This post is a unit that is part of the exclusive Online Material for students, but I decided to share it on the Blog as a "teaser" of our content and methodology in practice.
Don't forget to leave a comment or question at the end. I will be happy to answer!
-Laura Chasampi
Coordinator
In the YFI method we share with you the secret of how to crack the "Spanish code", but what does that mean? Well, you may not realize it, but your entire world makes sense because of your first language and when you learn a new one, you leave behind the point of view you had about reality. This creates new pathways in your brain and processes that are different from your first language. It is also a bit painful and difficult, but just like every time you leave your comfort zone, it is difficult at first, but then you gain a lot!
In the sessions, we use some techniques to help you put this logic into practice, so think of this post as a “pre-training” and it doesn’t matter if you are an advanced student or if you only know the basics, the YFI method will help you program your brain to understand the "Spanish code".
So let’s start with the theory...
Point 1: Learn to use your deduction skill.
Many people get frustrated because they think that speaking Spanish is easy, and when they try, they can't communicate. Even though Spanish is a latin-rooted language just like english, there are many differences that make communication very difficult. On the other hand, there are people who start a traditional Spanish course only to get bored in the first class, because starting with things like "Hola", "buen día", "gracias", etc. ends up being too boring to continue.
In the YFI method, we try to get you to learn quickly and achieve your goal as quickly as possible, so we take advantage of what is known and focus on what is different. This way, you will learn what you really need in record time.
Point 2: Concentration will make the difference.
In the sessions, your coach will help you discover which words make you feel too relaxed and "turn the key" back on. But in the beginning, you have to be very focused to stay in Spanish. You have to be very focused and then you need to trust your knowledge and practice, so you don't have to doubt which language you are speaking.
Point 3: Pronunciation can be a real challenge.
There are sounds and combinations of sounds that you have never used, so in our methodology, the pronunciation of the letters is the first thing you will learn. You need to take it slow and just practice. You will see that soon you are speaking with a perfect accent.
Point 4: Memorize "false cognates"
Memorizing is not something we always suggest, because we know that it is often useless, but it works when you memorize the smallest number of points possible, relate them in some way (an order, a number, a story, a group) and use them in practice about 3 times. After that, it will be easier to remember. And that's what we do with the famous - and sometimes not so famous - "false friends".
Point 5: Learn the conjugation modes
Yes, you know Spanish has the indicative, subjunctive and imperative conjugation modes, to indicate the intention of the sentence, but there are three more modes that are exclusive to Spanish and that no one talks about... only in YFI you'll learn them!
They are: 1. Standard Mode, 2. Reflexive Mode and 3. Pronominal Mode (Complementary)
Now you will understand the differences between "acuerdo y me acuerdo, el me gusta, me duele, me interesa; me queda y me quedo"
With these points in mind, students learn and practice every day in the sessions, allowing them to speak with more fluency and confidence than ever before.
Have you ever thought about Spanish like this?
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