Soren listening to a podcast with his headphones and thinking “Me llamo Soren y hablo español”.

Are you learning Spanish and looking for the perfect way to practice your vocabulary and gain knowledge on current affairs? If so, then News in Slow Spanish might just be the perfect companion to your language journey.

In this blog post, we will review News in Slow Spanish’s advantages and disadvantages as well as its alternatives—so that whatever news source you end up choosing is sure to fit into your Spanish repertoire like a glove. So, put away those out-of-date textbooks, and buff up on those listening skills, because when it comes to improving your Spanish language skills, News in Slow Spanish knows no bounds!

An Overview of News in Slow Spanish

News in Slow Spanish is a podcast especially designed to help Spanish learners study the language and improve their listening ability in an engaging way. This innovative program provides a unique way to practice your language skills while staying up to date on current events.

Not only does this help Spanish learners improve their listening comprehension and vocabulary, but it also gives insight into the varied and vibrant culture of the Spanish-speaking world. And, don't worry if you're not quite fluent yet – the news is delivered at a slower pace to make it accessible for beginners and advanced Spanish learners alike. So, why not try News in Slow Spanish and discover a new way to learn with this Spanish podcast?

Pros of the News in Slow Spanish

Learning a new language is a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging, especially for beginners. Spanish, in particular, has a reputation for being a difficult language to learn, with its complex grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Soren studying in his desk, grabbing his head as he reads a Spanish grammar book.

But, don't be discouraged: there are many resources available to help you overcome these challenges, and News in Slow Spanish is one of them. Let's have a look at some of its more positive aspects:

Slower Pace

One of the biggest pros of the News in Slow Spanish podcast is its slower pace. As the name suggests, the program covers news stories in a slower and more measured way, making it easier for beginners and intermediate learners to follow along.

Relevant Content

The podcast covers current events and international news stories, making its content highly relevant to learners. This helps you stay engaged and motivated, as you can see the immediate relevance of what you are learning.

Pocky dressed as a news reporter on TV, speaking in front of a building with the Spanish flag.

Clear Explanations

The podcast does an excellent job of breaking down complex grammar and vocabulary concepts in context, making it easier for you to understand and retain the material while practicing your listening skills.

Interactive Features

Finally, News in Slow Spanish includes interactive features like transcripts, quizzes, and vocabulary lists, so you can reinforce what you have learned so far and easily track your progress.

Cons

Despite all the great aspects of this news podcast, there are also some disadvantages to using this podcast to learn Spanish, namely:

Limited Content

As its name obviously shows, the program focuses primarily on news stories from Spain or Latin America in simplified Spanish, which may not be of interest to all learners. This could be a downside for those who prefer a more diverse range of topics.

Limited Practice

While the podcast offers some interactive features, it may not provide enough practice to develop your language skills. Those who are looking for more speaking and listening practice, for example, may need to supplement their learning with other resources, such as our Langster app.

The News in Slow Spanish: The Alternatives

While there are not many podcasts that feature a slow-Spanish version of the news, you can still find alternative resources to improve your listening skills. Here are some examples:

Duolingo Spanish Podcast

Duolingo is a popular language learning app that also offers a Spanish language podcast. Each episode features a different story with native Spanish speakers, and the hosts provide a mix of Spanish and English commentary.

Coffee Break Spanish

This is another popular language-learning podcast that covers a range of topics and uses a mix of English and Spanish to teach learners (using popular expressions like a decir verdad or en realidad to start the episodes). They also offer paid courses for more in-depth study.

Soren speaking to Pocky at home, saying “En realidad, no me gustan las manzanas”.

SpanishPod101

This is a comprehensive Spanish language-learning program that includes audio and video lessons, as well as a mobile app. Together with the comprehensible input, you'll find dozens of interactive exercises.

Lingoda

Lingoda is an online language school that offers live classes with native Spanish teachers, which can be a great option for those who want to polish their skills in a more personalized way.

The Bottom Line

Soren showing Pocky the podcast “the News in Slow Spanish” in the screen of his smartphone.

All in all, if you're looking for a unique way to improve your Spanish language skills, the News in Slow Spanish podcast could be just what you need. The slow, simplified language it uses to discuss Spanish news stories will let you practice your listening comprehension skills without feeling overwhelmed by the fast-paced news updates you would hear on TV.

Additionally, the show's hosts provide insightful commentary and cultural context that will help you better understand the news stories you're hearing. Overall, if you're committed to improving your Spanish, the News in Slow Spanish podcast is definitely worth a try. And, if you wish to supplement your listening practice with an interactive app, do not forget to download Langster and start learning today!

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Daniela

Daniela brings over a decade of expertise as a university-level ESL instructor, guiding students from diverse global backgrounds in learning both English and Spanish languages. Beyond her pedagogical pursuits, Daniela's passions extend to writing, painting, and cooking delicious Argentinian dishes. With boundless enthusiasm, she endeavors to impart her wealth of knowledge on languages and cultures, inviting you to learn more!