Why do I want to learn Spanish? Honestly, I just like it.

I’ve tried many approaches — apps, the natural method, slow conversational practice, common phrases, spaced repetition, reading. But I always struggled with the lack of real context. Sentences like “El elefante es un animal grande” never felt useful to me.

Recently, I met a relative whose wife is a native Spanish speaker. Their two-year-old daughter was shy around me, so I decided to speak to her in Spanish — me, someone who has been casually studying the language for years. And I was surprised by myself. I couldn’t say a thing.

I tried to recall something simple, like “Let’s play together.” Nothing came. My Spanish wasn’t functional. It was just scattered words with no flow and no real access.

Something needs to change. Otherwise it’s just a waste of time — and maybe even self-deception.

So I’ve decided to build my own curriculum around imagined situations that require specific, practical Spanish. I’ll focus on real needs and read out loud as much as I can. Then I’ll see where it goes.

Let’s keep it simple.