Ira Riklis

Most experts say that the best way to learn Spanish is to hear, see, use, etc. As Ira Riklis knows some of us remember back to many, many years ago in school (for some elementary; for others high school) when vocabulary in a foreign language was learned through writing words over and over again perhaps ten to twelve times (saying words silently to self or out loud). Then one would drill self by having a list of the English equivalents and supplying the Spanish or other foreign language words from memory. Maybe the drill was from time to time verbal through our teacher asking us a question perhaps even in the foreign language and having us respond appropriately.

This “ancient” method was sometimes referred to as learning by rote (now almost a negative term). But—–isn’t it funny how much that early learning is still with us at an advanced age? Some may say it is because this learning took place during our formative years or was effective because it was our first “second” language.

Needless to say, as Ira Riklis knows, the “one size fits all” approach to language study may not be the best way for everyone to learn Spanish. For imprinting the brain with new words, find the best way for you and keep an open mind in every sense of the word(s) for success.

Learning Spanish is more than formal study. It is what you pick up every day as you are alert to what is going on around you. Ira Riklis knows this is very much related to awareness training. A wise teacher recommended the use of a little notebook that can be carried at all times by men in the breast pocket of a shirt and by women in a pocket of a skirt, slacks or jacket or in a handbag. The purpose of the little notebook is to jot down all English words that you are curious about as to their Spanish translation or Spanish words that are new to you. This greatly increases one’s vocabulary of Spanish words and tends to make it more contemporary/current. English words can be translated at your leisure and the translations written in your little notebook.

How is this little notebook used further? Ira Riklis knows that in every life there is plenty of waiting time. Whether in a cab, standing in line for the movies or store checkout, sitting in the doctor’s office, etc. If you find yourself in these and other such situations, just pull out your little notebook and review your lists of words. You then can incorporate these “new to you” words into your personal Spanish vocabulary and gradually sound (and be) more and more fluent. You will be amazed at how powerful this technique is for learning.

Do you long to make a difference in this life? Are you looking for a mission? I bet you never thought that studying Spanish could help you with this desire. Well, as Ira Riklis knows, it can.

Interpreters are very much in demand. Think of all those sick people who seek medical help in a time of crisis but do not speak English. They go to a hospital emergency room in this country and are unable to communicate to the health care professionals who may not speak Spanish just what their problems are. Frustration and time wasted are then the order of the day (or probably the night). With your Spanish language skills you can change the scene from one of failure to one of success. With your assistance, men, women, children, and especially babies can receive the proper treatment and be on their way to healing as well as receive the necessary health-teaching that may prevent further problems.

Interpreters are in demand in many areas. Police work can be greatly facilitated when a Spanish-speaking interpreter accompanies the police into neighborhoods where English is not the first language. Also arrested suspects can be interviewed to clear up any misunderstandings when language is a problem.

The United States Census estimates that one in five households in the U.S. now speaks only Spanish (hard to believe but reported in the news). Also, as Ira Riklis knows, the numbers of non-English speaking U.S. residents is increasing.