Archive for the year 2008
MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SPANISH COURSE Posted by Transparent Language on May 8, 2008
So you´re taking a Spanish course, either at a language institute or college, but you feel you need to do more to go beyond that intermediate-level plateau? Well, as an avid language learner myself, I have gathered here some tips that might help you do some extra work and get your Spanish on to a…
Learning tip: reading newspapers Posted by Transparent Language on May 5, 2008
Not very long ago, breaking news was mostly available in English and the few Spanish-language websites were devoted to local news only. Fortunately, the situation is changing rapidly and nowadays we have very comprehensive sites with updated information. Here´s a list of some interesting sites for you to check out. CNN en español – The…
Chilean Rodeo and Los Huasos Posted by Transparent Language on May 1, 2008
Among all the traditional games and festivals, the rodeo is one of the most exciting, joyful and colorful in Chile. It started many years ago because the farmers needed to arrange their livestock. Each spring the animals are brought down from the hills, where they stay in the winter. This kind of work has to…
Las tareas/los quehaceres Posted by Transparent Language on Apr 28, 2008
Our post today will be about useful vocabulary at home. Here´s a useful list, be sure to write it down in your vocabulary notebook! Actions hacer los quehaceres – do the chores lavar los platos – wash the dishes barrer el piso – sweep the floor fregar el piso – mop the floor lavar la…
Common Challenges Posted by Transparent Language on Apr 24, 2008
I just found and read a really terrific post on South American Adventures that speaks to some common challenges that language students encounter when studying abroad. There is no doubt that most students struggle with the tendency to spend their time with their cohort, as opposed to really committing to reaching out and making friends…
Chilean Writer: Isabel Allende Posted by Transparent Language on Apr 23, 2008
Ever heard of Isabel Allende? She´s my favorite author in Spanish. Isabel was born in the early 40´s and was the daughter of Francisca Barros and Tomás Allende, who was Chilean ambassador to Peru. For political reasons, she lived in Bolivia and Lebanon until 1958, when she moved back to Chile to finish her secondary…
Ser vs Estar II Posted by Transparent Language on Apr 17, 2008
The difference between SER and ESTAR in Spanish is really subtle and there´s a big difference when an adjective is used with one or the other. Take a look: Ser agarrado: be cheap, a tightwad Estar agarrado: be tight (clothes)-LaAm Ser alegre: be happy Estar alegre: be a little drunk Ser atento: be friendly, thoughtful…