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Discover the Best Spanish Classes Online
Spanish is one of the most popular languages in the world, with over 485 million native speakers. The language is also rooted in history. As a Romance language, Spanish evolved from Latin, specifically spoken Latin. Spanish is largely a product of intermingling between peoples. The language developed on the Iberian Peninsula and was heavily influenced by Arabic.
Spanish evolved into Early Modern Spanish in the 15th century. This variant was used until the 17th century. Spanish conquerors and missionaries spread Early Modern Spanish around the globe, which contributed to the widespread use of the language. However, regional differences developed within the language, despite attempts to maintain consistency. These dialects were shaped in part by the histories and cultures of the regions in which they were developed.
Speakers of other Romance languages find Spanish easier to learn than non-Romance languages. Native English speakers find ease in learning Spanish as well because both languages were influenced by Latin and French. English and Spanish also share many words, which English speakers find to make the learning process quicker. However, Spanish uses gendered grammar and has more tenses than English.
Why You Should Learn Spanish Online
Learning a new language has been shown to improve memory. When you learn a new language, you need to memorize new vocabulary and grammar. This presents a challenge to your brain. Speaking the language does the same, while also forcing you to think on your feet. You’ll need to learn to quickly make connections between vocabulary and grammar while holding a natural conversation in the new language.
Learning a second language can improve cognitive function in children and has been shown to encourage creativity. Older adults may be wary of learning a whole other language, but they’re at an advantage over children because they have a wider vocabulary and understand how to study properly. It’s also been shown that knowing two or more languages may slow the development of dementia in older adults. Being bilingual or multilingual ultimately benefits everyone.
There are nearly 500 million native speakers of Spanish and an estimated 74 million who speak Spanish as a second language. In the US, over 40 million people speak Spanish as a first language. Learning to speak Spanish will allow you to communicate with more people, both in-person and online. This can be beneficial in both your personal and professional life. Knowing Spanish will also make it easier for you to travel to a Spanish-speaking country.
With the number of Spanish speakers in the US, it’s likely that you already hear Spanish in your everyday life. Immersing yourself in the language through your everyday life, like listening to Spanish-language music or watching Spanish-language television can help you learn the language quickly.
Virtual Spanish Classes
If you’d like to learn Spanish thoroughly, in a comfortable setting, consider taking a virtual Spanish class. These remote classes are taught by live instructors who’ll guide you through new vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Despite being an online class, they typically focus heavily on conversational Spanish, so you’ll have plenty of speaking opportunities. Classes can be taken from any interruption-free space with a stable internet connection. Regardless of your needs, there are online Spanish classes available for you to take on CourseHorse.
Several schools and language centers offer beginner-level Spanish classes and follow-up classes. Fluent City’s beginner-level Spanish class is open to new and returning students. In this class, you’ll practice conversing in Spanish with your classmates in small groups. You’ll learn the basics of vocabulary and grammar as you practice essential phrases in the language. Fluent City also offers an intermediate-level Spanish class that you can advance toward.
If you’re preparing to take a trip to a Spanish-speaking country or just want to learn some basic Spanish quickly, you can sign up for Fluent City’s Spanish crash course. You’ll spend two days learning how to introduce yourself, order in a restaurant, request directions, and more.
RoLa Language’s class, Spanish Intro, will teach you basic Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and tenses. There are two courses you can take after this class that will expand on these fundamentals. A free electronic textbook will be provided to you, but you have the option of purchasing a physical book on their website. If you catch onto Spanish easily and would like to learn another Romance language, RoLa offers classes in others like French and Italian.
ABC Languages SF offers a class for newbies, Total Beginner Spanish. You’ll be able to work at your level and pace while learning how to hold conversations in Spanish. Conversations will be held between participants and your instructor will oversee roleplay scenarios.
If you’re looking for a more challenging class, there are intermediate and advanced-level virtual Spanish classes available on CourseHorse. Many of these classes either require a beginner-level class as a prerequisite or will ask that your Spanish is up to a certain level before you sign up.
Private Online Group Spanish Classes
Are you and a group of friends planning to visit a Spanish-speaking country, but worried that you won’t be able to navigate around without knowing Spanish? Luckily, you can book a private group Spanish class through CourseHorse.
Reach out to CourseHorse through the contact page on their website to learn about the private Spanish classes they can offer you. A representative will let you know about the group sizes they can accommodate and will let you know what classes can meet your group’s needs and goals. For an additional fee of $100, they’ll provide you with a 20-minute demo of the class of your interest, so you can see if it’s right for you before committing to a booking.
If you’re unsure of your group’s size, CourseHorse will let you book a class with the minimum group size and then allow you to update the headcount before your class is to take place. CourseHorse does not charge booking fees. They also allow free cancellations up to two weeks before the class. Zoom is the recommended platform for course delivery, however, CourseHorse can accommodate Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx.
Online vs. In-Person Spanish Classes
If you’d like to take formal Spanish classes, you have the option of online or in-person classes. Both class types are taught by a live instructor who will guide you through learning the language and provide you with feedback. However, the classes differ in some ways.
To take an in-person Spanish class, you’ll need to be sure that there are any taught in your area. You’ll also need to commute to an in-person class. Most classes will provide you with the necessary materials, however, some instructors may ask that you purchase additional supplies.
Virtual classes can be taken from anywhere with a stable internet connection, so there’s no need to commute. Your instructor may email materials to you or ask you to purchase materials before your first session.
When deciding which type of class to take, you should first see what is being taught in your area. If online and in-person classes are both available to you, consider the content of the classes, the class schedule, and any materials you’ll need to pay for before deciding which type of class to take.
Can I Learn Spanish for Free Online?
The internet can be used to learn Spanish for free. There are free textbooks online and free or low-cost language apps that you can use to learn and practice Spanish. There are also apps and programs where you can connect with a native speaker to audio or video chat in Spanish, which will help you learn to speak the language. However, if you’d like additional instruction in Spanish, it’s recommended that you take a formal class taught by a fluent instructor. This is one of the most thorough and efficient ways to learn Spanish and can be supplemented with online resources.
