more on vocab

DO try to get the pronunciation right from the start when you learn new words. Say words out loud. Use a tape, CD or the internet or a friend (a friend on the internet, even); but you must do something. Don´t guess, and don´t just say the word as if it was English. And don´t put too much faith in so-called "phonetic pronunciations" in phrase books. You need to hear it.

I´d say that one of the main reasons for early frustration and giving up with a new language is that, after all our hard work, sometimes those wretched foreigners have the nerve not to understand us! They must be doing it on purpose - that´s so rude! And I said it just like in the book, too!

Spanish, unfortunately, is written with letters that look exactly like English letters. But do not fall for this, IT IS A TRICK! Actually very few Spanish letters are pronounced exactly as in English, and many of them are VERY different. And if you don´t get the sounds right, then people just won´t be able to understand you, I´m afraid.

This is another good reason for joining a class - you need feedback on your pronunciation. If you´re working on your own, try recording yourself and then listen to see if you´re really making the sounds you think you´re making. Practise. Take your time with it - it can take a while. Relax.