Effective Language Learning Strategies: From Classrooms to Immersion

Effective Language Learning Strategies: From Classrooms to Immersion So there are definitely pros and cons to a bunch of different methods. I have done every type of learning a second language that there is to offer. I have sat through classes, I have been tutored, I have done Rosetta Stone, I have done the audiobooks and podcasts, I have clearly lived in a different country. There are pros and cons to each and every one of those methods and some are just flat out terrible. Here are some of the ways to learn Spanish: Classes I started with classes when I was in the third grade. I'm not gonna spell out the pro and cons of this time period because it wasn't very intense, but it is the basis for why I chose to study Spanish in high school. I already had that base from earlier.  In high school, I was in a classroom setting for Spanish. Most of us know how that turned out....none of us were fluent. But why? The thing is a classroom setting, especially a large classroom...
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How to use "Ya"

One of the more difficult concepts to understand is the many ways to use "ya". It has some pretty common uses but it also has about a dozen other uses which make it super versatile as a word but also super confusing to understand and for Spanish Langauge Learners to understand as well.


Common Uses "Now" and "Already"


The most common use of "ya" is "now". Be careful of how you use this. Depending on your tone it could imply a bit of rudeness. Some examples of how to use "ya" as "now":
  • Quiero un dulce ya. 
  • Nos podemos ir ya?
  • Vamos ya!
As you can see in this context of the sentences they are kind of rude, but they have their place in language.

The other common use of "ya" is "already". 

  • Ya he lo pagado 
  • Ya me lo ha dado
  • Ya compre los tiquetes 
There is a pattern here, though. If you are talking in the past tense it's safe to assume that you are going to use the "already" version of "ya". If you are in the present tense you can safely assume to use the "now" version of "ya"

Less Common Uses Of "Ya"

So here is where we get a little more complicated. "Ya" is a little more than just "already" and "now". It can also be used:

  • Not Anymore - 
  • "Ya no la quiero"
  • "Ya no fumo cigarillos"
  • "Ya no vivo en Los Estados Unidos. Vivo en Colombia"
  • "Ya no me ama"

  • To be more a reassurance, to let someone know that something is done -  
  • "Ya, todo bien"
  • "Ya, lo hare"
  • "Ya, esta hecho"
  • "La comida ya esta" (mi favorita)

  • To let it be known that it will be done later - 
  • "Ya limpiare" 
  • "Ya vere"

  • Frustration - 
  • "YA NO MAS"
  • "Mmmm, ya veo"

  • Also to signify completion - 
  • "Ya, lo hice"
  • "Ya estoy listo"
  • "La comida ya esta"

More or less these are the ways to use "ya" in Spanish. A lot of this depends on context and repetition in hearing the phrases and how they are used. As you can also see that I used the same example for multiple situations. What does that mean? It means things are more complicated and less straightforward. Context is very important, not only in this language but also in other languages. It's very fluid and it comes easier with practice. Suerte!

Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 28, 2018 at 3:51 AM

    Incredible how language learning allows the Spanish to “seep” into the brain gradually over months, until one day it all sort of just dawns on you and finally just makes SENSE. Not only that, you can finally appreciate the rich depth and texture of the language, how the words are all connected to each other in such intricate and pleasing ways, and the immensity of these connections all pulsing at once like a great big living creature. It’s a good moment that makes the frustration and work and stress worth it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. ReneDecember 5, 2018 at 3:24 AM

    Spanish is my favorit lanuage. I learnd it like 8 years ago becuase i met my wife and for her i started learning spanish. It was difficult from the beginning but with the years i thought wow in generall it wasnt so difficult and if i compare it with other languages it is even easier to learn :)

    But still have to learn a lot more :-D

    Saludos Rene

    ReplyDelete

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