into the Spanish psyche.

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WHO THE HELL IS WHEN IN SPAIN?

I’m Paul Burge, former BBC journalist, Hispanophile and Manchego lover. A Brit, born in Oxford and living in Spain for almost 5 years. I currently live in the centre of Madrid.