CHRISTINE NELSON
Grammar was the first connection I ever had to the Spanish language. I first studied it in
middle school, then high school, and afterwards I minored in Spanish at BYU. Throughout
my studies I was never interested in actually learning to speak the language—it didn’t
seem to be a necessity. I just liked the grammar structure. If a class was intended to be
verbal I merely transferred out.
Chile. After completing college I volunteered to serve on a two-year mission assignment
to Chile from 1968 to 1970 for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (There are
currently over 65,000 youth serving in 400 missions throughout the world in 55
languages. The Spanish language assignments are some of the most numerous). I
realized then that I would have to learn to actually speak Spanish which ultimately I did.
Although that occurred over forty-five years ago, I have managed to retain the language—
I can still speak it. The reason? Not only did I learn to speak the language but I
understood the grammar component as well.
“I Don’t Remember Anything. ”When I returned home and started teaching in the
public schools, I asked a number of students how their language learning went. Their
common response was, “I took Spanish last year and really liked it. However, I don’t
remember anything.” The same thing happened to them as had happened to me in school.
I was taught the grammar aspect but with very few verbal skills. I also noticed that others
who had served with me in Chile (they became fluent) also eventually forgot the language
once they returned home. The reason? They had never learned any actual grammar skills
that could help solidify their verbal ability.
Another Problem. When I first taught Spanish in middle school I found the class
textbook confusing (it was a very old version). I could not figure it out. So I decided to
try and re-organize the first lesson so that it was a little more understandable. That
started the process of re-arranging the “whole” language into patterns and sequences.
Years later my husband and I served for three years in New York. We were responsible for
teaching in seven languages—Spanish being the largest. Again I noticed the same thing—
the ability to retain a language was dependent on both (a) understanding the grammar
and (b) speaking the language.
Instant Spanish. For the last number of years (over 15 years in all), I have worked on
Instant Spanish. This approach is different from the way I was taught in school (grammar
only, please!). This approach works. It’s fast and thorough--and it’s easy! The result is
now everybody, no matter what their level, can learn to speak the language quickly--and
retain it!
I hope you find this helpful.
Christine Nelson,
Author
About the Author
303
Contents
Print Book 
