I Will Learn to Read in Spanish!

I often joke that I am the most boring person in the world because my two favorite pastimes are reading and writing. Given the opportunity to spend the day doing anything, I’d most often choose a combination of reading and writing…preferably in a tropical location with a fruity drink at my side. So, I find myself in a conundrum here in my new life in Spain, because I can’t read in Spanish and that’s really making me mad.

One Upon a Time I Could Read in Spanish

I’ve studied Spanish since I was in the fifth grade. I studied it all through middle school, high school and college. One year of college, I actually studied in Spain, so you would think I’d have a handle on reading in Spanish. And to be clear, I can read in Spanish. I can read signs, menus, the prompts on the ATM machine, and a whole host of other written documents required for living. What I can’t read, however, are books, long magazine and newspaper articles, or cook books. In other words, the things I truly want to read. And while there was a time, mainly when I was living in Spain as a college student, when I was more “literate” in Spanish, I’ve never been able to just pick up a Spanish book and dive right in to devour it.

I Can’t Read in Spanish Anymore

The other day, I stumbled upon an outdoor book festival in the city center. My little literary heart skipped a beat as I walked around the entire festival and gazed longingly at all of the books on display. My first thought was, ‘wow’ this city loves books, clearly I picked the right place to live! My second thought was, ‘Oh, I’m going to buy some books today!’ My third thought was, ‘Dammit, I can’t read any of these books and it’s just going to be a waste of money to buy anything.’ And that thought was followed by tears of regret. ‘Why have I not mastered reading in Spanish?’ I cried. (Not out loud because I didn’t want the booksellers to think I was loco in la cabeza.)

Reading in Spanish Is the Key to Understanding Spain

A couple of days later, as I was walking along the beach on my morning meditational walk, I realized that being able to read in Spanish is something I’ve always wanted to do better. I remember the days in my Cuban literature class in college where I would just pray the professor wouldn’t call on me because I was so lost most of the time. As a person who makes a living from reading and writing, it just feels wrong that I can’t follow my bliss in another language. What’s more, I feel so frustrated looking at all of these delicious literary offerings, knowing I can’t indulge in their magic. I can’t read for pleasure, or for a greater understanding of the Spanish perspective on life in general.

I don’t want to exist on the margins of society because I can’t consume the written word.

Literacy is about so much more than reading a good book. It is entrée into different cultures and I feel a certain obligation, as a new citizen of Spain, to be able to fully understand the language, history and culture of my new adopted home. And I think the best way to do that is to read the written words of Spanish people.

You Have to Read to be a Reader

El esposo has a PhD in Spanish linguistics and he specializes in language acquisition, specifically English speakers learning Spanish. When I told him I wanted to be able to read in Spanish, he told what I had to do. He said, “You know how you learn to read better in Spanish? Start reading in Spanish.” He’s brilliant, I know. But it’s true. There’s no other way to tackle this monster than to start reading. The key thing, el esposo said, is not to start by trying to read Lorca, but rather start with something simple and then build up my reading muscles and go from there. I actually tried to read one of babygirl’s simple Spanish chapter books and I got lost after one page and felt defeated, so I may have to start with something even more simple. But that’s okay.

I Will Be Lit…in Spanish!

Today, I went to apply for a library card at my local library. I was so excited to be in a space surrounded by books, it felt like coming home. At this cute little community library, they actually have a small section of books labeled, “Spanish for Foreigners.” They are little chapter books, with easy vocabulary and grammar and they have pictures too. I’ll probably start with those books and work my way up to the novels and history books I really want to read.

I know I’m not going to be reading like a native in a week. But I am going to commit myself to becoming a bilingual reader, right here and right now.  In addition to the book festival, there are just so many book stores in this city and all around Spain, it would be a shame to not be able to enjoy them all.

Wish me luck on my new literary adventure and if you have any suggestions for ways I can improve my Spanish reading skills, please feel free to share! I’d also love to hear from anyone who mastered reading in another language. How long did it take you? What did you do to get there? I’m all ears.

Peace!