Spoken by over 559 million people across the world, Spanish is one of the most widely adopted languages or dialects in the world. It is primarily spoken in countries like Argentina and Spain. Other than them, it is also the second most spoken language across America.
As the language is popular, having a grasp over it can prove to be beneficial for everyone. One of the key benefits of learning and having a good hand in Spanish is immigration. Many students migrate from India to other countries, and Spanish can give them an edge.
However, to reap the benefits of Spanish, students and others need to be proficient in the language. There are different ways of becoming proficient, but one of the most important ones is by reading comprehension.
Reading comprehension involves understanding the text or passage that one is reading. It requires active reading and not just skimming through the content. Doing so can help in better understanding the language as well as picking up new vocabulary.
Here in this article, we will study some of the best ways to enhance reading comprehension skills.
How to Improve your Reading Comprehension in Spanish?
If you are up for learning the native language of 18 American countries, you need to build a strong foundation for that. Here are some indispensable aspects that you need to take care of while learning and shifting from beginner to intermediate Spanish.
Improve Vocabulary
One of the most important things for improving reading comprehension is to improve vocabulary. The more words one knows, the better one will be able to understand what one reads. Having a good vocabulary also allows for better expression and communication. This is not just for Spanish but other modern dialects like French, Latin, English, German, etc.
Be an Active Reader
To comprehend what is being read, it is important to be an active reader. This means not just skimming through the content but actually taking the time to read and understand each and every word. This can be achieved by reading aloud or reading with a pencil in hand.
Make Connections
While reading, it is also important to make connections. This means relating the text to personal experiences or other things that have been read before. Doing so can help in better understanding as well as remembering the content.
An example of this can be to speak to a friend and make them understand what it means. Teaching someone can help you remember better. You can also make connections by relating to some English words, as some of them are cognates of Spanish. Words like an escape, lava, visa, original, and many others have a common stem in Spanish.
Ask Questions
If there is something that is unclear, it is important to ask questions. This can be done by re-reading the passage or asking someone else who is more knowledgeable. Asking questions can also help in clearing up any confusion, especially if you are a student.
Summarise
After reading a passage, it is also important to summarise the content. This can be done by making notes or by writing a summary. Summarising the content can help in better recalling and understanding the main points.
Best Sources to Learn Spanish
Now that we know the importance of reading comprehension let us look at some of the best sources to master one of the official languages of America.
Magazines
Magazines are a great way to improve reading comprehension. They typically have engaging and well-written content that can help in picking up new words. In addition, they also have pictures that can provide context clues.
Some great magazines that you can read to enhance your reading and speaking skills are Emprendedores, Artishock, El Cultural, and more.
Newspapers
Newspapers are another great source for reading comprehension. They usually have shorter articles as compared to magazines. This makes them ideal for newbies who are still trying to get a grasp of the language. In addition, newspapers typically have a section for crosswords and other puzzles, which can help enhance and retain vocabulary. The unique thing about Newspapers is that they are available across all states and are affordable.
Books
Books are one of the best ways to improve reading comprehension. They provide a wide range of content that can be helpful for learners of all levels. Books can also be re-read as often as needed, which can help in better understanding.
You can try Madrigal’s Magic Key to Spanish, See it and say it in Spanish, Conquer basic Spanish, and many others to improve comprehension of the American dialect.
Online Resources
There are a number of online resources that can be used to study Spanish. These include websites, blogs, and even online courses. Online resources are typically interactive and engaging, making learning more fun. Additionally, they can be accessed from anywhere at any time, making them very convenient.
Taking up a course is the best option if you are serious about learning the language. However, if you are learning it as a hobby, you can refer to blogs, articles, and more.
Youtube videos
YouTube videos can also be a great way to learn Spanish. There are a number of educational channels that provide helpful content for learners. Additionally, YouTube videos can be paused and rewatched as needed, which can help in better understanding.
Some Youtube channels you can subscribe to our Butterfly Spanish, Español con Juan, María Español, etc.
Audiobooks
Audiobooks are another great option for those who want to improve reading comprehension. They provide a hands-free way to enjoy Spanish content. Additionally, they can be listened to at any time and anywhere, making them very convenient.
Though audiobooks and videos may not be an exact fit for Spanish reading comprehension, they will surely help you get a hand on the language faster, like how to speak and the written part.
As we can see, there are a number of different sources that can be used to learn Spanish. Each one has its own upsides and minor cons. Choosing the right source based on individual needs and preferences is important.
Courses
On top of all other ways, taking up courses in Spanish is also a viable option. A Spanish course is a collaboration of all the mentioned sources along with the guidance of the teacher. In a course, students can study even the small things like how you say reading comprehension in Spanish. It can be a bit tough in other methods. Moreover, students can invest more hours in a course.
Tips to Improve Spanish Reading Comprehension
So far, we know the basic aspects of mastering Spanish and the best resources to improve comprehension. Here are some tips for you to do this faster.
Take some time to read every day
Reading daily is the best way to boost reading comprehension. This can help familiarise oneself with the native language and capture fresh words and information. It is critical to choose materials that are interesting and engaging. It is also helpful to set aside some time each day for reading.
Try different sources
No matter if you are learning English, German, French, Latin, or any other language. You should not rely on one source. As we saw earlier, you can use several different sources to learn Spanish. It is important to use different sources to find the ones that work best. It is also helpful to mix up the content, so one does not get bored.
Read aloud
Another great tip for improving reading comprehension or understanding the linguistics of a language is to read aloud. This can help in familiarising oneself with the pronunciation of words and improving fluency. It is also helpful to read aloud with someone else so that one can practice reading aloud with proper intonation.
Take breaks
It is also mandatory to take breaks while reading. This can help prevent burnout and ensure one does not get overwhelmed. Additionally, taking breaks can also help in better focus and concentration.
Practice the Spanish Language regularly
Finally, it is also important to practice regularly. This can help in consolidating the knowledge that has been acquired. Additionally, practising regularly can also help in building consistency and retaining what is learnt. With regular practice, you can not just master comprehension but also enhance writing, speaking skills, and maybe even grammar on the side.
What are the basic words in the Spanish Language?
It is always better to know about some basic words before beginning reading comprehension. To ensure that the reading part is easy for you, here are some basic words to keep in mind.
- Hola = Hello
- Adiós = Goodbye
- Por favor = Please
- Gracias = Thank you
- Lo Siento = Sorry
- Salud = Bless you (after someone sneezes)
- Sí = Yes
- No = No
Are Latin and Spanish the same?
Many people have the question of whether Latin and Spanish are the same. Though both of them are Indo-European languages, Spanish is derived from Latin. Latin is not used today, which is why it is called a dead language. Spanish is the modern version of Latin that is widely used.
Superprof and Spanish Classes!
If you are up for Spanish language comprehension classes, Superprof is the way to go. Not just comprehension, but you can also become a skilled speaker of Spanish.
Superprof is an online platform that offers you professional tutors and courses to master various dialects and languages, be it English, Latin, French, German, Spanish, or any other. With Superprof, students can study comprehension, write Spanish, listen to Spanish, and even speak Spanish at any level. Countless tutors from various states of India are available on Superprof to provide students with professional lectures. So, no matter where you are, just search for Spanish classes near me, and you will find your tutor.
There is no need to fret about their expertise as information about them is available on the platform. Students can check it and can even use it to take a demo lecture. As far as the pricing of the classes is concerned, they are charged based on the number of hours. Each tutor has a fixed hourly rate.
So, if you are ready to unlock your potential and study Spanish, go for Superprof.
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Great read! This article is a treasure trove of knowledge, perfect for anyone looking to enhance their skills.