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!!

A Spanish Tweeter

If you are one of many that follow Tweeter, there's a Tweet that you may add. It is called LearnSpanishHQ. It sends you Spanish tips and daily vocab that may enhance your experience and maybe help you on the road. The last Tweet were the Spanish names of some countries in Asia, which, with all the news, would be helpful for Spanish discussions. Hope you can connect and follow up. Cheers!

For First Year Spanish: Learning Vocabulary

Many students always comment that to learn all the vocabulary given in class or in lessons is the hardest part of beginning to learn a foreign language. What are your thoughts on this? Any tips on how to make it easier?