SPAIN IS DIFFERENT
By Helen Wattley
I just read some parts of it and could tell it is really relevant for any person coming from USA to live here. If you have a chance to get this book, it would be very helpful.
Showing posts with label Book Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Reviews. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Friday, January 18, 2008
Resources: PUNTOYCOMA Magazine
Language Resource Review: ; puntoycoma
http://www.pyc-revista.com/
About a year and a half ago, I discovered through a friend a language-learning resource called; puntoycoma, a bi-monthly magazine designed by Spaniards to help non-native speakers improve their Spanish.
Not only is each issue packed with articles, but an audio CD (featuring Spanish spoken in various accents to help improve listening skills) can also be purchased as a supplement to each issue.
While I didn’t have the time (or perhaps just wasn’t disciplined enough!) to make it through every issue, I was very pleased with what I read. Each edition of the magazine features a variety of articles on pop culture, current events and other relevant issues, often in Spain, but also in other countries around the world.
One huge plus about this resource is that no matter the language level of the learner (the site says the magazine is directed to those with an intermediate-advanced level of Spanish), there is always new information for the reader to glean from each issue. Each issue of the magazine mixes articles written at varying levels of difficulty for Spanish learners. The articles also highlight important or potentially new vocabulary and sayings and give a glossary listing of each featured term.
Another useful tool in the magazine is that reading comprehension can be checked by taking the content-related quizzes at the back of the magazine.
As a bonus, I will also throw in that my customer experiences with the magazine subscription personnel was excellent. Communication was extremely professional, and when I had questions about my subscription, the staff quickly responded to my e-mail with exactly the information I needed.
I highly recommend this resource to enhance the Spanish language learning experience. Mara W. now has the copies of ; puntoycoma in Madrid, or a number of subscription options (including digital versions) are available online at http://www.pyc-revista.com/ .
- Tep L., Madrid
http://www.pyc-revista.com/
About a year and a half ago, I discovered through a friend a language-learning resource called; puntoycoma, a bi-monthly magazine designed by Spaniards to help non-native speakers improve their Spanish.
Not only is each issue packed with articles, but an audio CD (featuring Spanish spoken in various accents to help improve listening skills) can also be purchased as a supplement to each issue.
While I didn’t have the time (or perhaps just wasn’t disciplined enough!) to make it through every issue, I was very pleased with what I read. Each edition of the magazine features a variety of articles on pop culture, current events and other relevant issues, often in Spain, but also in other countries around the world.
One huge plus about this resource is that no matter the language level of the learner (the site says the magazine is directed to those with an intermediate-advanced level of Spanish), there is always new information for the reader to glean from each issue. Each issue of the magazine mixes articles written at varying levels of difficulty for Spanish learners. The articles also highlight important or potentially new vocabulary and sayings and give a glossary listing of each featured term.
Another useful tool in the magazine is that reading comprehension can be checked by taking the content-related quizzes at the back of the magazine.
As a bonus, I will also throw in that my customer experiences with the magazine subscription personnel was excellent. Communication was extremely professional, and when I had questions about my subscription, the staff quickly responded to my e-mail with exactly the information I needed.
I highly recommend this resource to enhance the Spanish language learning experience. Mara W. now has the copies of ; puntoycoma in Madrid, or a number of subscription options (including digital versions) are available online at http://www.pyc-revista.com/ .
- Tep L., Madrid
Monday, December 17, 2007
BOOK: Ghosts of Spain
Hello friends,
I have been reading a book Dwight bought us. It is Ghosts of Spain, by Giles Tremlett. It is very good! I would recommend for you that want to learn more about the characteristics of this culture and why they are there. It has a bit of bad language in it as it is a secular book, but the content on history and sociology is great.
I will write the synopsis of the book below:
“Spaniards are reputed to be amongst Europe’s most forthright people. So why have they kept silent about terrors of Spanish Civil War and the rule of General Franco? … Tremlett (the author) embarks on a journey around Spain and its history. … Who cause the Civil War? Why do Basque terrorist kill? Why Catalans hate Madrid? Did the Islamist bombers who killed 190 people in 2004 dream of a return to Spain’s Moorish past? … Along the way Tremlett also finds answers to his worn questions about the Spanish temper. Why do they dislike authority figures, but cower before doctors? How have Spanish women embraced feminism without men noticing? What binds gypsies, jails and flamenco? Why do Spaniards go to plastic surgeons, donate their organs, visit brothels or take cocaine more than other Europeans? … all and more is explored as Tremlett pursues his curiosity down some strange and colorful byroads.”
As you can see it covers a lot of very basic things we live with day in and day out … it leads us to understand the background of this culture. It shows the depth of some customs and “creyencias” .
I have this book available for you. Let me know. It will be available shortly after the holidays as I am about done.
Thanks, Mara
I have been reading a book Dwight bought us. It is Ghosts of Spain, by Giles Tremlett. It is very good! I would recommend for you that want to learn more about the characteristics of this culture and why they are there. It has a bit of bad language in it as it is a secular book, but the content on history and sociology is great.
I will write the synopsis of the book below:
“Spaniards are reputed to be amongst Europe’s most forthright people. So why have they kept silent about terrors of Spanish Civil War and the rule of General Franco? … Tremlett (the author) embarks on a journey around Spain and its history. … Who cause the Civil War? Why do Basque terrorist kill? Why Catalans hate Madrid? Did the Islamist bombers who killed 190 people in 2004 dream of a return to Spain’s Moorish past? … Along the way Tremlett also finds answers to his worn questions about the Spanish temper. Why do they dislike authority figures, but cower before doctors? How have Spanish women embraced feminism without men noticing? What binds gypsies, jails and flamenco? Why do Spaniards go to plastic surgeons, donate their organs, visit brothels or take cocaine more than other Europeans? … all and more is explored as Tremlett pursues his curiosity down some strange and colorful byroads.”
As you can see it covers a lot of very basic things we live with day in and day out … it leads us to understand the background of this culture. It shows the depth of some customs and “creyencias” .
I have this book available for you. Let me know. It will be available shortly after the holidays as I am about done.
Thanks, Mara
Check this book review:
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