Many adults believe there’s a quick way to become fluent—flashcards, grammar drills, or immersion hacks. But the truth? There’s no shortcut, but there IS a better way.
Read on to learn:
✔ What second-language acquisition research tells us (Krashen & VanPatten)
✔ Why drilling words in isolation isn’t effective
✔ How we acquire language through compelling, comprehensible input
"You cannot download a language into your head. If you could, we’d all have 10 languages by now." (VanPatten, 2017)
Why Do We Believe in Shortcuts?
It’s normal that so many of us have bought into the myth of quick and easy language learning. Companies like Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, and Babbel market the idea that apps and memorization-based programs will lead to fluency.
The Truth: No matter which approach you take, language acquisition takes time.
🎉 The Better News: You can learn efficiently and enjoyably—without relying on boring drills or memorization.
What Second-Language Acquisition Research Tells Us
Leading Second Language Acquisition researchers Stephen Krashen and Bill VanPatten explain that language is not learned through memorization, rules, or effort—it’s acquired through understanding and exposure.
Krashen’s Input Hypothesis (1981): We acquire language by understanding messages—when we hear and read things that make sense to us, even if we don’t understand every word.
This means:
We don’t need to memorize vocabulary lists—we need to see and hear words in context.
Grammar rules don’t need to be explicitly taught—our brains internalize patterns over time when we hear them repeatedly.
VanPatten’s Work on Input Processing (2017):
We can’t learn a language by practicing rules first. Instead, our brains develop an unconscious "mental representation" of the language as we get more exposure.
Explicit grammar instruction doesn’t lead to fluency. You might "know" a rule, but that doesn’t mean you can use it spontaneously in conversation.
"People like to be explicit about rules because it makes them feel like they are doing something, but that doesn’t mean it results in acquisition." (VanPatten, 2017)
Why Drilling Words and Grammar in Isolation Doesn’t Work
Many people rely on flashcards, grammar worksheets, and repetitive drills to "learn" a language. But here's why this isn't effective:
🛑 Memorizing word lists doesn’t help us use words in real life.
You might learn isolated vocabulary, but real language use is all about context. For example, the verb "hace" means "makes" or "does" in some cases, but also appears in phrases like "Hace frío" (It’s cold) or "Hace tres años que vivo aquí" (I’ve lived here for three years). Without seeing words in real contexts, it’s hard to develop real-world language skills.
🛑 Grammar drills don’t translate to fluent speaking.
You could study verb conjugations for hours and "know" that "I am" is (yo) soy and "he is" is (él) es...
… But in a real conversation, your brain doesn’t have time to "look up" the right form—it needs to recognize patterns automatically.
→ This happens not by drilling grammar rules but by hearing them used naturally in context.
"Explicit instruction does not result in the type of linguistic system that underlies fluent performance." (VanPatten, 2017)
🔥 What Works Instead? 🔥
How We Acquire Language Through Comprehensible Input
The most effective way to learn a language is through compelling, comprehensible input—language that is:
✅ Just a little above our level (so we can understand the message but also learn something new)
✅ Contextualized (so we absorb meaning naturally, without needing direct translation)
✅ Interesting (so we stay engaged and keep coming back for more)
"We acquire language in one way, and only one way—when we understand messages." (Krashen, 1985)
A Roadmap for Acquiring Language Naturally:
1️⃣ Find materials that match your level AND your interests.
Instead of forcing yourself through dull textbook dialogues, choose something you actually care about at your level.
Example: If you enjoy staying up to date on world events, listen to a current events podcast designed for Spanish learners (e.g., News in Slow Spanish for intermediate learners or El Hilo for advanced learners). If you prefer stories, read a learner-friendly novel that matches your interests—like a mystery, historical fiction, or sci-fi written with high-frequency words.
2️⃣ Prioritize understanding over word-for-word translation.
Don't get stuck on individual words—context is king when it comes to language acquisition. Seeing words and phrases in context teaches you how they actually work in conversation instead of relying on rigid definitions.
3️⃣ Expose yourself to as much Spanish as possible—without getting overwhelmed.
The goal isn’t to understand everything—it’s to engage consistently with comprehensible materials that keep you interested.
Example: Instead of trying to watch a fast-paced Netflix show designed for native speakers, listen to an easy-to-follow podcast where you can pick up familiar words or read a simplified book that keeps you turning pages.
Trust the Process—Your Brain is Doing the Work
Fluency doesn’t happen overnight, but when you enjoy the journey, you’ll keep showing up—and that’s what leads to real progress.
And remember: You’re not ‘bad’ at Spanish—you’re just in progress! Keep listening, keep reading, and most importantly, keep having fun.
I’m cheering you on (loudly, with dramatic hand gestures, of course 😉💃🎉)! You've got this.
Want to Take Your Spanish to the Next Level?
If you’re ready to learn Spanish in a way that’s fun, effective, and tailored to real communication, check out my weekly group classes and private group sessions!
💡 Flexible, engaging classes designed for adults
💬 Focus on conversation, not memorization or grammar drillsl
🎯 Perfect for beginners and beyond