Relearning a language.

[specious_reasons]

I took Spanish as a teenager. That was quite a while ago, and pretty much most of what I've learned has faded into a few random words half remembered, and the ability to parse a sentence if I recognize enough words.

I was thinking about refreshing my knowledge, but I think the only time I have to devote to it is my daily commute.

I've tried apps like Mango in the past, but it was too interactive for driving, so I was thinking of something else: Immersion learning by listening to Spanish language versions of familiar novels.

Specifically, I'm thinking I should get audio versions of the Harry Potter novels. I've read each of the novels at least three times and it's written for children and teens, so I should be able to follow along while improving my language comprehension.

Is this a stupid idea?

[erimir]

I like Duolingo, but it also would not be wise to do while driving!

[Ari]

It's a good idea but it needs a speaking component too as listening and speaking are different parts of the brain. A book that occasionally asked you questions about what you just heard to be responded to in spanish would be even better.

[ChuckF]

No, not a stupid idea!

I realized last year that I had stopped using my French in any form and that it was decaying. I started listening to a French news podcast.

That was good for me, but then I also found a local French person who does French lessons, and now I go just shoot the shit for an hour every week with her. Like we just chat about whatever. It is immensely helpful and I am amazed at how it came back. From time to time I still find myself groping for a particular word, but I have regained a lot of the fluency I had before.

It sounds like my level of French might have been higher than your level of Spanish. I think your idea of getting a novel that you know well in Spanish is a good one, but you might risk just reciting what is happening in your head in English rather than focusing deriving meaning from the actual spoken Spanish. I have heard good things about Slow News - try News in Slow Spanish.

[Basset Hound]

Go to a Spanish speaking country. You'll pick it up fast.

[Dingfod]

Originally Posted by Basset Hound

Go to a Spanish speaking country. You'll pick it up fast.

Full immersion works unless you just hang around English-speaking expats.

[JoeP]

Originally Posted by specious_reasons

but I think the only time I have to devote to it is my daily commute.

So, moving to a Spanish speaking country (which is clearly the best option) would be awesome because it would make your daily commute super long and give you lots more learning time.

Or, hire a Spaniard to sit in your car to chat to you while commuting. Even better, a Spanish driver.

[erimir]

Carpooling with a Spanish speaker sounds like a good idea.

If you don't know one at work, you could post an ad on Craigslist for someone who would want to carpool and converse in Spanish. If you're not worried about finding someone on Craigslist