Just a little empathy

According to the October 2009 edition of The Language Educator from ACTFL, empathy with the culture and politics of the area you are learning the language from may help you to acquire a better accent. This study is based on a research made between Arab and Hebrew languages at the University of Haifa. We all know that language will open a window to a new culture. This, of course, may bring conflict, specially in areas where immigration issues and sociopolitical turmoils between groups are still a problem. Nevertheless, "teachers giving instruction in languages as second languages... must relate to the social and political connection when teaching" (10), the researchers suggest. This is important, because the window that will open might bring you new opportunities in the job market or simply as an individual. It is good to learn to put on someone else's shoes, acquire the accent you desire, and expand your knowledge to other areas that is not your own universe. What do you think?

Exams and Final Exams: Ay, Dios mio!!

After some years being teaching Spanish, I've discovered that the best way to review for an exam -specially a final exam- is to play. It relaxes you and provide you with a stress-free environment to apply the vocabulary and grammar you've been working all year long. As a suggestion, try these ideas:

1. For vocab: A Memory game- With a partner, create a list of 20-26 vocab words with its definitions (even numbers, because later you'll need to pair the word with the definition). Just follow the rules of the old game, and you will be practicing your words. To add a little twist, after you finish pairing up the words, try to write sentences with each. This game can also be use with conjugations -specially those hard ones stem-changing or irregular verbs.

2. To practice Direct and Indirect Objects: For this you might need to consult a native speaker or your teacher, just to be sure that you've written a list of correct 5 sentences. These sentences will have all the elements (Subject + Verb + Direct object + Indirect Object + Circumstantial Object). Afterwards, re-write your sentences using the direct and indirect object pronouns. "Break down" each sentence in pieces. The complete sentences in individual bags as group "A", the same with the "pronoun" sentences as group B. With some friends, practice your sentence writing skills and use of direct and indirect object pronouns by trying to put together each sentence in the correct order.

3. To review chapters: Play Jeopardy. This is the best game to review a lot of different categories (grammar, translations, culture, vocab). Along with a friend, plan a Jeopardy session using Power Point -there are a lot of templates for educational purpose that you can download to your computer-. Be creative in your questions and sentences. Use examples from the book to be sure that you have all the correct grammar covered, or look for more examples on the web.

Hope these tips help. The best part of all the game scene is the prep. It will give you time to think the language and practice while having fun.

Que disfruten!!!

What to prepare?

In order to have everything that you might need to begin and succeed in your Spanish class, here's a short list:

1. If your taking a course in college or university, get your text book ASAP. Read the introduction, as it will give you a clear idea on what the objectives of the program are and how to use the materials provided.

2. If it is an online program, be sure you have all the required materials. Read the introductory materials.

3. You will definitely need a GOOD dictionary. Maybe not the one you had in high school or middle school -unless you were in an IB or AP course program-, but an extended edition that will provide you with more than one word and with examples.

4. Try to look for any podcasts or online material outside from the one provided by your school. This will help you to have an extra hand to review and practice your oral and listening skills.

5. If you can, look for a Hispanic friend or someone whom you can practice talking Spanish with. This does not need to be a tutor. Maybe someone that you know from your community or friends and that have a spare hour during the week to help you out with your conversational skills.

Yes, I know. To follow this might be in an ideal world, but is good to have this on hand. Maybe some of you would follow it and later will let me know how it went. !Hasta pronto!

Back to the basics

To understand Spanish grammar you need to understand the logic of it. The basics of it lays on the sentence and its different components. Remember that a complete Spanish sentence goes like this:

Subject + Verb + Direct Object + Indirect Object + Circumstantial Objects

A complete example for you to have an idea:

Mi mamá le regaló una tarjeta a mi papá para su aniversario.

Remember that in Spanish we have what is called the double indirect object, which means that if an indirect object exists in the sentence (a mi papá), you will always need the indirect pronoun there (le).

If you know how a sentence is structured, you will sure understand a lot more its basic grammar.

What do you think? Leave me your comments! Déjenme sus comentarios!

Summer language craziness

As we all know, to learn a foreign language requires commitment and, overall, practice. Summer courses are part of our academic schedules and many students -because of comfort or necessity- decide to take language courses instead of going to the beach or take a job. Two questions have developed from this decision: Is a Summer course enough practice? If not, then, what is the point? Many answer that if it is not a first semester-first year course, is all good. But what about practice AND commitment? I don't think there is a complete answer, but, what do you think? Have you had this Summer experience? If so, how was it? How it can be compared with a fall or spring semester? Dejenme sus comentarios!

How to enjoy listening comprehension's practices?

We all love movies, and sometimes we've seen the same movie 100 times. Why not practice your Spanish -or any other foreign language- listening comprehension with it? Just look for the Set Up option on any DVD and select the Spanish audio version -if available-. You already know the story. You'll only need to pay attention to vocab words in context. Que disfruten la pelicula!!

Too much verb conjugations?: A good tip

Are you having problems handling all those too much verbs to conjugate? Are your flashcards getting into infinite numbers? Don't worry. Here's a good tip: create conjugation charts. Instead of writing each and every verb conjugation in those small cards, write them on a chart. This will not only help you to remember, but also to visualize the differences between each tense. For example, divide the verb conjugations in different groups: Indicatives and subjunctives; Present/preterit/imperfect; Perfect tenses; Future. Also, remember that regular verbs follow the same pattern (the stem does not change). You'll only need an example for those conjugations. Add some stem-changing verbs (those that are also example for others), and irregular verbs. Of course, you can also create a different chart for stem-changing and irregular verbs. You can find an example HERE. Suerte!!