If you listen to a podcast like Radio Radio ELE every day, you will be exposed to a large amount of comprehensible input, and in this way, you will also naturally acquire grammatical structures and vocabulary.
First of all, it is necessary to differentiate between the concepts of «studying a foreign language» and «acquiring a foreign language.»
«Studying a language» is a conscious and generally structured process. It is the approach we associate with formal classes and textbooks.
«Acquiring a foreign language» is a natural and unconscious way of learning through immersion in a real context. It relates to the natural process of learning a native language. or when you have the opportunity to live or work abroad..
Evidently, when acquiring our native language, we also learn grammatical structures and vocabulary, but this learning occurs unconsciously.
«We acquire language in only one way: when we understand messages. We call this ‘comprehensible input.’ We acquire language when we understand what people tell us, not how they say it, but what they say.»
(Stephen Krashen, linguistics professor at the University of California)
(4:50- 5:10)
According to the theories of S. Krashen, a well-known linguist and pioneer in discussing «comprehensible input» and «acquisition,» the key to acquiring a language naturally is to receive a large amount of language exposure. This is why it’s so important to listen every day. It’s essential to emphasize that the input must be real, comprehensible, and interesting to us.
For this reason, I believe that a podcast like Radio ELE is the perfect strategy for you if you want to naturally acquire grammar and vocabulary and don’t live in a Spanish-speaking country.
Direct practice of grammar and vocabulary can also be a valuable and effective complement.
Personally, I agree that unconscious acquisition is the most important, but I also believe it can be very effective to complement it with other types of more structured grammar and vocabulary practice activities. In my opinion, this can help us better understand aspects of the language that may be complex.
It will also help us learn faster and avoid repeating mistakes.
For this reason, at Radio ELE, we will also offer specific episodes on grammar and vocabulary, as well as exercises where you can immerse yourself in real practice alongside other Spanish learners.
But for all this to be possible, I need your collaboration. Join the Radio ELE community and you will help us make this and many more ideas for practicing Spanish a reality.