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November 2002 Online Newsletter...sent every other month

Tips and information about learning Spanish and the people who speak it. Personal attention is what has made Language Link grow, and we value your contributions. Please send an email to the address above to remove if you do not want to receive our news. If you or a friend would like to be added to our online or mail list, email us at info@langlink.com. If you have problems with this format, please let us know.

What's in this edition

Online Lesson, Cocina Cooking, Culture Clips, Language Link's Latest, OJO (special deals), Rhythm & Book Blurbs, Been There, Loved That (reports from participants), Likeable Links

Online Lesson

Numbers! This is perhaps one of the first things you learned in Spanish, but let's take a little more advanced look at these.

Be certain that you never say "un mil" if you want to say one thousand. This is expressed simply by mil. It's a common error of non-native speakers, and you'll want to avoid it. And remember that twelve hundred will be mil doscientos, more like one thousand two hundred.

Ordinal numbers (such as first, second, third) are very seldom used after 10, unlike the common English usage. Think of terms such as the sixteenth century. In Spanish you would simply say el siglo diez y seis. However, you would say el segundo siglo (that one falls in the first 10 category). Also remember that primero and tercero become primer and tercer before a singular masculine noun, such as el primer piso and el tercer piso. These also become feminine in front of a feminine noun, la primera silla, la tercera invitación.

1. Be on the alert for the abbreviation of N with a very small O off to its corner. N° This is the symbol used in Spanish for número.
    
2. Longer numbers are not usually said in the abbreviated form often said with numbers in English. The year 1492 would not be said as catorce-noventa y dos, but rather as mil cuatrocientos noventa y dos. For longer telephone numbers, it's common to group them into units of two such as 692.2922, seis, noventa y dos, veintinueve, veintidos.
    
3. Fractions - un medio, un tercio, un cuarto, un quinto. If not used in a mathematical sense, you can say un kilo y medio, media naranja (a romantic term also used to describe your "better half"!).

Mathematical calculations: To add - Dos más tres son cinco. To subtract - Siete menos tres son cuatro. To multiply - Dos por diez son veinte. To divide - Veinte dividido por cinco son cuatro.

On percentages you must use a definite or indefinite article, el veinte por ciento de la población or un diez por ciento.

Cocina Cooking

Ensalada de Noche Buena - Christmas Eve Salad

Serves 6, a typical dish in Mexico, refreshing with spicy food, and the color is lovely.

2 beets cooked and sliced, 1 Granny Smith apple cored and sliced, 1 tart red apple cored and sliced, 1 C. mandarin orange or tangerine segments, 2 sliced bananas, 2 carrots peeled and sliced lengthwise, l medium jícama (this looks like an ugly round potato, often found in specialty food fresh produce section) peeled and sliced, sugar, lime juice, leaf lettuce, seeds from 1 pomegranate.

Prepare fruits and vegetables as directed. Sprinkle each with a bit of sugar and lime juice. Line large serving platter with lettuce leaves. Arrange fruits and vegetables and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.

Culture Clips

Holiday traditions in Spanish speaking countries are always interesting and may be quite different than your own, whatever your religious tradition may be.

In all the countries, Christmas Eve sees much more activity with its Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster). "Esta noche es Noche Buena, y no es noche de dormir." December 25 itself is the quieter day. We have a group of college students from Austin College arriving for study in Spain in January. We were reminded that January 6 is the Day of the Three Kings (no classes!) or Los Tres Reyes Magos or Día de los Reyes. This is when gifts magically appear for the children.

Shoes are left out and filled with straw for the tired camels who must carry their riders through the busy night. Another common tradition is the making of very elaborate nacimientos (nativity scenes). Spaniards especially honor the cow at Christmas because it is thought that when Mary gave birth, the cow in the stable breathed on the baby to keep him warm.

Mexico will celebrate with the famous Las Posadas, taking place in the 12 day period before Christmas. These end up as merrymaking and the breaking of piñatas, but they begin as religious processions reenacting the search for shelter by Joseph and Mary. Pastorelas (Shepherds Plays) are staged throughout the holiday season. These humorous plays tell of the shepherds' journey to Bethlehem, and the travelers are always plagued by a series of evils and misadventures provoked by the devil. Some even include "cheerleaders" for each side of this duel, all done in a spirit of fun. Of course, good always triumphs over evil.

Modern Mexicans enjoy another form of Noche Buena - a rich, dark beer distributed only during the holiday season and with a special label.

In Ecuador children write letters to the Christ child and place shoes in the window in which he may place toys as he passes by on Christmas Eve. Noisemakers are common and are heard on Christmas morning. Remember that since the seasons are reversed here, the weather is warm, so celebrations often take place outside on the street. These can include fireworks, bands and dancing.

In Cusco, Peru, Santuranticuy is a colorful festival dating back to colonial times and is celebrated every Christmas Eve. From the mountains and surrounding provinces, campesino families gather in the Plaza de Armas, the former playground of the Incas. Flowers transform the plaza into a blaze of color. Cusco's impressive cathedrals open their doors and sell candles.

You won't want to miss the painting of the Last Supper that portrays the twelve disciples feasting on guinea pig, a traditional dish in Cusco. Join the locals for a swig of corn beer (chicha), and you'll be transported back to colonial Peru. Be sure to stick around for the fireworks. (Thanks for this information on Peru to the South American Explorers, www.saexplorers.org). Of course, you can always experience this yourself first hand, as many of our programs are open over the holidays. See all details at www.langlink.com.

Language Link's Latest

If all goes as planned (is there a Murphy's Law in Spanish?...García's Law?), we will introduce our new website by the end of January. Be sure to have a look because we will be offering random drawings for two exciting study trips. You'll do the airfare on your own, but you can win 2 weeks of study at CLIC in Seville including a completely equipped apartment or four weeks of tuition at Intercultura of Costa Rica (you only pay for family stay). These have a value of $700 to $800 plus, and there are absolutely no strings attached. It's our way of thanking you for looking up our remodeled site. All you have to do is enter your name.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. Chinese Proverb

Our two new programs in Barcelona and San Sebastian, Spain, have already attracted students, and they're loving it! See all details now at www.langlink.com.

OJO (Special Deals)

Mexicana Airlines has some special fares to many Latin American destinations which have just been announced. Round trip Chicago - Mexico City $320, to Guatemala City $455, to Costa Rica $475. There may be restrictions, but it's worth a call to Mexicana Airlines or to have your travel agent check.

It's not too late to start organizing a group for next summer. Remember that if you can put together a group of 10 to 15 students, at any of our schools, you can have a free trip. We have had many students do this through their community Spanish classes, as there's always interest. Another idea is getting together a group in your same profession. We have many years of experience in organizing groups and can help you with promotion. It's definitely worth your time! Call Kay to talk about this 800.552.2051 if you want to discuss or propose an idea.

Rhythm & Book Blurbs

Last issue we recommended a Latin pop star, so in the attempt to suit many tastes, we recommend some early music, Missa Mexicana (Latin title, as Spanish would be Misa) from The Harp Consort. Written in the 17th century, this is music from the Cathedral of Puebla, Mexico. The tradition is molded in Spain, yet it is influenced by joyous sounds of the New World as well as harmonies of African music. Although the words are not easy to make out, there are liner notes with English, Spanish and French. Harps, guitars, drums, rain sticks and even conch shells make this musical exploration a unique experience.

One of Peru's most famous authors is Mario Vargas Llosa (and he even was a presidential candidate). Two of his translated books are just out in paperback at about $14 each. In Praise of the Stepmother is a novel which delves into the twisted relationships of a man, his second wife and his son. The Feast of the Goat is about a woman who returns to her native Dominican Republic and confronts the reminders of the treacherous rule of Rafael Trujillo, the man they called the Goat.

Been There, Loved That

Our students are so helpful to us in sending in evaluations of the schools they visit. We'd like to share these with you...

Becari of Oaxaca, Mexico "The directors were warm, professional, and flexible in working with individual students’ needs. Morale among the teachers appeared to be good and the standard of teaching was high. A plus was the lovely old building with its cobbled courtyards, bright colors and profusion of flowers. The school is in an attractive part of the city just steps away from churches, plazas, shops and cafes of interest to visitors. This is not true of all language schools in Oaxaca. My family was charming, funny and well-educated. Sra. Guzman kept us company at almost every meal, giving guests plenty of opportunity to practice their Spanish. She is a skilled storyteller—I really think she could write a book!" Phyllida Paterson, Psychiatrist, Maryland

Lacunza of San Sebastian, Spain "I LOVE this place. You were right, I am not going to want to leave. Isabel, my house mother, is very warm and caring. I seriously lucked out. Thank you again for all your help. Definitely send students here in the future." Alexandra Lockett, Student, Washington DC

PLFM of Antigua, Guatemala "My instructor Marco Antonio was excellent. I learned and laughed a lot. This made for a great learning experience—he applied most of my learning to the world around me. I learned a great deal about the culture and life of Antiguans from both Marco and my host family. They really made me feel welcome." Teri Bedard, Radiation Therapist, Minnesota

SLI of Cuernavaca, Mexico "I would rate my experience as Superior. The kindness and friendliness of the staff and teachers was exceptional. The instructors first attempted to understand my goals and then worked with me to supply what was needed. I stayed with the family Cervantes. They truly made their home our home. Good food, pleasant conversation, plenty of opportunity to learn." Eugene Ahlswede, Mission Counselor, Colorado

El Bosque del Caribe of Cancún, Mexico "Overall I would rate my experience as Superior—it was great. Instructors were all competent, professional, as well as helpful. My family was excellent in every way." Van Langeland, Professional Counselor, North Carolina

Intercultura of Heredia, Costa Rica "Thanks so much for helping me plan this stay here in Heredia. I am on week 3 of 13 weeks, and everything thus far has been great. I have an awesome host family! For this I am very thankful. And my classes have been great. Just a quick update from Heredia!" Meg Morgan, Student, Massachusetts

CLIC of Seville, Spain "I enjoyed my experience in Spain so much! On a scale of 1 through 5 I will give a 5 because I truly had an enjoyable stay in Sevilla. The family that I stayed with was great--I couldn't have asked for better! The school was user friendly, everyone was nice and helpful, and the activities that they planned were great! I would love to use Language Link again to travel and study. As a matter of fact, I'm trying to think of where I would like to go next! I had a wonderful trip! Thank you!" Kelly Pace, Teacher, California

Likeable Links

Christmas in Mexico:

http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/feature/xmasindex.html

http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/christmas.html

And all around Latin America and Spain:

http://www.navidadlatina.com/tradiciones/welcome.asp

http://www.christmas.com/worldview/

We hope you enjoyed our news. Please visit us at www.langlink.com. Or if you like a real voice, call us at 800.552.2051. We're on Central Standard Time with office hours 9:00 to 5:00.

Kay G. Rafool, Executive Director/Marcy Slane, Assistant Director

Language Link, P.O.B. 3006, Peoria, Illinois 61612 USA

Fax 309.692.2926 Worldwide telephone 309.692.2961 Toll free 800.552.2051

info@langlink.com

¡Hasta luego!

Contact Language Link: Kay Godfrey, Director Latin American Office Meredith Butler, Director US Office 2008 W Kellogg Avenue West Peoria, IL 61604 USA

Toll free: 800.552.2051 World telephone: 309.673.9220 Fax: 309.673.9221 email: info@langlink.com

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