Luis Alberto Garza Rodriguez

My methodology for learning Spanish as an English speaker is a patient, step-by-step progression designed to build confidence from zero knowledge to fluent self-expression. It emphasizes practical pronunciation first, leveraging similarities between languages, then layers on rules and real communication skills. The process requires consistent daily practice (ideally 30–60 minutes) and a patient mindset—mistakes are expected and essential for growth.Phase 1: Master Pronunciation and the Alphabet (Weeks 1–2)
We begin by learning the Spanish alphabet and sounds using English words with similar pronunciations. This exploits cognates and near-cognates so you can "read" basic Spanish immediately without feeling overwhelmed. For example: A sounds like the "a" in "father"
E like "bed," I like "see," O like "go," U like "food."
J like a strong "h" in "hot," LL like "y" in "yes," Ñ like "ny" in "canyon," R (single) is a light tap, RR a rolled trill.
Use English approximations: "Gato" ˜ "GA-toe" (cat), "Hola" ˜ "OH-la" (hello), "Gracias" ˜ "GRA-see-as" (thanks).
Practice reading aloud simple words and short sentences right away (e.g., "El perro es grande" – The dog is big). This phase builds reading fluency quickly and avoids bad habits from English pronunciation rules.

Phase 2: Build Core Vocabulary with Cognates and False Friends (Weeks 3–6)
Expand vocabulary by focusing on thousands of English-Spanish cognates (words that look and mean almost the same): familia (family), importante (important), animal (animal), televisión (television). This gives instant usable words.
Simultaneously learn common false friends to prevent confusion: "embarazada" means pregnant (not embarrassed), "asistir" means attend (not assist), "ropa" means clothes (not rope).
Aim for 20–30 new words daily through themed lists (greetings, food, numbers, family, colors, daily routines). Use flashcards or apps to reinforce. By the end, you'll recognize and use 500–800 high-frequency words.Phase 3: Learn Essential Spelling and Grammar Rules (Weeks 7–12)
Introduce key rules systematically: Noun gender (el/la) and adjective agreement (grande/grandote vs. grande/granda).
Definite/indefinite articles (el/un, la/una).
Present tense conjugations for regular verbs (-ar, -er, -ir) and key irregulars (ser/estar, tener, ir).
Basic sentence structure: subject-verb-object, plus questions and negatives.
Common prepositions (en, a, de) and connectors (y, pero, porque).
Practice through short written exercises, filling blanks, and translating simple English sentences. Focus on high-utility patterns first (e.g., "Yo quiero comer" – I want to eat) rather than rare exceptions.

Phase 4: Form Sentences and Basic Conversations (Months 4–6)
Combine everything: construct full sentences, describe routines ("Me levanto a las siete"), express likes/dislikes ("Me gusta viajar"), and ask questions ("¿Dónde está el baño?").
Start simple dialogues, role-plays, and describing pictures. Introduce past (preterite/imperfect) and future ("voy a") tenses gradually. Practice output daily—write journal entries, record voice messages, or use language exchange apps.Phase 5: Fluency Development and Real Expression (Months 7+)
Immerse through listening (podcasts, simple shows with subtitles), reading graded books/news, and speaking regularly (tandem partners, tutors, or immersion if possible).
Refine pronunciation, expand vocabulary to 2,000–3,000 words, handle intermediate grammar (subjunctive basics, commands), and express opinions, stories, and ideas comfortably.
The goal: hold natural conversations on everyday topics and express your thoughts clearly, even with some errors. Progress depends on consistent effort, but with patience, you'll reach this level in 9–18 months.