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Writer's pictureJackie Amidon Donaldson

My low point before discovering how to speak Spanish like a native

Updated: Oct 31, 2023

Learn how to feel confident and speak Spanish like a native from someone who's been there. This blog post shares my low point in learning Spanish and my signature method for becoming fluent in Spanish.

A woman is standing in front of a beach with a sign that says "My low point before speaking Spanish like a native". She is looking at the camera and pointing.

Learning a new language can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. If you're interested in learning how to speak Spanish like a native, I'm here to help.


In this blog post, I'm going to share my low point and signature method for becoming fluent in Spanish. I'll also provide some tips that will help you on your journey.


When I first moved to Peru, I was excited to learn Spanish. But I quickly realized that it was going to be harder than I thought.


I was insecure about my speaking skills, and I was afraid to make mistakes. This led me to get into a lot of situations that I didn't want to be in.


For instance, I often felt helpless if someone did something to me that I didn't like.

As a woman living on my own in Peru, I was often in dangerous situations.


Men would try to touch me on the bus or grab my butt while I was out running. They'd even stalk me while I was walking through my neighborhood.


I felt like I couldn't defend myself until I became more confident speaking Spanish without freezing up.


One night, I was at a concert when a man was getting way too handsy with me. I knew that if I didn't do something, he would be harassing me all night.


So I felt this anger rising up inside and turned to face him. I looked him straight in the eye and said, "Vete a la mierda" (go to hell).


I was surprised at how confident I sounded. The man was surprised, too. He hesitated for a moment, then turned and walked away.


That was the day that I realized that I was on the road to speaking Spanish like a native. I needed to be able to communicate effectively so that I could protect myself and stand up for myself.


That's why I developed the Amidon Method for speaking Spanish like a native. It's a method that has helped me to become confident and fluent in Spanish.

If you're interested in learning more about how the Amidon Method can help you, schedule your free assessment.


In the meantime, here are a few tips that will help you on your journey to speaking Spanish like a native.


Don't be afraid to make mistakes.

Everyone makes mistakes when they're learning a new language. The important thing is to keep practicing. That said, you can stop making some basic mistakes you may not even realize you're doing. Learn more with this freebie.


Immerse yourself in the language.

The best way to learn Spanish is to surround yourself with Spanish speakers by chatting with your coworkers, and talking with folks at markets and restaurants—even joining a Zumba class may get you meeting native speakers! Get 8 ways to immerse yourself.


Find a language partner.

Practicing with a native speaker is one of the best ways to improve your Spanish skills. Find language partners in my free group.


Learning to speak Spanish like a native takes time and effort, but it's definitely possible. Just keep practicing and don't give up!

 

Photo of woman with blonde hair smiling against an orange background

Jackie Amidon Donaldson helps students of all ages feel confident speaking Spanish, English, and Italian like a native in 90 days or less. She loves helping them achieve their goals by setting up their action plan for success, showing them the tools they need, and supporting them each step of the way. Jackie's the owner and language coach of Amidon Studios and has worked with more than 1,000 students around the world.



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