Have your Hispanic friend watch television with the subtitles turned onto Spanish. Regularly hearing the conversation of characters or personalities on television while understanding what is being said is instrumental in helping Spanish-speakers learn English.
Provide your Spanish-speaking pal with reading and reference materials. Offer him a Spanish-English dictionary, as well as some books and other reading materials in both Spanish and English. In reviewing these materials, your friend will have regular access to what he needs to study and understand the language.
Converse with your friend regularly in English to help him learn the language at a faster rate. If he has trouble understanding what you are saying at first, slow down and speak more clearly, answering whatever questions he has. You will find this is easier if you speak Spanish, but this is not necessary.
Role-play common situations so that he can practice his vocabulary and language skills in situations that he might find himself in. Examples of this include being at the doctor’s office, ordering food at a restaurant, interviewing for a job and any other situation that calls for good English-speaking skills.
Use visual aids. Flash cards and work sheets that have Spanish-to-English variations of words and phrases can help your friend learn English. The more language materials are available, the better the understanding of the language.