Consistency in Learning Spanish: The Key to Real Progress and Fluency

Language learning can be draining. However, learning a language in fits and bursts here and there is not going to get you the progress you are looking for. If you really want to become fluent, you need to keep up the consistency in learning Spanish and practice every day.

Why Is Consistency Important in Learning Spanish?

Many people study a language on and off for years without ever seeing the progress they were hoping for. And why is that? To put it simply, they are not being consistent enough.

If you truly want to grow as a language learner, you should make studying Spanish a part of your daily routine. That could mean reading one article in Spanish per day, using subtitles while watching Spanish-language programs on Netflix with Jolii.ai, or simply going over vocabulary flashcards. If you don’t make learning Spanish a habit, you won’t remember what you learned and you won’t see results anytime soon.

Takeaway: Studying Spanish requires a consistent routine and regular study.

Science Proves Consistency Is Key

Scientists and linguists agree that consistency is the most important part of language learning. According to a recent article by Polyglottist Language Academy, consistency in learning Spanish strengthens the neural connections in three key areas of the brain:

• The Broca’s Area – Responsible for speaking and the production of language
• The Hippocampus – Where new memories are formed, including those related to memorizing grammar rules and new vocabulary
• The Wernicke’s Area – Assists in processing and understanding language in general 

When you commit to consistent Spanish studies, your brain has the opportunity to not just process this new language better, but to commit it to long-term memory. This will make it easier to access your new knowledge and speak, listen, read, and write fluently. 

Make Spanish Learning a Habit

Habit forming is good for your brain as well as your mood. If you commit to studying for a certain amount of time each day, and then you stick to that routine, you will feel a lot more satisfaction than you would by studying sporadically. This satisfaction, in turn, will make you actually want to make Spanish a part of your day every day.

When something becomes a habit moreso than an obligation, you will see long-term results as opposed to the short-term ones you get with intense study or “cramming.”

Takeaway: Consistency in learning Spanish is both scientifically and psychologically proven to increase your knowledge faster and make the language stick with you longer.

How to Stay Consistent when Studying Spanish

To make daily Spanish practice a habit, follow this roadmap:

1. Set a goal you can stick to – Set an achievable goal for yourself each day. For example: learn 10 new Spanish filler words, listen to 10 minutes of an audiobook, watch 15 minutes of Spanish videos on YouTube, or write for 10 minutes in a journal each day. Make sure to make it doable – don’t schedule a full hour of non-stop study at the beginning or it may feel too intimidating and you won’t stick with it.
2. Make a schedule – Set aside a specific time each day to focus on learning Spanish. Have a few minutes after lunch? Schedule a study session then. More alert in the morning? Take 15 minutes after breakfast to learn Spanish. Find the time that works best for you and commit to it.
3. Study various aspects of Spanish – Mix up your routine and focus on different aspects of the language like reading, listening, writing, or speaking each session. Or, do a bit of one or two of those activities each day to keep you interested and engaged.
4. Keep track of your progress – Make a chart or use a calendar to record when/how much you study. Mark down milestones like 100 vocabulary words learned or 10 hours of listening practice achieved. That way, you can see how far you’ve come and feel motivated to continue.

Takeaway: To maintain consistency in learning Spanish, set a realistic daily goal, make a schedule (and stick to it), use various types of learning resources, and track your progress to stay motivated in your Spanish learning journey.

FAQs

Is consistency or intensity more important when studying Spanish?

Studying Spanish intensely in short bursts (like cramming before a test), can work in the short-term, but consistent, habitual studying will strengthen the neural pathways in your brain. This helps your Spanish knowledge become permanent. 

Do I have to study every day to become fluent in Spanish?

You can obviously take a day off every now and then, but studying for at least a few minutes every day, or at least every other day, will lead to the best results. That studying doesn’t have to revolve around textbooks: more leisurely activities like watching shows or listening to music in Spanish work too, as long as you are exercising your Spanish skills on a regular basis.

Which apps and websites can help me stay consistent in learning Spanish?

Apps and websites like Jolii.ai, Duolingo, Pimsleur, Busuu, Memrise, and Anki all focus on different ways of learning language. Choose the one (or more) that most closely aligns with your goals and make using it a daily habit.

Final Takeaway

Consistency is key in learning any language. It is important to build a routine that involves daily use of Spanish if you want to become fluent. Jolii.ai can help you stay engaged with entertaining lessons and videos. Check it out today!