It even scares me in here nowadays

PMSL - as if anyone could ruin a reputation like yours

Hi everyone.

Thanks for all the replies - they have really helped and I feel more positive about learning the language.

I like the idea about having a language exchange buddy. There is a school in town that teaches English. I will call in when the kids are back at school and ask them. Failing that I will put up a notice on the school noticeboard. There are a few of the mums who are learning English so I might ask them too.

Just got to get myself organised and be more positive.

I will do what I can in the summer - I see my childrens' friend's mums almost every day at the park or when they play tennis or at parties, I will and ask them to help me a bit to learn. It doesn't help when you are on the shy side too but I will try and be brave.

So thanks everyone. So glad I joined this forum.

There's also a system whereby you arrange with a Spaniard who wants to learn English. You go to a bar or wherever, for an hour say, and half the time you converse in the one language, half the other.

Each of you helps the other.

It can also be a lot of fun, and a way to make friends too.

Intercambio I think I've heard it called.

That's it - I thought there was a name for it. I just called it language exchange buddy (I heard it a while ago from my husband).

If you go to the local libraries in this area they usually have a notice board up with local ads on it many including intercambio or language courses, have a look in yours. ;-)

Hi,
Yes most of the best ideas have been mentioned. The intercambio is a good idea. There are plenty of people who want to learn English. I used to run one down here and its a great way to make friends.
Don´t be afraid to put up a few flyers either. Maybe get a little group going.

Hi,

Im moving to Oviedo in September for a year. I will be studying at Oviedo University. My worry is that I am a single mother with two children 12 and 7years, from the West Midlands, and here in the UK I have great support from family and friends. I worry that I'll miss there support and friendship and that I'm really making a huge mistake.

I only have to study a year in Oviedo before completing my degree in Spanish back in Coventry, So its not a long time but your thread on not being able to settle in and making friends really confirmed what I have been thinking.

I chose Oviedo instead of Malaga or Valencia because of the lack of British expats there, and me really wanting to improve my spanish. But Im worried that in doing this, my quality of life while I'm there will be compromised. I'm also worried about the children settling in. My 12 year old son is feeling very anxious about the move, my daughter not really understanding the enormotity of it.

Do you have any tips of your whole move. Finding a house, schools, car, flights, how did you transport your belongings? etc

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I think you have been brave and couragous to do what you have done so far, so be proud of where you have got to and hopefully these doubts that you have about your ability to speak spanish will soon fade. I just hope that I make it as far as you!

You should of started your own thread on this really as it will get lost here, perhaps a kind mod will move it for you, ;-)

This exact concept has been kicking around in my head for years. In my experience it produces the most gains when learning a language. I have never been able to express the concept eloquently, nicely done bil.

This used to happen to me constantly when learning Spanish and Catalan; when hearing a conversation (after 4-5 months) I could often predict the structures and words that were about to be said. I would then use a word or phrase I didn't really understand the meaning of, but intuitively I knew it 'fitted' in the context. It felt like I was bluffing my way through Spanish or Catalan.

Most of the time it worked; there were a few uncomfortable silences when it didn't though

Thinking back, this started happening more often to me after I had started reading in Spanish. As bil says, I guess it's expanding one's vocabulary and recognizing patterns that helps a lot.

I will give you as much info I can. Oviedo is the capital and I think you will find living there or near a good move. Got a few things to do now but I will be back.

How will you support yourself?

Presumably she´s got that covered by a grant or private income.

I made a reply in your other thread.