Should You Start Learning Spanish with Grammar or Input?

What is more important in your journey to learn Spanish: understanding the rules of grammar or immersing yourself in reading and listening to samples of everyday language?

Many learners, like researchers and instructors in second language acquisition, have pondered this question.

Two main theories have emerged as possible answers: the input-first approach, known as the Comprehension Hypothesis, and the grammar-first approach, or the Skill-Building Hypothesis.

Table of Contents

• Comprehension Hypothesis (Input First)

• Skill-Building Hypothesis (Grammar First)

• Comparison

• My Recommendation

• Five Suggestions for Spanish Self-Directed Learner …

Comprehension Hypothesis (Input First)

This method suggests that language learning is most effective when you understand material slightly more advanced than your current level.

It involves receiving language input that is almost within your grasp.

This approach allows you to learn effortlessly, prioritizing understanding of the content over memorizing grammar rules.

Skill-Building Hypothesis (Grammar First)

Conversely, this concept views language learning as skill development.

It highlights the necessity of understanding language rules and applying them through practice. This method requires a conscious, sustained effort.

You might be familiar with this approach if your previous language learning experiences were in a school setting. It's often associated with the less popular aspects of studying grammar.

Comparison

These approaches differ significantly in their perspectives on language learning.

The Comprehension Hypothesis -Input FIrst- is centered around natural language absorption.

In contrast, the Skill-Building Hypothesis focuses on active learning and deliberate practice.

My Recommendation

Based on this information, if you are at the beginner level, rely more heavily on the input-first approach.

Suppose you are in the intermediate or advanced level. In that case, you should mix both methods since understanding grammar will help you perfect your output.

Now that we've explored these learning approaches, let's turn our attention to practical strategies that self-taught Spanish learners can apply to incorporate these theories into their study routines effectively.

Five Suggestions for Spanish Self-Directed Learners

1. Engage in Extensive Reading: Read Spanish texts that are just above your current level to enhance vocabulary and comprehension 

2. Practice Regularly: Use the language actively, through writing and speaking exercises, to build and solidify your skills.

3. Listen Actively: Incorporate Spanish listening exercises like podcasts or news to improve comprehension and listening skills.

4. Learn Grammar Contextually: Instead of rote memorization, learn grammatical structures as they appear in real-life contexts.

5. Seek Feedback: Regularly test your skills and seek feedback through language exchange partners or formal assessments to identify areas for improvement.

In addition to understanding the theories behind language learning, it's essential to remember that personal curiosity and cultural immersion play significant roles in mastering a new language. 

Immersing yourself in Spanish culture, whether through travel, cultural events, or interactions with native speakers, can also provide invaluable context and motivation.