04/07/2026
Well, I’ve only recently started learning Spanish properly. About a year ago, I did some vocabulary-building exercises, but then there was a gap of almost a year where I wasn’t really studying consistently. Every now and then, I’d just revise a few things, but nothing very structured. Now I’m back to it and taking it much more seriously.
At the moment, I mainly learn by watching Professor Andy’s videos on YouTube. I really like his teaching style because he starts from the very basics and gradually builds up to more complex grammar and everyday communication. Alongside that, I’m using a self-study coursebook that introduces different topics through real-life contexts. It focuses on form, meaning, and use, and it includes listening, reading, and a bit of writing, so it feels quite balanced.
For me, as a language teacher, learning another language is actually a really interesting experience. In fact, Spanish is my fourth language. I grew up with Punjabi, then learned Urdu, then English, and now I’m learning Spanish at this stage of my life. What’s different this time is that I’m much more aware of how I’m learning. With Urdu and English, I don’t think I was nearly as conscious of the learning process as I am now. Maybe that’s because I’m older, or maybe it’s because I teach languages myself.
There’s also a practical reason. I live in Spain now, so I really need to be able to communicate with people in everyday situations. I don’t want to depend on someone else to translate for me all the time. That’s a big motivation. Even being able to have simple conversations gives me a sense of independence.
At the same time, learning Spanish has made me reflect on my own experiences of learning English 20 or 30 years ago. In some ways, I feel like I’m back in the shoes of a beginner again. I find myself facing the same kinds of challenges that my own students face, and that’s been quite humbling. But one thing that’s very different now is the amount of support available. There are so many great videos, apps, online resources, and learning materials that weren’t around when I was learning English. They make the whole process much easier and much more enjoyable.
Overall, it’s been a really enjoyable experience. I’m learning completely on my own, without attending any classes, just through self-study and at my own pace. As a teacher, it’s also made me think differently about language learning. It’s reminded me what it actually feels like to be a learner again, and I think that’s something that’s been really valuable.
