Learn Spanish as a powerful form of wellness and personal growth!
Bienvenidos a
Lista de Mika
Create your own immersive experiences from the comfort of your community.
Keep the conversation going!
How to use Lista de Mika
Transform your daily experiences and learn to be present physically AND verbally. Learning a second language is the ultimate form of personal growth and self development.
Create immersion experiences: Explore neighborhoods or communities where Spanish is spoken.
Engage with native speakers: Don’t hesitate to greet and chat with new people.
Think in the language: Practice basic personal information like your name, address, phone number, birth date and career interest.
Establish a routine: Set aside time daily to read, play games or listen to the language.
Yo sé
Go to: Chesspañol. Learn the names of chess pieces, how each piece moves and Latin American Grand Masters.
Go to: Learning Modules.
Yo digo
Go to: Real Life. In this section, you will find dialogues of real situations in which you practice alone or with a mate.
Go to: In Other Words. Broaden your vocabulary by saying it with "Estilo".
Yo hago
Gain a solid foundation on the basics in Spanish and YOURSELF.
Random words generator, Unscramble words are links in the respective colors.
Me siento
Go to: In the city. Connect the culture through first hand experience via activities and excursions where you are an actively present- physically and verbally.
Yo soy
Go to: Real Life: Flashcards and entry level activities about daily life and natural situations.
FAQ/ PREGUNTAS MÁS FRECUENTES
Why?
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As a Spanish major in college, I did not have the money to travel abroad as many of my peers did during the summer. Mine were spent waking up begrudgingly at 3: 00AM to go to work with my father delivering beer in East Los Angeles. Little did I know that this experience would be the foundation in which I would build my bilingual skills. The company was owned by a Mexican American family and my colleagues ran the gamut from Texas- Central America and the Caribbean. Some spoke English, others did not. For some reason, I was always paired with brothers who did not speak English. All of a sudden, work became less burdensome- it became an opportunity.
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Throughout my career, I have found that no matter where you are, you can create micro immersive cultural experiences to improve or sharpen your language skills from the comfort of your everyday experiences. The old adage “You lose it, if you don’t use it” does not have to exist. One of the major challenges I have heard from Spanish language learners is the lack of people to talk to, “What do I say?”, or “I need to travel abroad”. Well, until the “ideal” scenario presents itself- I offer you resources to diversify the process of learning Spanish. Have some fun, make some mistakes, laugh at yourself, and strengthen your relationships.
How do I begin learning Spanish if I don't understand what's written?
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Learning Spanish can feel overwhelming, but you can use pronunciation and translation tools like WordReference.com or SpanishDict!onary.com to help you understand basic phrases. Focus on learning essential vocabulary (Cognates)and practice listening and speaking daily with apps or audio resources. Remember to be patient and celebrate small victories as you progress!
How can I improve my speaking skills?
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Create an immersive environment.
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Read tongue twisters, poems and news articles- ALOUD & IN FRONT OF A MIRROR.
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Record yourself while you read. Listen to the recordings.
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Go to places that speak Spanish and speak Spanish! It’s that simple.
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Imitate the sounds you hear- just like you did when you were a child.
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Transmute your English experiences into the target language. Eg. Can you translate the information on your driver's license into Target Language? Can you say your phone number with the same ease as in your primary language?
What should I do if I struggle with learning?
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Stay patient.
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Establish a routine ( 15-20 minutes a day)
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Listen to Spanish news, music , blogs without trying to understand. Listen initially to find the words you know/ recognize.
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Alter your routines for study and practice.
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Learn with a friend.
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Make friends in TL
Here are some steps to help you ease into the language:
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Use Translation Tools: Leverage online translation tools to understand basic phrases and instructions on the site. This can help you get familiar with common vocabulary.
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Begin with Basics: Focus on learning essential phrases and vocabulary first. Start with greetings, introductions, and common questions. Resources like language apps can provide structured lessons for beginners.
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Listen and Repeat: Engage with audio resources or videos in Spanish. Listening to the pronunciation helps you become accustomed to the sounds of the language. Try repeating what you hear to practice speaking.
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Practice Daily: Set aside a few minutes each day to practice. Consistency is key in language learning. Even short daily sessions can lead to significant progress over time.
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Join Language Communities: Look for online forums or local groups where you can practice speaking with others. Engaging with fellow learners can boost your confidence and provide support.
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Be Patient and Persistent: Remember that learning a new language takes time. Celebrate small victories along the way, such as understanding a phrase or successfully introducing yourself.