This is just extra practice for people who need this or have never practiced before.
Numbers in Spanish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neeCedwZKqQ&feature=related
(also, go on with other numbers when you feel ready..)
Similar to this exercise, You Tube has many practice sessions that you can use.
If it's not numbers, then choose another problem area to study.
For example, I may choose to review how to use "por" or "para" or "ser" or "estar" correctly. If you don't practice, you can forget these areas easily.
As always, don't forget to refer to a text if you don't have access to the net all the time. You can use a notebook and pen at anytime. Attending a class when you can will also help you refresh your knowledge of Spanish.
This blog is intended to help people review Spanish, but if you do use it to learn Spanish, remember this is only a supplemental site. I am discussing issues that revolve around people forgetting languages that they have learned in the past.
This is especially important for non - native speakers, since you want to upkeep something that you spent a great deal of your life doing in the past for school or for the purposes of study.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Miss Mexico --- Miss Universe 2010
Follow the use of Spanish here in the televised program on NBC. (8/23/10)
Here is the video in Spanish (& English) of last night's Miss Universe pageant.
Miss Mexico (Now, Miss Universe)answers the question in Spanish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCH00I_96Qg
Follow along and see how much of this you can understand.
Live television is another great way to gain exposure to the language of Spanish.
Miss Mexico will be a representative to her people and to others who hear, speak, and understand Spanish.
If you don't watch pageants in general, I urge you to watch some of the program at least to gain an understanding about how world cultures come together in unity for a common purpose.
These occasions are rare and few, but with the advent of the internet and global communication, we should expect it even the more.
A lot of the time, spanish language stations broadcast in Spanish, so viewers have a choice to view either in English or in Spanish.
One year, I watched it in Spanish, and it was wonderful to view the contagious excitement of people who are biased toward the delegates from their areas. Watching in English often gives you the Western perspective and fans of the USA, although at times, subjective, eventually find themselves caught up in the excitement revolving the women who are representing the world.
The pageant is a fun way to keep abreast of the world and practice languages.
Here is the video in Spanish (& English) of last night's Miss Universe pageant.
Miss Mexico (Now, Miss Universe)answers the question in Spanish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCH00I_96Qg
Follow along and see how much of this you can understand.
Live television is another great way to gain exposure to the language of Spanish.
Miss Mexico will be a representative to her people and to others who hear, speak, and understand Spanish.
If you don't watch pageants in general, I urge you to watch some of the program at least to gain an understanding about how world cultures come together in unity for a common purpose.
These occasions are rare and few, but with the advent of the internet and global communication, we should expect it even the more.
A lot of the time, spanish language stations broadcast in Spanish, so viewers have a choice to view either in English or in Spanish.
One year, I watched it in Spanish, and it was wonderful to view the contagious excitement of people who are biased toward the delegates from their areas. Watching in English often gives you the Western perspective and fans of the USA, although at times, subjective, eventually find themselves caught up in the excitement revolving the women who are representing the world.
The pageant is a fun way to keep abreast of the world and practice languages.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Spanish Bloggers
Don't forget bloggers of Spanish and in Spanish, to be exact.
http://blogandweb.com
is a site I found not too long ago. This site incorporates Spanish and the writer(s)
use Spanish here to explain the materials. This will be a favorite of people who love using the computer and love to blog.
Practice visualizing words in Spanish here for your exposure to print literacy.
Or just read a few words and see how much you can comprehend by yourself.
Find other bloggers to read and to practice your Spanish.
www.blogandweb.com
http://blogandweb.com
is a site I found not too long ago. This site incorporates Spanish and the writer(s)
use Spanish here to explain the materials. This will be a favorite of people who love using the computer and love to blog.
Practice visualizing words in Spanish here for your exposure to print literacy.
Or just read a few words and see how much you can comprehend by yourself.
Find other bloggers to read and to practice your Spanish.
www.blogandweb.com
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Wherever Spanish Is
As a reader, writer, and thinker, your goal as a language learner in this part of life is to embrace learning in whatever shape or form it takes. In other words, you become engaged in the school of life and thought (forever). At first, this will ring as:
"Am I ever going to be done?"
The point is not to feel that the process is in vain. Real people know that learning is forever. No one ever stops doing that. Take a look at even a hobby or anything in life that you visit. You learn something new at all stages of keeping up with it. You are never ever fully done. If that is your thinking, you will rush through the motions of learning like a runaway train and not even enjoy or retain anything you learn. Most Americans are familiar with this process. Others are of this mind set: I'm already done with that. You can pick and choose your attitude today.
The other day, I was about to throw away a box of cereal that someone else had thrown away, when I saw that inside, there was a recipe in English and in Spanish. I compared the recipes and was challenged by seeing and reading a recipe in Spanish.
This goes along with the previous idea of reading menus when you are at a restaurant. The whole world and its contents are a learning tool. How can you go wrong?
The latest edition of "Travel & Leisure" magazine has an amazing article on menus, their origin, content, and related trivia, by the way. Strictly a coincidence!
I also saw a newsletter that came from Spain in my email inbox. This helps keep me acquainted with potential differences in Spanish as it is used all around the world.
There are also Facebook pages of your favorite sport or telenovela celebrities in Spanish. Perhaps, use your hobby and pursuits to develop Spanish? If you love soccer, find a page for a favorite soccer player. If it is tennis, then you can find a page for a Wimbledon star. Right now, it is timely to find material, because Wimbledon and the World Cup are taking television by storm. The whole world of Spanish is out there, whether you are in school or not.
If you are interested in other languages now or for the future, follow some of these ideas to develop those languages.
For my Irish learners, I asked them to compile a list of words to interact with.
First, choose a category you like. Once again, choose something you like, such as an area in the house, or sports, or hobbies. Develop a list of words from your pursuits. Then develop a matching list of words for Spanish either over time or by looking them up in dictionaries. (The internet :) ) If you need help with this, you can make comments, and I will get back to you.
Some students prefer to actually label the words onto the objects themselves or place them strategically so they are in front of them. Others of you may like the challenge of memorizing to test your brain and memory skills. Try different methods.
Engage with the words, or they really won't have any lasting meaning for you.
Spanish makes you aware of new meanings everyday. Most of our language histories, including Spanish, have a latin base, so you will find that Spanish sheds light on the languages that you already know. Learning Spanish actually strengthens English in the long run when you see what is common and different. It also helps you appreciate your neighbor and their struggles as citizens or new immigrants. You will know why some people will always remains strangers and other strangers are now your friends.
Some of our words in English are already in Spanish. If you perform research, you will find that our English language supports the fusion of all different elements from all over the world. Take for example words you see and hear most every day now.
Cafe is one, and if you research it further, you find that it traveled a long way from other parts, before it became Spanish and English. What about the game, "Uno" also? Or something else you hear everyday: dia
The other day, I saw "elote" used in a magazine in English. Wherever you go, you will encounter new words to use.
This morning, I was invited to an event (out of state) in a newsletter to say farewell to a leader. The event involves "tapas." I think being on the lookout for new words is a creative way to keep your chosen language up. Even long - standing English users will sometimes encounter a word that they have never learned or used, and it makes them wonder. If you ever watch the National Spelling Bee, you will see what I am talking about.
Reminds me to ask the Spanish networks, if they ever have a Spelling Bee in Spanish, let me know! :)
The bilingual faction may like to see how this is instrumental in their own communities.
Always, look for ways to learn Spanish. You won't be disappointed.
"Am I ever going to be done?"
The point is not to feel that the process is in vain. Real people know that learning is forever. No one ever stops doing that. Take a look at even a hobby or anything in life that you visit. You learn something new at all stages of keeping up with it. You are never ever fully done. If that is your thinking, you will rush through the motions of learning like a runaway train and not even enjoy or retain anything you learn. Most Americans are familiar with this process. Others are of this mind set: I'm already done with that. You can pick and choose your attitude today.
The other day, I was about to throw away a box of cereal that someone else had thrown away, when I saw that inside, there was a recipe in English and in Spanish. I compared the recipes and was challenged by seeing and reading a recipe in Spanish.
This goes along with the previous idea of reading menus when you are at a restaurant. The whole world and its contents are a learning tool. How can you go wrong?
The latest edition of "Travel & Leisure" magazine has an amazing article on menus, their origin, content, and related trivia, by the way. Strictly a coincidence!
I also saw a newsletter that came from Spain in my email inbox. This helps keep me acquainted with potential differences in Spanish as it is used all around the world.
There are also Facebook pages of your favorite sport or telenovela celebrities in Spanish. Perhaps, use your hobby and pursuits to develop Spanish? If you love soccer, find a page for a favorite soccer player. If it is tennis, then you can find a page for a Wimbledon star. Right now, it is timely to find material, because Wimbledon and the World Cup are taking television by storm. The whole world of Spanish is out there, whether you are in school or not.
If you are interested in other languages now or for the future, follow some of these ideas to develop those languages.
For my Irish learners, I asked them to compile a list of words to interact with.
First, choose a category you like. Once again, choose something you like, such as an area in the house, or sports, or hobbies. Develop a list of words from your pursuits. Then develop a matching list of words for Spanish either over time or by looking them up in dictionaries. (The internet :) ) If you need help with this, you can make comments, and I will get back to you.
Some students prefer to actually label the words onto the objects themselves or place them strategically so they are in front of them. Others of you may like the challenge of memorizing to test your brain and memory skills. Try different methods.
Engage with the words, or they really won't have any lasting meaning for you.
Spanish makes you aware of new meanings everyday. Most of our language histories, including Spanish, have a latin base, so you will find that Spanish sheds light on the languages that you already know. Learning Spanish actually strengthens English in the long run when you see what is common and different. It also helps you appreciate your neighbor and their struggles as citizens or new immigrants. You will know why some people will always remains strangers and other strangers are now your friends.
Some of our words in English are already in Spanish. If you perform research, you will find that our English language supports the fusion of all different elements from all over the world. Take for example words you see and hear most every day now.
Cafe is one, and if you research it further, you find that it traveled a long way from other parts, before it became Spanish and English. What about the game, "Uno" also? Or something else you hear everyday: dia
The other day, I saw "elote" used in a magazine in English. Wherever you go, you will encounter new words to use.
This morning, I was invited to an event (out of state) in a newsletter to say farewell to a leader. The event involves "tapas." I think being on the lookout for new words is a creative way to keep your chosen language up. Even long - standing English users will sometimes encounter a word that they have never learned or used, and it makes them wonder. If you ever watch the National Spelling Bee, you will see what I am talking about.
Reminds me to ask the Spanish networks, if they ever have a Spelling Bee in Spanish, let me know! :)
The bilingual faction may like to see how this is instrumental in their own communities.
Always, look for ways to learn Spanish. You won't be disappointed.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Menus & Recipes
If you read the post on learning new words in the language you have selected to learn, then you will have fun browsing through menus from Spanish restaurants. I still do this from time to time, because there are always new menu ideas, and words and phrases for food abound there. If you think some restaurants are too costly, or you just do not have the time to eat out, try ordering food at home. Most likely, your order will be delivered with a menu, because they want your business.
You can even visit a local taqueria or similar place and obtain menus.
The internet has websites that have recipes (recetas)in the Spanish language as well.
You can also obtain a translation which is usually on the same page.
Obviously, there are many curious and interesting ways to learn words in a language that is still unfamiliar to you.
I think studying menus is fascinating, and people are always patient at restaurants when you need an explanation of the menu items that are listed.
Food is an area that is comfortable for language learners, because it is a universal interest. At a table, dialogue and exchange over food cause the new Spanish learner to look for ways to express him or herself.
Look for other creative ways to explore Spanish today. Whether it is in the arena of music, fashion, sports, recreation, or television, expressing yourself in those areas challenges you to stretch your learning ability.
You can even visit a local taqueria or similar place and obtain menus.
The internet has websites that have recipes (recetas)in the Spanish language as well.
You can also obtain a translation which is usually on the same page.
Obviously, there are many curious and interesting ways to learn words in a language that is still unfamiliar to you.
I think studying menus is fascinating, and people are always patient at restaurants when you need an explanation of the menu items that are listed.
Food is an area that is comfortable for language learners, because it is a universal interest. At a table, dialogue and exchange over food cause the new Spanish learner to look for ways to express him or herself.
Look for other creative ways to explore Spanish today. Whether it is in the arena of music, fashion, sports, recreation, or television, expressing yourself in those areas challenges you to stretch your learning ability.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Connect Through Poetry
This is the actual poem I had to recite in public. It was actually easy to memorize. The fact is that since I did not articulate it enough or hear myself saying it often enough made me miss out on the entire experience of learning it. I don't, however, blame myself for this. It just freed me in my approach to a language, and I learned from it so much so that I was able to shine at the next few competitions with better prizes.
MADRE (Carlos Oquendo de Amat)
Tu nombre viene lento como las músicas humildes
y de tus manos vuelan palomas blancas
Mi recuerdo te viste siempre de blanco
como un recreo de niños que los hombres miran desde aquí distante
Un cielo muere en tus brazos y otro nace en tu ternura
A tu lado el cariño se abre como una flor cuando pienso
Entre ti y el horizonte
mi palabra está primitiva como la lluvia o como los himnos
porque ante ti callan las rosas y la canción.
Source: http://www.educared.org.pe/estudiantes/literatura/oquendo2.htm
If you are at any point in Spanish, try to read the lines. Line by line..
Then try to assess how many times you felt like you connected to or recognized a word or phrase. Have you seen them in word or print before? In audio or media? Do the words, phrases, or images help you to experience the mood or tone or relate them to experiences in your own life? For example, is this how every one feels about moms? On Mother's Day? In general? In life? How is your experience different? Why is the writer/poet speaking in this way about the "madre." How does he convey the meaning of the words?
If not, review the lines and try to do this for the second time. If it is still
unfamiliar, don't worry about it. It takes a bit to really digest it and make it yours. There are other examples of this you can use. If you don't like poetry, try a
copy of a newspaper in your language of study. Are you familiar with it? Or is it leaping up to your eyes in a blur?
(If you find a tape or someone experienced to read it for you, it also helps.)
When you first study a language, that will happen. Everything being a blur, I mean..
It doesn't mean you are unskilled or not clever.
Your eyes (and brain) are revealing to you your particular level. If you passed through the initial stages that you were supposed to, you will have some knowledge
or skill with the particular piece. If you haven't, I would wait until that point. If the material is tempting you to tackle it right away, then be a little brave and ask your instructor or have a talk with them. This is where I am getting stuck. Can you help me find a way I can get out of this rut? Can you help me see where I am going wrong? If this is the case, the teacher will motivate you to learn. If you are experiencing a disability, then you will know this and be curious to find a way to overcome it.
I do recommend poetry, because it is beautiful, concise, fun, and doesn't consume as much time when you suffer from the overwhelming amount of information coming at you in the area of language study. It actually frees you to look at prose differently later on, if you do continue on in Spanish.
Poetry comes out on your tongue in a clean manner. It dances with your tongue and enables you to try the words at leisure. Remember this is the way the natural progression of language takes. Hearing sounds and then trying them out when you are ready. Sometimes, some people need a photo with the word to motivate them..These people usually love the visual method of learning something.
I once had an experience with a young adult corporate couple with their first baby. They were telling me that their baby was not talking. I picked her up and faced her to me and asked her: "What do you mean you are not talking?" I asked the baby why she wasn't talking. She immediately started to dance in my arms, beaming at me. She started sputtering and making spit come out in bubbles as she watched my mouth and elated words coming forth toward her. She started speaking from that point on. She opened her mouth and tried to emulate my vocal movements.
The young couple had been talking to her. But everytime, they were somewhere else in the room or in another remote part of the house, or in front of their tv with her, and they never thought they should talk to her, face to face. She never probably grasped they were talking to her. She couldn't see their faces or mouths, even. They were that busy in their first year and with all their friends visiting and passing by the little tyke. She actually reminded me of myself trying to learn a new language in another country, not mine own. People are too busy to talk to a baby.
Some may not even have a chance to read to a child.
(Point to Ponder: What about a child who is not allowed to have books at home based on political or cultural or even religious beliefs? How do we motivate these children then? A lot of these children do well with tutors or in homeschooling!
I imagine her nannies were all depressed sorts and didn't even see the need to interact with a baby. Although, that is only supposition...just kidding!!! :)The busyness of the day always seems to interfere, doesn't it?
Anyway, she is a total gabber today! She took to conversation like it was second nature. All it took was one ugly mug!
Mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, practice away.
Don't worry if your child's teacher doesn't look so pretty or even isn't tall like Barbie. In some cases, it doesn't matter. All you need is a chatter - box like me> :)
Well, maybe in Speech and Language pursuits...
MADRE (Carlos Oquendo de Amat)
Tu nombre viene lento como las músicas humildes
y de tus manos vuelan palomas blancas
Mi recuerdo te viste siempre de blanco
como un recreo de niños que los hombres miran desde aquí distante
Un cielo muere en tus brazos y otro nace en tu ternura
A tu lado el cariño se abre como una flor cuando pienso
Entre ti y el horizonte
mi palabra está primitiva como la lluvia o como los himnos
porque ante ti callan las rosas y la canción.
Source: http://www.educared.org.pe/estudiantes/literatura/oquendo2.htm
If you are at any point in Spanish, try to read the lines. Line by line..
Then try to assess how many times you felt like you connected to or recognized a word or phrase. Have you seen them in word or print before? In audio or media? Do the words, phrases, or images help you to experience the mood or tone or relate them to experiences in your own life? For example, is this how every one feels about moms? On Mother's Day? In general? In life? How is your experience different? Why is the writer/poet speaking in this way about the "madre." How does he convey the meaning of the words?
If not, review the lines and try to do this for the second time. If it is still
unfamiliar, don't worry about it. It takes a bit to really digest it and make it yours. There are other examples of this you can use. If you don't like poetry, try a
copy of a newspaper in your language of study. Are you familiar with it? Or is it leaping up to your eyes in a blur?
(If you find a tape or someone experienced to read it for you, it also helps.)
When you first study a language, that will happen. Everything being a blur, I mean..
It doesn't mean you are unskilled or not clever.
Your eyes (and brain) are revealing to you your particular level. If you passed through the initial stages that you were supposed to, you will have some knowledge
or skill with the particular piece. If you haven't, I would wait until that point. If the material is tempting you to tackle it right away, then be a little brave and ask your instructor or have a talk with them. This is where I am getting stuck. Can you help me find a way I can get out of this rut? Can you help me see where I am going wrong? If this is the case, the teacher will motivate you to learn. If you are experiencing a disability, then you will know this and be curious to find a way to overcome it.
I do recommend poetry, because it is beautiful, concise, fun, and doesn't consume as much time when you suffer from the overwhelming amount of information coming at you in the area of language study. It actually frees you to look at prose differently later on, if you do continue on in Spanish.
Poetry comes out on your tongue in a clean manner. It dances with your tongue and enables you to try the words at leisure. Remember this is the way the natural progression of language takes. Hearing sounds and then trying them out when you are ready. Sometimes, some people need a photo with the word to motivate them..These people usually love the visual method of learning something.
I once had an experience with a young adult corporate couple with their first baby. They were telling me that their baby was not talking. I picked her up and faced her to me and asked her: "What do you mean you are not talking?" I asked the baby why she wasn't talking. She immediately started to dance in my arms, beaming at me. She started sputtering and making spit come out in bubbles as she watched my mouth and elated words coming forth toward her. She started speaking from that point on. She opened her mouth and tried to emulate my vocal movements.
The young couple had been talking to her. But everytime, they were somewhere else in the room or in another remote part of the house, or in front of their tv with her, and they never thought they should talk to her, face to face. She never probably grasped they were talking to her. She couldn't see their faces or mouths, even. They were that busy in their first year and with all their friends visiting and passing by the little tyke. She actually reminded me of myself trying to learn a new language in another country, not mine own. People are too busy to talk to a baby.
Some may not even have a chance to read to a child.
(Point to Ponder: What about a child who is not allowed to have books at home based on political or cultural or even religious beliefs? How do we motivate these children then? A lot of these children do well with tutors or in homeschooling!
I imagine her nannies were all depressed sorts and didn't even see the need to interact with a baby. Although, that is only supposition...just kidding!!! :)The busyness of the day always seems to interfere, doesn't it?
Anyway, she is a total gabber today! She took to conversation like it was second nature. All it took was one ugly mug!
Mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, practice away.
Don't worry if your child's teacher doesn't look so pretty or even isn't tall like Barbie. In some cases, it doesn't matter. All you need is a chatter - box like me> :)
Well, maybe in Speech and Language pursuits...
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Supplemental Practice
After you have some exposure to the words, and you have heard them
and seen them, then comes the time to do something with the material.
You have to work with subject matter concretely, or else, what happens is that
it is only listening or a mental skimming of the language. Or, you are mindlessly repeating the words or phrases, and you are not really digesting the material.
What you can try to do is try to implement a study plan. If that sounds scary,
don't fear. I used to be afraid of memorizing words and lessons. That seemed to
take the fun away from the experience.
I found this page, for example, while browsing the web.
http://www.lingolex.com/spanish.htm
Take pages like this, because you have something tangible and concrete to look at, at least. Perhaps, if you like printing, you can print parts you want to read with the material in hand.
I like that the site gives us choices and categories. I don't have to choose material that is pushed onto me or material that I don't like. Knowing me, I would probably go to "words" or "food" in terms of topics and stay away from things that seem mechanical, like maybe, let's say...if the page was all about cars and mechanics, then I wouldn't want to learn on this page. (Just like a girl?! you ask/...don't know...but I do know me...I like what I like.)
So, get your mind and eyes to agree with the topic in front of you.
"Hey, this, I like!!!"
"I can relate to this!"
This attitude, then, will enable you to learn.
If you do tire of the material or didn't care for it, set it aside, and look for
other things that motivate you to have more exposure to the language of Spanish.
Be of good cheer!
I know that soon, you are going to like studying Spanish, because
you are interested, and you call the shots when it comes to something you like.
and seen them, then comes the time to do something with the material.
You have to work with subject matter concretely, or else, what happens is that
it is only listening or a mental skimming of the language. Or, you are mindlessly repeating the words or phrases, and you are not really digesting the material.
What you can try to do is try to implement a study plan. If that sounds scary,
don't fear. I used to be afraid of memorizing words and lessons. That seemed to
take the fun away from the experience.
I found this page, for example, while browsing the web.
http://www.lingolex.com/spanish.htm
Take pages like this, because you have something tangible and concrete to look at, at least. Perhaps, if you like printing, you can print parts you want to read with the material in hand.
I like that the site gives us choices and categories. I don't have to choose material that is pushed onto me or material that I don't like. Knowing me, I would probably go to "words" or "food" in terms of topics and stay away from things that seem mechanical, like maybe, let's say...if the page was all about cars and mechanics, then I wouldn't want to learn on this page. (Just like a girl?! you ask/...don't know...but I do know me...I like what I like.)
So, get your mind and eyes to agree with the topic in front of you.
"Hey, this, I like!!!"
"I can relate to this!"
This attitude, then, will enable you to learn.
If you do tire of the material or didn't care for it, set it aside, and look for
other things that motivate you to have more exposure to the language of Spanish.
Be of good cheer!
I know that soon, you are going to like studying Spanish, because
you are interested, and you call the shots when it comes to something you like.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Translator
There are many on the web, but this one is as good as any.
If I stumble upon any others, I will definitely let you know.
This version does translate from English to Spanish, and from Spanish
to English.
http://www.studyspanish.com/translator.htm
A tool such as this is quite handy when there aren't any libraries or spanish
dictionaries around. I often do not have a cellphone with a translator, so this
is necessary for people who don't have a cell/internet connection at this time.
If I stumble upon any others, I will definitely let you know.
This version does translate from English to Spanish, and from Spanish
to English.
http://www.studyspanish.com/translator.htm
A tool such as this is quite handy when there aren't any libraries or spanish
dictionaries around. I often do not have a cellphone with a translator, so this
is necessary for people who don't have a cell/internet connection at this time.
Monday, May 3, 2010
What's Keeping You From Being Bilingual?
Being Bilingual!
When Artists inspire!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8kriGNUPoc&NR=1
Studies on bilingual people also conclude there are many benefits
to speaking more than one language.
So, what is stopping you from attaining your new language?
Resolve those matters today.
Reminder: www.solospanish.blogspot.com is where you can find the lessons that
accompany this page. Thanks!
When Artists inspire!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8kriGNUPoc&NR=1
Studies on bilingual people also conclude there are many benefits
to speaking more than one language.
So, what is stopping you from attaining your new language?
Resolve those matters today.
Reminder: www.solospanish.blogspot.com is where you can find the lessons that
accompany this page. Thanks!
Friday, April 23, 2010
El Balcon De Julieta
Shakespeare's birthday!!! (lol)
Re - mix version: catchy and fun! (see previous post)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4WI0spqR_g&index=0
Once again, try the suggestions on the previous page.
Happy weekend!
Re - mix version: catchy and fun! (see previous post)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4WI0spqR_g&index=0
Once again, try the suggestions on the previous page.
Happy weekend!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
A Song in Spanish and English
Listen to the artist singing the song in Spanish first.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRfuPD2qLDg&NR=1
How much of it did you understand?
Write down a few words or phrases.
Try to translate the title, "Espejos Azules."
Then listen to the same song in English.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOAmcFLvIy4&feature=related
Notice the accent of the singer as he sings in English.
If you understood it, that means you have exposure to
people with accents or have heard accents before.
If you didn't understand the words, try listening again
until you begin to discriminate the sounds and words
to your ears.
How did the speed in which the song was sung affect
your understanding?
Ask yourself more questions like this until you begin to grasp
difficulties and strengths in your individual efforts to pick
up the Spanish language.
If you like the artist, Pablo Ruiz, look him up on the internet.
His songs are on You Tube!
(***I found a remix of this song as well. So I will post that when I can.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRfuPD2qLDg&NR=1
How much of it did you understand?
Write down a few words or phrases.
Try to translate the title, "Espejos Azules."
Then listen to the same song in English.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOAmcFLvIy4&feature=related
Notice the accent of the singer as he sings in English.
If you understood it, that means you have exposure to
people with accents or have heard accents before.
If you didn't understand the words, try listening again
until you begin to discriminate the sounds and words
to your ears.
How did the speed in which the song was sung affect
your understanding?
Ask yourself more questions like this until you begin to grasp
difficulties and strengths in your individual efforts to pick
up the Spanish language.
If you like the artist, Pablo Ruiz, look him up on the internet.
His songs are on You Tube!
(***I found a remix of this song as well. So I will post that when I can.)
Sunday, April 18, 2010
You Tube & Film Music Practice
Movies from the Eighties!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xc_cT4sgew&feature=related
The link above is from a movie called, "Made in Heaven."
Practice translating the dialogue in English.
The movie is in English, but someone took the time to translate
part of the dialogue to Spanish.
See if you can reverse - translate it back to English.
This going back and forth is important, because it is not only
practice, but it is the method you use when you need to use
works that are translated, such as dictionaries.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xc_cT4sgew&feature=related
The link above is from a movie called, "Made in Heaven."
Practice translating the dialogue in English.
The movie is in English, but someone took the time to translate
part of the dialogue to Spanish.
See if you can reverse - translate it back to English.
This going back and forth is important, because it is not only
practice, but it is the method you use when you need to use
works that are translated, such as dictionaries.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Solitaire
A Companion Page to Solo Spanish!
The aim of this blog is simple. I plan to blog a log or a journal about my experiences in the field of languages and language instruction.
This blog will feature exercises one can use to further his or her language development in the field of their choosing. News and other types of materials may also be used as incentives for readers of this blog to learn a foreign language that is not their mother tongue. Most probably, you will find that learning how you learn also strengthens your knowledge in your own areas of expertise, and in many cases, the study of English, which is crucial if you plan to live within the United States.
I am starting with Spanish, as it is the first one I learned in the United States.
Revisiting the learning of Spanish is going to aid people who want to understand immigrants who are transitioning to a new language or making a home within a new country.
Parallel to reviewing Spanish, I am going to go "solo" in Irish. The trials and difficulties of this venture will be explored and discussed as well. A companion page for "Irish" learners will be at: www.wordtalent.blogspot.com
Since I am at the very beginning, it will be interesting to see how far I get, going solo, as this is a language rarely spoken in these parts.
Primarily, I have worked in the field of instruction at schools and at homes. I have upon occasion been available online as a tutor or facilitator of languages. I am aquainted with both the child and adult learner.
My current field of occupation is that of English and literacy development. Literacy is an area that is valuable to all language learners across the board. Without it, we cannot function as a communicating species. We cannot connect on the many levels we need in order to survive as a species. Every field we encounter is dependent on the ability to speak and communicate a particular language.
If you are interested in pursuing this journey of learning languages, you can practice the given exercises here on this blog, or visit my other page:
www.solospanish.blogspot.com
I have already started this blog, and I discuss how and why I chose to learn Spanish.
It does not mean that you have to choose Spanish as your first foreign language. It is merely my experience as it relates to learning and acquiring new tools for the coming age. Particularly interesting will be the ways I try to retain Spanish without any outside motivation at all.
Mostly, I have gathered, this is the greatest problem facing all language learners.
We lose our language abilities that we have gained due to a wide number of factors.
I will try to explain why this is based on my own experiences largely, because language loss is dependent on a variety of factors for each individual. I hope others will comment on their own successes and failures as time passes.
Spanish is a valuable language, because it is a medium that connects people all over the world. Irish is another language that isolated groups speak. To connect these speakers and also give them a place where their history, culture, and struggles can be addressed safely is my aim. We can bemoan a loss of a language, and that we do not speak it anymore, or we can do something to resolve the loss.
Parallel Studies Initiative:
To view a combination of Portuguese and Spanish programming:
Tune into "America" (Cable Channel 6)at 11AM. Check for viewing times in your area.
For Spanish, any of the following, Univision, Telemundo, and other broadcasting stations in Spanish are highly recommended. News print,too, is an invaluable source.
"Solo" & "Solitaire" are both going to frequent my blogging pages, because I am primarily trying to reach an audience that is not in schools per se, or in a particular group. It is also a supplemental place for people in organized classes or groups. People who are being homeschooled or have chosen to enroll in correspondence courses or long - distance education are also encouraged to visit my pages if they are interested.
May you find the inspiration and motivation to keep developing in the languages of your choice.
Solo Spanish / Spanish Solitaire
Solo Irish / Irish Solitaire
First Active Assignment:
Make a journal entry about why you chose the foreign language you did.
It doesn't have to be one that you are studying currently. So you may
have studied it a long time ago.
How far did you get? If you are continuing, at what level do you find
yourself? What motivating factors keep you wanting to learn it or keep
what you have learned?
Use the comments portion on this page or send me an email at:
writeinspire@yahoo.com for feedback.
For examples, you can view my main blog at:
http://www.solospanish.blogspot.com
JoA.
NOTE (added 4/13/10)
The program, "America" will air its last episode on Monday.
So don't forget to follow it this week.
Today's episode: Tiao deliberating the stage of life and death
***For those of you interested in Portuguese or Brazilian dramas, I have provided
a study/research link for you at: www.solospanish.blogspot.com
Happy Studying!
Reading brings the world closer to us, and us closer to the
world! This is after all the age of information.
The aim of this blog is simple. I plan to blog a log or a journal about my experiences in the field of languages and language instruction.
This blog will feature exercises one can use to further his or her language development in the field of their choosing. News and other types of materials may also be used as incentives for readers of this blog to learn a foreign language that is not their mother tongue. Most probably, you will find that learning how you learn also strengthens your knowledge in your own areas of expertise, and in many cases, the study of English, which is crucial if you plan to live within the United States.
I am starting with Spanish, as it is the first one I learned in the United States.
Revisiting the learning of Spanish is going to aid people who want to understand immigrants who are transitioning to a new language or making a home within a new country.
Parallel to reviewing Spanish, I am going to go "solo" in Irish. The trials and difficulties of this venture will be explored and discussed as well. A companion page for "Irish" learners will be at: www.wordtalent.blogspot.com
Since I am at the very beginning, it will be interesting to see how far I get, going solo, as this is a language rarely spoken in these parts.
Primarily, I have worked in the field of instruction at schools and at homes. I have upon occasion been available online as a tutor or facilitator of languages. I am aquainted with both the child and adult learner.
My current field of occupation is that of English and literacy development. Literacy is an area that is valuable to all language learners across the board. Without it, we cannot function as a communicating species. We cannot connect on the many levels we need in order to survive as a species. Every field we encounter is dependent on the ability to speak and communicate a particular language.
If you are interested in pursuing this journey of learning languages, you can practice the given exercises here on this blog, or visit my other page:
www.solospanish.blogspot.com
I have already started this blog, and I discuss how and why I chose to learn Spanish.
It does not mean that you have to choose Spanish as your first foreign language. It is merely my experience as it relates to learning and acquiring new tools for the coming age. Particularly interesting will be the ways I try to retain Spanish without any outside motivation at all.
Mostly, I have gathered, this is the greatest problem facing all language learners.
We lose our language abilities that we have gained due to a wide number of factors.
I will try to explain why this is based on my own experiences largely, because language loss is dependent on a variety of factors for each individual. I hope others will comment on their own successes and failures as time passes.
Spanish is a valuable language, because it is a medium that connects people all over the world. Irish is another language that isolated groups speak. To connect these speakers and also give them a place where their history, culture, and struggles can be addressed safely is my aim. We can bemoan a loss of a language, and that we do not speak it anymore, or we can do something to resolve the loss.
Parallel Studies Initiative:
To view a combination of Portuguese and Spanish programming:
Tune into "America" (Cable Channel 6)at 11AM. Check for viewing times in your area.
For Spanish, any of the following, Univision, Telemundo, and other broadcasting stations in Spanish are highly recommended. News print,too, is an invaluable source.
"Solo" & "Solitaire" are both going to frequent my blogging pages, because I am primarily trying to reach an audience that is not in schools per se, or in a particular group. It is also a supplemental place for people in organized classes or groups. People who are being homeschooled or have chosen to enroll in correspondence courses or long - distance education are also encouraged to visit my pages if they are interested.
May you find the inspiration and motivation to keep developing in the languages of your choice.
Solo Spanish / Spanish Solitaire
Solo Irish / Irish Solitaire
First Active Assignment:
Make a journal entry about why you chose the foreign language you did.
It doesn't have to be one that you are studying currently. So you may
have studied it a long time ago.
How far did you get? If you are continuing, at what level do you find
yourself? What motivating factors keep you wanting to learn it or keep
what you have learned?
Use the comments portion on this page or send me an email at:
writeinspire@yahoo.com for feedback.
For examples, you can view my main blog at:
http://www.solospanish.blogspot.com
JoA.
NOTE (added 4/13/10)
The program, "America" will air its last episode on Monday.
So don't forget to follow it this week.
Today's episode: Tiao deliberating the stage of life and death
***For those of you interested in Portuguese or Brazilian dramas, I have provided
a study/research link for you at: www.solospanish.blogspot.com
Happy Studying!
Reading brings the world closer to us, and us closer to the
world! This is after all the age of information.
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