I also have a huge list of all Tapas Bars in Madrid. It is so long I did not think it was a good idea to have them all in this session. If you need it, let me know and I will foward it to you.
It comes with metro stops, opinions and everything. I have a list also by areas of town. For example, if you go the Plaza Mayor, where to go first and what to order in each place. Very good indeed! This is FYI and let me know if you want it.
Mara
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Diccionario del Tapeo
Diccionario del tapeo
Es frecuente visitar otras ciudades y encontrarte con nombres de artículos que desconoces a la hora de tapear, por lo que poco a poco vamos a ir incluyendo términos de otras provincias. Os invitamos a que nos ayudéis a completar este diccionario.
ACEDIAS: Una especie de lenguados de pequeño tamaño.
AGUJA PALÁ: Pez espada.
ALBORONIA: Asado de berenjenas, patatas, cebollas, etc.
ALCAHUCILES: Alcachofas pequeñas.
ALÍ OLÍ: Salsa elaborada a base de aceite y ajo, y espesada a modo de mayonesa.
AMARGUILLOS: Espárragos trigueros.
ANGELILLOS: La prueba del chorizo o morcilla antes de embutirlo (en Jaén).
ALOQUE: Vino tinto claro.
BERZA: Cocido.
BLANQUILLO: Caracol de tamaño pequeño y color claro.
BURGAO: El caracol típico.
CABRILLAS: Una variedad de caracoles grandes.
CAZÓN: Tiburón pequeño.
CHATO: Vaso de vino.
CHOTO: En algunas zonas cabra pequeña, en el resto vacuno.
CLARA: Típica madrileña. Una caña de cerveza con gaseosa fresquita.
CLOCHINAS: Mejillones.
CONVIDÁ: Ronda a la que invita cada uno en el tapeo.
COQUINA: Molusco similar a la almeja pero más fino.
EN AMARILLO: Guisos en salsa con azafrán.
EN COLORAO: Guisos con pimentón.
ESGARRAT: Pimiento morrón, a la brasa, con bacalao y aliñado.
FLAMENQUINES: Rollitos carne c/ jamón empanados.
FORRO: Careta de cerdo a la brasa (Albacete).
HABICHOLILLAS: Judías verdes.
JAPUTA: Palometa.
LLETEROLES: Mollejas de cordero.
MARISCO DE GORRINEIRA: Panceta, lomo de orza, etc... (Albacete).
MENUDO: Callos.
ORTIGUILLAS: Variedad de anémona marina crujiente por fuera y gelatinosa interiormente.
PAPAS ALIÑÁS: Patatas cocidas y aliñadas.
PATATAS GUARRO: Excelente manjar de dioses que se sirve en el bar que lleva su nombre
PAVIAS: Tiras de pescado rebozado. Generalmente bacalao.
PECHÁ: Exceso en el tapeo.
PES-PÁ: Pez espada, en algunos bares sevillanos.
PIJOTAS: Pescadillas pequeñitas.
PIPIRRANA: Especie de ensalada de tomate y otros ingredientes vegetales.
PRINGÁ: Los acompañantes “cárnicos” del cocido.
PULGAS: Bocadillos pequeñitos.
PUNTILLITAS: Chipirones pequeños fritos, en otros lugares llamados "chopitos".
REGAR LA PLAZA: La primera ronda de cerveza.
RIN-RAN: Puré de patatas con pimientos y a veces con masa de chorizos.
SALAILLAS: Pan salado típico de Granada.
TAGARNINAS: Es lo que los Castellanos llamamos "cardillos".
TINTO DE VERANO: Vino con gaseosa fresquito para "la calor".
URTA: Similar al besugo.
XOUBAS: También parrochas. Sardinas de pequeño tamaño.
Consejos para ir de Tapas
A friend sent it to me and I thought it would be interesting for you! There is so much new information for me, I am sure you will find something new for you as well. Enjoy the learning!
Consejos para ir de tapas y no desentonar:
1º El número ideal de personas para salir a tapear es, en mi opinión, de cuatro. Pero es razonable un mínimo de tres y un máximo de seis. Más ya sería multitud.
2º El tapeo propiamente dicho se hace de pié, en la barra del establecimiento, salvo, en casos de fuerza mayor.
3º No se debe consumir más de dos tapas en el mismo establecimiento; hay que cambiar, pasear, conocer otros locales.
4º Hay que hacer lo que los sevillanos llaman "convidá", es decir, pagar una ronda cada uno, no ser caradura y a la hora de pagar sentir unas ganas horribles de visitar al Sr. Roca.
5º Hay que saber combinar unas tapas con otras. Por ejemplo, de un lado gambitas y sepia y en otro lado caracoles,... No mezclar demasiado. Esto también va con la bebida: en un local no se debe pedir cerveza y vino en una misma ronda. Mejor pedir ronda de cerveza o ronda de vino,...
6º Por favor, no tengamos una conversación desagradable que nos ponga nerviosos!. Ir de tapas es una de las mejores cosas que tenemos los españoles... Hay que salir a divertirse, no a discutir o cosas por el estilo. ¿Sabe alguien algún chistecito?...
7º Por último, la hora: desde la del aperitivo hasta la de la comida, o desde las ocho de la tarde hasta la cena. Ahora bien, como uno suele "ponerse las botas", no es de extrañar que se nos quite las ganas de comer o cenar... Para terminar, creo que el siguiente texto leído de una taberna puede resumir muy bien el espíritu del tapeo:
" No traigas a este lugar aflicciones o problemas, ¡Déjalos en casa estar!. Y,
si olvidado los traes, sal, mira al cielo y vuelve a entrar, dejando en la puerta
estos. Este lugar es sólo de alegría y amigos, se prohíbe la estancia en él a
los que no respeten esta norma ".
Consejos para ir de tapas y no desentonar:
1º El número ideal de personas para salir a tapear es, en mi opinión, de cuatro. Pero es razonable un mínimo de tres y un máximo de seis. Más ya sería multitud.
2º El tapeo propiamente dicho se hace de pié, en la barra del establecimiento, salvo, en casos de fuerza mayor.
3º No se debe consumir más de dos tapas en el mismo establecimiento; hay que cambiar, pasear, conocer otros locales.
4º Hay que hacer lo que los sevillanos llaman "convidá", es decir, pagar una ronda cada uno, no ser caradura y a la hora de pagar sentir unas ganas horribles de visitar al Sr. Roca.
5º Hay que saber combinar unas tapas con otras. Por ejemplo, de un lado gambitas y sepia y en otro lado caracoles,... No mezclar demasiado. Esto también va con la bebida: en un local no se debe pedir cerveza y vino en una misma ronda. Mejor pedir ronda de cerveza o ronda de vino,...
6º Por favor, no tengamos una conversación desagradable que nos ponga nerviosos!. Ir de tapas es una de las mejores cosas que tenemos los españoles... Hay que salir a divertirse, no a discutir o cosas por el estilo. ¿Sabe alguien algún chistecito?...
7º Por último, la hora: desde la del aperitivo hasta la de la comida, o desde las ocho de la tarde hasta la cena. Ahora bien, como uno suele "ponerse las botas", no es de extrañar que se nos quite las ganas de comer o cenar... Para terminar, creo que el siguiente texto leído de una taberna puede resumir muy bien el espíritu del tapeo:
" No traigas a este lugar aflicciones o problemas, ¡Déjalos en casa estar!. Y,
si olvidado los traes, sal, mira al cielo y vuelve a entrar, dejando en la puerta
estos. Este lugar es sólo de alegría y amigos, se prohíbe la estancia en él a
los que no respeten esta norma ".
Friday, May 09, 2008
Madrugar
"A quien madruga Dios lo ayuda."
madrugar = to get up early
In English, the equivalence would be: "it's the early bird that catches the worm"; "early to bed and early to rise (makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise)"
Literal translation is: God helps who gets up early, meaning you do your part and all will fall into place.
Pájaros volando ...
"Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando."
In English you could say: "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush". Let´s us know occasions in which you used this proverb. We all could learn from it!
El Marco Común Europeo
Many may be wondering where did we get all these new marks of levels in language. So here I have the presentation of the Marco Comun Europeo. You can also check on the website below for a more complete information.
El Marco común europeo de referencia para las lenguas: aprendizaje, enseñanza, evaluación es el resultado de más de diez años de investigación llevada a cabo por especialistas del ámbito de la lingüística aplicada y de la pedagogía, procedentes de los cuarenta y un estados miembros del Consejo de Europa.
El Marco de referencia se ha elaborado pensando en todos los profesionales del ámbito de las lenguas modernas y pretende suscitar una reflexión sobre los objetivos y la metodología de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de lenguas, así como facilitar la comunicación entre estos profesionales y ofrecer una base común para el desarrollo curricular, la elaboración de programas, exámenes y criterios de evaluación, contribuyendo de este modo a facilitar la movilidad entre los ámbitos educativo y profesional.
El Marco común europeo de referencia para las lenguas: aprendizaje, enseñanza, evaluación es, pues, un documento cuyo fin es proporcionar una base común para la elaboración de programas de lenguas, orientaciones curriculares, exámenes, manuales y materiales de enseñanza en Europa.
El documento (link ) que aquí se presenta es una traducción y adaptación española del European Framework del Consejo de Europa1, y es fruto de la labor coordinada por la Dirección Académica del Instituto Cervantes.
La publicación para su consulta en el Centro Virtual Cervantes parece obligada, por su especial relevancia para los profesores, examinadores, autores de manuales y materiales didácticos, formadores de profesorado y administradores educativos. Es de esperar que contribuya de modo importante a la mejor reflexión sobre los problemas que interesan a los profesionales de la enseñanza de lenguas y, de modo especial, a los de la lengua española
El Marco común europeo de referencia para las lenguas: aprendizaje, enseñanza, evaluación es el resultado de más de diez años de investigación llevada a cabo por especialistas del ámbito de la lingüística aplicada y de la pedagogía, procedentes de los cuarenta y un estados miembros del Consejo de Europa.
El Marco de referencia se ha elaborado pensando en todos los profesionales del ámbito de las lenguas modernas y pretende suscitar una reflexión sobre los objetivos y la metodología de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de lenguas, así como facilitar la comunicación entre estos profesionales y ofrecer una base común para el desarrollo curricular, la elaboración de programas, exámenes y criterios de evaluación, contribuyendo de este modo a facilitar la movilidad entre los ámbitos educativo y profesional.
El Marco común europeo de referencia para las lenguas: aprendizaje, enseñanza, evaluación es, pues, un documento cuyo fin es proporcionar una base común para la elaboración de programas de lenguas, orientaciones curriculares, exámenes, manuales y materiales de enseñanza en Europa.
El documento (link ) que aquí se presenta es una traducción y adaptación española del European Framework del Consejo de Europa1, y es fruto de la labor coordinada por la Dirección Académica del Instituto Cervantes.
La publicación para su consulta en el Centro Virtual Cervantes parece obligada, por su especial relevancia para los profesores, examinadores, autores de manuales y materiales didácticos, formadores de profesorado y administradores educativos. Es de esperar que contribuya de modo importante a la mejor reflexión sobre los problemas que interesan a los profesionales de la enseñanza de lenguas y, de modo especial, a los de la lengua española
DELE Equivalence
TABLE OF EQUIVALENCE
The table below gives an idea of how our levels compare to those established by the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF, in Spanish the MRE) and by the Instituto Cervantes for its Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) examinations.
SUPERIOR DIPLOMA C-1, C-2
INTERMEDIATE DIPLOMA B-2 (level our company is requiring)
INITIAL DIPLOMA B-1
DELE Prep Book
Hi everyone,
Being that some of us are getting ready for the DELE, I would like to recommend a book that helped me a lot in passing the superior level test.
It comes with a CD (mine came with K-7) . I never attended a prep class but did it at home, using this book and some hours with a tutor.
So, here it is:
Preparación Diploma Superior
Español Lengua Extrangera D.S.E.
corresponde al nivel C-2 del MARCO DE REFERENCIA COMUN EUROPEO PAR LAS LENGUAS
Edelsa
Grupo Didascalia S.A.
I am assuming they will have the same book for the Intermediate Level.
Being that some of us are getting ready for the DELE, I would like to recommend a book that helped me a lot in passing the superior level test.
It comes with a CD (mine came with K-7) . I never attended a prep class but did it at home, using this book and some hours with a tutor.
So, here it is:
Preparación Diploma Superior
Español Lengua Extrangera D.S.E.
corresponde al nivel C-2 del MARCO DE REFERENCIA COMUN EUROPEO PAR LAS LENGUAS
Edelsa
Grupo Didascalia S.A.
I am assuming they will have the same book for the Intermediate Level.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
40 de Mayo
"Hasta el 40 de mayo, no te quites el sayo."
Meaning one never know what May will bring in terms of weather. You better be safe until May 40th! A lady quoted this to me the other day because this month has been crazy ... lots of rain, sun, rain again, cold, warm ... one never knows what to wear. As I mentioned the next day we were supposed to get rain again, she said the expression above.
Ps. "sayo" is an old word for "abrigo" (jacket).
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Discussing Price
"Te va a salir más caro el collar que el perro."
I went to buy a storage piece of furniture yesterday at a second-hand store. I saw one I kind of liked and it had an affordable price. It was a little short, so I said I would have to add some legs to it. AND, the handles were ugly, and I said I would have to change them as well.
The salesman looked at me and said the expression above. It means that if you are spending too much to fix a cheap piece of furniture, you will end up spending more money on the fixing up than on the furniture itself. Obviously, it can be said about any purchase.
The translation is: the collar will be more expensive than the dog. :)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
You better watch out!
"Cuando vea las barbas de tu vecino pelar, pon las tuyas a remojar."
This means that if something is happening to someone, you better be watchful as the same can happen to you!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Spring Weather
"Marzo ventoso, abril lluvioso, mayo florido y hermoso."
It is a popular saying that refers to the weather and its consequences. If you have a windy March, you might just have a rainy April. This combination will make possible for a flowery and beautiful May!
Enjoy impressing your friends with this timely expression!
Saturday, March 01, 2008
New Blog of Recipes
In Madrid, we are working an a new blog. You will find recipes adapted with Spanish products.
Check it out:
madridcooks.blogspot.com
Check it out:
madridcooks.blogspot.com
Universidad Popular and DELE
Dear friends,
I just read on our local weekly news that our Universidad Popular is offering prep for DELE and it only costs 31,51 (2 months - every Friday from 9:30-11:30). It is not as intensive as other prep in private schools but it might be interesting to some of us. If you an Universidad Popular by you, why not check it out and see what they offer.
Check for addresses of Universidades Populares on these websites:
http://personal5.iddeo.es/feup/madrid.html (Madrid)
http://www.aupex.org (Extremadura)
http://personal5.iddeo.es/feup/andalu.html#sevilla (Sevilla)
UNIVERSIDAD POPULAR DE FUERTEVENTURA Dirección: C/ Dr. Fleming, nº 1. Puerto del Rosario. Teléfonos: (928) 85.24.50 / 85.03.46.
I would recommend you to take this course if:
1) You will take the DELE within a year. It may be all you need. And if it is not, you still have time to sign for a more intensive course later on, before you take the test.
2) You want to refresh your Spanish. It would be worthy and affordable for you personally if you do not have language funds.
Our local Universidad is also offering some other interesting courses:
1) História de España (De la Guerra de la Independencia a la época actual), 26 de marzo a 18 de junio, los miércoles, de las 19:00 a las 21:00 horas. 45, 93 Euros
2) Primeros Pasos en Photoshop: 22/abril a 22/mayo, los martes y jueves de las 11:30 a las 13:30. 20,85 Euros
3) Photoshop: del 31 de marzo al 11 de junio, lunes y miércoles, de 19:30 a 21:30. 63,02 Euros.
Please check your closest UP to see what is available. They usually have really interesting topics, from my experience in Asturias and Alcobendas. You can have the extra bonus of making new friends!
Mara
I just read on our local weekly news that our Universidad Popular is offering prep for DELE and it only costs 31,51 (2 months - every Friday from 9:30-11:30). It is not as intensive as other prep in private schools but it might be interesting to some of us. If you an Universidad Popular by you, why not check it out and see what they offer.
Check for addresses of Universidades Populares on these websites:
http://personal5.iddeo.es/feup/madrid.html (Madrid)
http://www.aupex.org (Extremadura)
http://personal5.iddeo.es/feup/andalu.html#sevilla (Sevilla)
UNIVERSIDAD POPULAR DE FUERTEVENTURA Dirección: C/ Dr. Fleming, nº 1. Puerto del Rosario. Teléfonos: (928) 85.24.50 / 85.03.46.
I would recommend you to take this course if:
1) You will take the DELE within a year. It may be all you need. And if it is not, you still have time to sign for a more intensive course later on, before you take the test.
2) You want to refresh your Spanish. It would be worthy and affordable for you personally if you do not have language funds.
Our local Universidad is also offering some other interesting courses:
1) História de España (De la Guerra de la Independencia a la época actual), 26 de marzo a 18 de junio, los miércoles, de las 19:00 a las 21:00 horas. 45, 93 Euros
2) Primeros Pasos en Photoshop: 22/abril a 22/mayo, los martes y jueves de las 11:30 a las 13:30. 20,85 Euros
3) Photoshop: del 31 de marzo al 11 de junio, lunes y miércoles, de 19:30 a 21:30. 63,02 Euros.
Please check your closest UP to see what is available. They usually have really interesting topics, from my experience in Asturias and Alcobendas. You can have the extra bonus of making new friends!
Mara
Thursday, January 24, 2008
A Cooking Show, Carlos Arguiñano
I would like to recommend a TV show.
If you are interested in learning Spanish cooking, the kind people eat in their homes day in and day out, this is your show. Carlos Arguiñano is from San Sebastian, Pais Vasco. He is, on a nation wide level, recognized as one of the best cooks in the country. He has a restaurant in San Sebastian that one of these days I would like to visit.
His show is everyday at 2:30 on Telecinco. Just ignore some “dirty” jokes and focus on his cooking. It is easy, creative, cheap and healthy. Like I said, he cooks what most people around the country cooks each day, but with some creativity and many tricks.
Now, if you understand one of his jokes - a clean one, of course – give yourself a “10” on Spanish culture acquisition!
Enjoy his cooking!
If you are interested in learning Spanish cooking, the kind people eat in their homes day in and day out, this is your show. Carlos Arguiñano is from San Sebastian, Pais Vasco. He is, on a nation wide level, recognized as one of the best cooks in the country. He has a restaurant in San Sebastian that one of these days I would like to visit.
His show is everyday at 2:30 on Telecinco. Just ignore some “dirty” jokes and focus on his cooking. It is easy, creative, cheap and healthy. Like I said, he cooks what most people around the country cooks each day, but with some creativity and many tricks.
Now, if you understand one of his jokes - a clean one, of course – give yourself a “10” on Spanish culture acquisition!
Enjoy his cooking!
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
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
DELE Test - Dates in 2008
These are the dates for DELE test for 2008 - if you need more information, go to
http://diplomas.cervantes.es/index.jsp
FECHAS DE LAS CONVOCATORIAS DELE 2008
Programación de fechas de examen para el año 2008.
La Dirección del Instituto Cervantes ha aprobado las fechas de las convocatorias de examen de los Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) para 2008, que se reparten en dos convocatorias ordinarias (mayo y noviembre) y una extraordinaria (agosto) del modo que sigue:
CONVOCATORIAS ORDINARIAS:
MAYO de 2008:
Días 23 y 24 de mayo, según países.
Plazo de inscripción: desde el 3 de marzo hasta el 11 de abril, ambos inclusive. En España, el plazo de inscripción se amplía hasta el 18 de abril.
NOVIEMBRE de 2008:
Días 21 y 22 de noviembre, según países.
Plazo de inscripción: desde el 1 de septiembre hasta el 10 de octubre, ambos inclusive. En España, el plazo de inscripción se amplía hasta el 17 de octubre.
CONVOCATORIA EXTRAORDINARIA:
AGOSTO de 2008:
Día 22 de agosto. Plazo de inscripción: desde el 14 de julio hasta el 1 de agosto, ambos inclusive. En España, el plazo de inscripción se amplía hasta el 8 de agosto.
http://diplomas.cervantes.es/index.jsp
FECHAS DE LAS CONVOCATORIAS DELE 2008
Programación de fechas de examen para el año 2008.
La Dirección del Instituto Cervantes ha aprobado las fechas de las convocatorias de examen de los Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) para 2008, que se reparten en dos convocatorias ordinarias (mayo y noviembre) y una extraordinaria (agosto) del modo que sigue:
CONVOCATORIAS ORDINARIAS:
MAYO de 2008:
Días 23 y 24 de mayo, según países.
Plazo de inscripción: desde el 3 de marzo hasta el 11 de abril, ambos inclusive. En España, el plazo de inscripción se amplía hasta el 18 de abril.
NOVIEMBRE de 2008:
Días 21 y 22 de noviembre, según países.
Plazo de inscripción: desde el 1 de septiembre hasta el 10 de octubre, ambos inclusive. En España, el plazo de inscripción se amplía hasta el 17 de octubre.
CONVOCATORIA EXTRAORDINARIA:
AGOSTO de 2008:
Día 22 de agosto. Plazo de inscripción: desde el 14 de julio hasta el 1 de agosto, ambos inclusive. En España, el plazo de inscripción se amplía hasta el 8 de agosto.
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:
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Universidad Popular
Hello everyone,
Here in Alcobendas we received a brochure of the courses the local Universidad Popular has. One of them is offered for Spanish learners. It is for conversation in Spanish and it costs only about 40 euros. I am just thinking that some of you might be wanting to have more conversation oportunities. It seemed very interesting! If you are interested, check it out.
Universidad Popular is a municipal school. They are all over Spain and offer very interesting courses on culture, arts, language, etc ... They are now signing people in for the courses starting in January. They have courses that last a year, 6 or 3 months. Besides anything, it is a great place to meet people.
Have a great day!
Here in Alcobendas we received a brochure of the courses the local Universidad Popular has. One of them is offered for Spanish learners. It is for conversation in Spanish and it costs only about 40 euros. I am just thinking that some of you might be wanting to have more conversation oportunities. It seemed very interesting! If you are interested, check it out.
Universidad Popular is a municipal school. They are all over Spain and offer very interesting courses on culture, arts, language, etc ... They are now signing people in for the courses starting in January. They have courses that last a year, 6 or 3 months. Besides anything, it is a great place to meet people.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
A Never Ending Task ...
By the way, I am back in Madrid (just in case you read the post before this one!)
A Never Ending Task ...
Yes, that is what we have in our hands, a task that will take a lifelong commitment: learning a second or third language.
I believe the same is true referring to our first language. I feel I learn new things each day. Besides that side of the coin, languages are always evolving and adding new meanings to old words or new words to old meanings!
I do not mean to make you discouraged in your task of learning, more than anything, I would like you to know that you are not alone in this journey.
I have to say for myself that I feel comfortable in my level most of the time. The other day a friend asked me about the use of “leismos” and “laismos” in Spanish. I thought for a moment and could not remember the use of it! I use it day in and day out but do not know why. I decided to have goals for myself and recheck old lessons. More on my own goals later on … (please share some of your goals as well!)
Please feel encouraged that you are not alone. This is such a fun task: learning how our PGs think through their culture and language. It is a whole new world that opens up before you. It is a whole different way to understand life!
Be encouraged and share your thoughts and learned lessons in this space. Blog it yourself or send it to me and I will post it.
Bonos - revising an old lesson ...
“Uso de leismos y laismos”
1) Regla general: Objeto directo: lo/la. Objeto indirecto: le
2) "Debido a su extensión entre hablantes cultos y escritores de prestigio, (1) se admite el uso de le en lugar de lo en función de OD cuando el referente es una persona de sexo masculino.
A Never Ending Task ...
Yes, that is what we have in our hands, a task that will take a lifelong commitment: learning a second or third language.
I believe the same is true referring to our first language. I feel I learn new things each day. Besides that side of the coin, languages are always evolving and adding new meanings to old words or new words to old meanings!
I do not mean to make you discouraged in your task of learning, more than anything, I would like you to know that you are not alone in this journey.
I have to say for myself that I feel comfortable in my level most of the time. The other day a friend asked me about the use of “leismos” and “laismos” in Spanish. I thought for a moment and could not remember the use of it! I use it day in and day out but do not know why. I decided to have goals for myself and recheck old lessons. More on my own goals later on … (please share some of your goals as well!)
Please feel encouraged that you are not alone. This is such a fun task: learning how our PGs think through their culture and language. It is a whole new world that opens up before you. It is a whole different way to understand life!
Be encouraged and share your thoughts and learned lessons in this space. Blog it yourself or send it to me and I will post it.
Bonos - revising an old lesson ...
“Uso de leismos y laismos”
1) Regla general: Objeto directo: lo/la. Objeto indirecto: le
2) "Debido a su extensión entre hablantes cultos y escritores de prestigio, (1) se admite el uso de le en lugar de lo en función de OD cuando el referente es una persona de sexo masculino.
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