How long does it really take to learn Spanish? This is a question asked by many people who want to get started in this language spoken by 580 million users.
The answer to this question depends on many factors, such as starting level, study method, motivation, exposure, frequency and intensity of practice, among others. There is no magic formula or exact time frame for learning Spanish, but there are some studies that can provide guidance.
One of them is the one conducted by the American Foreign Service Institute (FSI), which trains U.S. diplomats and military personnel in foreign languages. According to this study, Spanish would be one of the easiest languages for native English speakers to learn, since it belongs to the same linguistic group (Romance languages) and shares many words and structures with English.
But how long does it really take to learn Spanish?
FSI estimated that about 480 hours of study are needed to reach a basic level of fluency in Spanish, which is equivalent to about six months if 10 hours a day are spent.
However, this time may vary according to the level of demand and the type of competence to be developed (oral, written, academic, professional, etc.).
Another study that can serve as a reference is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which establishes six levels of language proficiency: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. According to this framework, a student is considered to have reached an independent level when he/she reaches B1, an advanced level when he/she reaches B2 and an expert level when he/she reaches C2.
The CEFR does not specify a number of hours for each level, but it does provide a detailed description of the communicative skills to be demonstrated at each level. Thus, for example, a B1 level student is expected to be able to understand the main points of clear, standard texts on familiar topics, express him/herself simply and coherently on everyday matters or matters of personal interest, and describe experiences, plans and opinions.
How many hours does it really take to learn Spanish?
To achieve these objectives, some authors have estimated that between 350 and 400 hours of study are needed to move from level A1 to B1 in Spanish. This means that if you study one hour a day, it would take just over a year to reach this level. Of course, this time may vary depending on the method and quality of learning.
In this sense, it is important to choose a language school that offers effective teaching adapted to the needs and interests of each student. A good option is Lingua Language Center, an institution accredited by ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training) that offers Spanish courses for all levels and purposes.
Lingua Language Center has three locations in Florida(Fort Lauderdale, Weston and Doral) and offers in-person and online Spanish classes with qualified native teachers. In addition, it uses an innovative methodology called EnterTraining℠, which combines teaching with entertainment to make learning more enjoyable and effective.
Lingua Language Center also offers special programs for international students who want to study English in the United States or improve their professional skills in areas such as business, medicine or law. It also organizes all-inclusive programs for groups that want to learn English in a total immersion environment with cultural and recreational activities.
The time it takes to do so will depend on many factors, but you can speed up the process with a good methodology and a quality school like Lingua Language Center. If you want to know more about their courses and promotions, write to us.