¡Por y Para!

Let’s embark on a brief but enlightening journey through the history and intricacies of two pivotal Spanish prepositions, por and para, which often confound learners with their nuanced uses. Understanding their origins and functions can illuminate the path to mastery in Spanish communication. The key to understanding whether to use por or para is to think of the meaning you want to convey, rather than the exact translation. You … Continue reading ¡Por y Para!

Muletillas

Muletillas, often translated as “filler words” in English, are more than just linguistic crutches in Spanish conversations. These handy conversational tools serve various functions, from structuring dialogue to buying time for thought, seeking agreement, adding emphasis, and checking comprehension. Extending and Structuring Conversation Buying Time to Think and Re-Explain Finding Agreement Adding Emphasis Checking Comprehension Muletillas are integral to fluent Spanish conversation, serving various communicative … Continue reading Muletillas

Escuchar y hablar

Embarking on the journey of learning Spanish, a language rich in culture and history, can be an exhilarating yet daunting endeavor. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps into basic vocabulary, an intermediate learner aiming to break into conversational fluency, or an advanced speaker refining the nuances of the language, mastering conversational Spanish presents its unique set of challenges and rewards. This blog post … Continue reading Escuchar y hablar

¡bienvenidos a nuestra aventura lingüística!

Spanish sentence structure Hola y bienvenidos a nuestra aventura lingüística. Today, I find myself seated at my desk, grappling with the intricacies of the Spanish language, much like you, I suspect. Let me assure you, amigos, that learning Spanish is a journey worth every stumble and every ¡Ay, caramba! uttered in frustration. As a language interpreter, I’ve had my fair share of linguistic escapades, but … Continue reading ¡bienvenidos a nuestra aventura lingüística!

Michel Thomas Method

I am always on the look out for resources to enhance my Spanish language learning and practice, in particular; speaking and listening. Michel Thomas (1914–2005) was a polyglot linguist and language teacher, known for developing a unique and highly effective method of language instruction. I use his method as a virtual tutorial, joining the two other students, on the Spanish recording as though we are … Continue reading Michel Thomas Method

¡El pasado, el presente y el futuro!

The past, the present and the future When embarking on the journey of learning a new language, it is customary to begin with the present tense. By doing so, you gain the ability to express yourself regarding ongoing activities and current situations. As you delve deeper into your language studies, the past tense becomes a valuable addition, allowing you to recount events that have occurred … Continue reading ¡El pasado, el presente y el futuro!