Comprehensible Input: Your Best Ally
What is Comprehensible Input and why you need lots of it.
Comprehensible input is the language input that is just slightly beyond your current level of comprehension. It's the level of language that you can't understand on your own, but with the right cues and context, you can make sense of it. When practicing a language, comprehensible input is the level you should aim to study. It should be challenging enough to push you to learn more but not so difficult that it becomes discouraging or overwhelming.
Let's show you how it works.
Do the following exercise to see how the comprehensible input approach works. By the end of the exercise you will understand how studying using this approach will help you the most.
Step 1
Liste to the following audio only once.
How much did you understand from it?
We wager that your comprehension of the audio was likely around 10-20%. If you already possess more Spanish knowledge than a beginner, you probably understood about 40%. However, this wouldn't be the ideal audio to kick off your Spanish journey. It's simply too challenging to listen to such difficult audios for more than 10 minutes. That's why listening to songs or podcasts beyond your level can often lead to frustration.
Step 2
Read the following text while listening to the audio above.
How much did you understand from it?
Was it easier this time, as you could see the words? Perhaps you caught words like "rana" or "vaca," or maybe "brazos" or "piernas" clicked for you. As a true beginner, you likely understood around 30-50% now. With the text visible and audio playing, you gained more context. However, this text wouldn't be much help unless you comprehended over 80% of it.
Él es Chris. Chris no es una rana. Tampoco es una vaca. Él es una persona. Él no tiene 15 ojos. No, Chris tiene solo 2 ojos. También tiene solo 2 brazos y dos orejas. Chris puede caminar. Él tiene dos piernas.
Step 3
Watch the video
How much did you understand this time?
So, after watching the video and gathering more information, how much did you understand this time? We bet you've got a solid 80-90% grasp now! Welcome to the realm of Comprehensible Input, where language learning meets triumph. The feeling of achievement that you experienced after watching the video is what you should always strive for when learning a language.
So, why is comprehensible input important?
Well, it plays a crucial role in language acquisition. When you expose yourself to language input that is just beyond your current level, your brain is forced to work harder to understand and make connections. This exposure helps you expand your vocabulary, internalize grammar structures, and develop a deeper understanding of the language.
By consistently engaging with comprehensible input, you train your brain to process the language more efficiently, gradually improving your overall comprehension and fluency. It's like gradually leveling up in a video game – you start with easier challenges, but as you conquer them, you're ready to take on more difficult ones.
Where do I find Comprehensible Input material then?
HelloSpanish is here to assist you. We understand the concept and have created materials to support your learning journey. All you need to do is utilize them.
Remember that 2000 movie where humans were used as batteries, and one guy was awakened to save humanity from machine control? No? Yes? That's right, we're talking about The Matrix. There's a line in the film that perfectly captures the experience of learning a language: "I’m trying to free your mind, Neo. But I can only show you the door. You’re the one that has to walk through it." Here at HelloSpanish, we aim to help you learn faster. However, we can only provide the materials for you. It's up to you to make use of them.
Regardless of how much we guide you towards the best materials to use first, you must believe in their effectiveness and put them to use. Even if they seem unsuitable for adults, it's crucial to start with those before progressing to more challenging ones. We understand that no one wants to flaunt their Spanish Peppa Pig viewing sessions, but you need to watch, learn, and immerse yourself in Peppa Pig before tackling Inception in Spanish. Do you see what we're getting at?
Do not fight Comprehensible Input, embrace it.
We strongly recommend not using the book your friend, family member, or partner gave you for the holidays when they found out you were learning Spanish. They might have simply chosen it from a bookstore because it was in Spanish. However, don't discard it. Keep it visible as a milestone in your learning journey. Soon enough, it will become the next book you need to read, serving as your next Comprehensible Book. Until then, focus on easier books.
Comprehensible Input helps you not only to learn faster, but to keep your self motivated.
You do not believe you us? Download this document and experience how the Comprehensible Input Magic works.
