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May 2005 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 list, email us at info@langlink.com.
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

It is impossible to advance your Spanish without including many common conversational idioms.  These are all high frequency ones which sound quite strange if translated literally.  The trick here is to observe things which you often say in English in conversations and then master the Spanish equivalents, all worked out.

To answer  ¿Quién es?, perhaps when someone has knocked at the door – Soy yo.  It’s me.  Soy Pablo.  It’s Paul.

To ask what someone is like (personality, physical appearance) – ¿Cómo es ella?  Es bonita y simpática.

To ask if someone likes someone else in the sense of being a “good guy” – ¿Te cae bien?  Sí, me cae muy bien.

To express wonder – ¿Dónde estará?  I wonder where he is.  ¿Qué hora será?  I wonder what time it is.

To locate someone – Se encuentra en la oficina.  No se encuentra por aquí.

Something smells wonderful.  Algo huele muy rico.  El cuarto huele a flores.

To be a long time – ¿Tarda mucho en llegar?  No, no tarda mucho…llega en 5 minutos.

Sending a fax with problems – Traté de enviar el fax, pero nunca recibí el tono.

To notice something – Su vestido me llamó mucho la atención. 

One way or another – de una forma u otra

Change the subject – Voy a cambiar de tema.  Rapidamente Juan cambió de tema.

How far – ¿A qué distancia está el hotel? ¿Qué tan lejos queda el hotel?

Greeting – Siento no haberte saludado cuando llegaste, pero estaba ocupada en la cocina.  Sorry I didn’t say hello when you came in, but I was busy in the kitchen.

To fulfill something – Juan no cumplió con su promesa.  He didn’t do what he said he would, didn’t come through.

To be hard (to do something) – A mi hijo le cuesta mucho trabajo leer en inglés.  

To do, as a profession – ¿A qué te dedicas?   Soy arquitecto.  (notice the lack of a word for “an”).

How are you? – Cuéntame de ti.  ¿Cómo estás?  ¿Qué novedades hay?  (¿Qué hay de nuevo?)

To be about – ¿De qué se trata?  Se trata del dinero.

Big dream, pie in the sky – Es mi sueño dorado tener una casa en México un día.

Day after tomorrow – Pasado mañana voy a Guatemala.

Not once – Ni una sola vez pagó la cuenta.

To stay – Voy a quedarme cinco días, pero me habría gustado (I would have liked to) quedarme cinco días más.

Really, really – A fuerzas quiero aprender el español.

A general response – Es una situación muy difícil.  Sí, me imagino.

Cocina Cooking

Meat and potatoes, but with twists from Argentina and Peru

Churrasco Kabobs (serves 4)

1 lb. beef tenderloin, 2 T. olive oil, 2 T. lemon juice, 2 T. chopped onion, 1 lb. thick cut bacon, wood skewers, salt and pepper

Mix olive oil, lemon juice, onion, salt and pepper in glass bowl.  Cut beef into ¾” cubes and marinate for at least two hours.  Soak wood skewers in water for two hours.  Wrap each cube of beef with one half slice of bacon and slide onto skiwers.  Grill outdoors.

Papas a la Huancaina (Huancaina Style Peruvian Potatoes) (serves 4 to 6)

10 medium sized potatoes cooked until tender and sliced, 1 small onion finely chopped, 4 hard-boiled eggs, ½ C. small curd cottage cheese, 2 tsp. chili powder, 2 T. evaporated milk, 3 T. oil, juice of one half lemon, 10 black or green olives, handful of chopped fresh parsley, salt and pepper to taste

Boil 1 cup water and cook onion in it for a few minutes.  Drain and place in bowl.  Remove yolks from two of the eggs and mash them in the bowl.  Add cottage cheese to egg yolks and season with chili powder, salt and pepper.  Stir in milk and mix well.  Arrange warm potato slices in a dish.  Cover them with cheese sauce and garnish with olives, sliced remaining eggs, and parsley.  Serve immediately.

Culture Clips

It’s my second time to be here, but I eagerly jumped at a reason to return.  Tikal, the major Mayan archaeological site in Guatemala, is a place which reveals new enchantments each time it’s seen.  My daughter is doing a graduate research paper on jaguar images at this site, so we have a mission to perform in the midst of our wonder.  The contrast of arriving at the place on a modern jet plane is always a marvelous juxtaposition, as we are whisked off to tour an ancient city. 

As we are waiting in the Flores airport for the hotel van to arrive, I notice the faces and sounds around me, something I always do to pass the time when traveling.  The almost Asiatic sound of a Mayan language stands out among the Spanish I hear, and I am reminded that each time I hear about the “disappearance” of the Maya, I want to cry out, “Oh, no, they’re still very much here!”  Occasionally there will be a face with the classic features of these highly developed people, and it’s as if a figure from a temple fresco has come to life and is walking among us.

 Even before we reach the site, my mind begins a list of remarkable achievements – the mathematical concept of zero, the astronomical observations (uncanny in their accuracy and used for planting cycles), and the artistry of their temple-dominated cities, splendid with magnificent sculpture and stone work. 

The tropical, heavy warmth instantly reminds me that I am in a jungle atmosphere.  With lush vegetation, the sounds of birds, from toucans to wild turkeys, fill the air.  A loud noise, almost like a mechanical roar, punctuates the bird songs.  When I ask if there is construction going on nearby, I am told that this is the sound of the howler monkeys.  As we walk with out guide on the path to the park entrance, I try to place myself in a specific year, 750 C.E. (A.D.) and imagine myself as part of a population of almost 100,000.  Would I have been a tradesman, a priest, a part of the ruling lord’s family, or perhaps a farmer or stonemason?  In all cases, my life would have been ruled by the calendar and the natural world around me.  The giant ceiba tree I passed was a reminder of the cosmic symbolism seen by the Maya.  Characterized by extremely deep roots, this tree symbolizes life and its connection of the terrestrial world with the spirit world.  Its long thick vines are a means of ascending to the heavens above. 

As the sight of the first grandiose Temple I and the Acropolis emerges, it is impossible for me to dismiss the thought of the Nike commercial featuring Tikal, along with the slogan “Just Do It!”.  My spirit is soaring, because I am doing it.  Nearby is a ball court, a very important game of religious significance within the society.  On a previous trip to the Mayan part of Mexico, I had seen a reenactment of this game.  The use of hands was never allowed, so that the ball was always moved by feet or hips.  It is a recreation of the mythical Hero Twins playing against the lords of the underworld, a story found in the sacred book of the Maya, the Popul Vuh.

 Whoops, another detour!  Meredith and I have spotted another stela (upright, carved stone pillar) with yet another jaguar, and we must take a picture.  In Maya civilization, the jaguar served to communicate between the living and the dead as well as protect the royal household.  These powerful cats were seen as companions in the spiritual world. Many rulers even had jaguars attributed to their names, such as Jaguar Paw, Bird Jaguar, Smoke Jaguar and Snake Jaguar.  We move on to Temple IV, one of the two highest pre-Colombian structures ever constructed.  The stunning view of the jungle canopy with other temples peeking out is a thrilling reward for the sometimes heart stopping climb to the top.  It is a day of having my head filled with wonder, imagination, and unforgettable sights and sounds. 

As we reminisce about the day over a drink back at the hotel, we feel we’re in the midst of an avian cocktail party.  The invitation for hundreds is for five o’clock, and all species of birds are invited to show up in their most festive finery.  Tomorrow we will tour the onsite museums, where no doubt there will be many more jaguar images on pottery and small sculptures. 

By evening we will be back in Antigua, moving to yet another intriguing part of history, the Spanish colonial period – from jungle paths to cobblestones.  I’m looking forward to the meeting I have with many of the directing board of PLFM, by its charter, all required to be of Mayan descent.  As we confer about linguistic projects and the publication of Mayan language dictionaries, I will be reminded that I have just had a visit with their ancestors from many centuries back.

(If you’re a fan of the show Survivor, you might be interested to learn that the September season will be set in Guatemala, and participants will test their survival skills by living in a remote Mayan archaeological site.)

Travel is rebirth.  At the moment of departure, I begin to see the world with fresh eyes.   – L. Gottlob  

Language Link’s Latest

     Our Language Link Shop continues to grow.  We created this on our website to make it easy for you to purchase our recommended learning materials, as well as books and music.  If there was something that you found very helpful for your own trip, please suggest it to us.  The Shop has been a great source for the many students who buy the Pimsleur Audio Series either before or after their trip.  It’s so important to keep nurturing the Spanish you have learned.  It’s a habit which needs to be constantly fed!

     Teens have been flocking in unusually high numbers to our specialized junior programs in Mexico (Cuernavaca) and Spain (Tarragona, San Sebastián, Seville, Vejer) this year.  What a great life advantage these kids are receiving in early encouragement of another language.

     The Riviera Maya section of Mexico has been receiving wonderful press in the U.S.  Our program there IH Riviera Maya is ready for the influx with a newly opened student residence – complete with light filled, air conditioned rooms, and only a three block walk to the glorious beaches. 

     Many schools are now adding optional recreation courses to Spanish study – think cooking classes in San Sebastián or Playa del Carmen, diving in Cancún or Playa del Carmen, tango in Buenos Aires, flamenco in Vejer and Seville.  What a wonderful way to double the fun of your Spanish trip.

     The Sámara beach campus of Intercultura of Costa Rica is now in a newly constructed building and provides a beautiful setting to study Spanish in this ecologically rich country.

OJO (Special Deals).

     We’re continuing our contest for free two weeks of study (3 hours daily) and stay with a Mexican host family (breakfast only included) at one of our most popular schools, Becari of Oaxaca, Mexico!  Check out Becari on our website. Our contest box has been filling up with entries, among which are students who have studied there previously and are anxious to go back again!   Try your luck (the odds are great!) and go to the contest box on our website, enter your name, a brief comment, and dream of Oaxaca.

     When exploring Latin America airfares, in addition to our discount travel brokers, also check out the consolidated Latin America airlines under Taca at www.taca.com.  They often have short term surprising specials for flights to super destinations.

     If you do volunteer work with a Oaxaca street children project when studying at Becari of Oaxaca, Mexico, you will receive a 5% discount on tuition.

Rhythm & Book Blurbs

Music - Linda Ronstadt is of Hispanic descent and has three excellent Spanish language albums, Canciones de mi padre, Más canciones, and Frenesí.  Not only is her pronunciation clear and well done, but there are also liner notes for all the songs in both English and Spanish.  This is one of the best ways to increase comprehension and improve your speaking ability. 

Book – If you’ve been to Antigua or are planning a trip soon, Antigua, Guatemala, by Elizabeth Bell, is a comprehensive indepth description of the city including its history, 33 monuments and historical sites, museums, houses, fiestas and holidays.  She also has another book titled Lent and Holy Week in Antigua.

Both the music and the books are all available through our new Language Link Shop. 

Been There, Loved That

Antigua, Guatemala    I needed to learn Spanish very quickly as a requirement for my Master's degree.  I attended the PLFM in Guatemala for 6 weeks.  It was by far the best thing that I could have done to improve my language skills quickly.  I passed the proficiency requirement for the degree.  I would highly recommend PLFM to anyone who wants to learn Spanish. -  L. Langlois, CA

Our patients often make comments when we return that we have improved a great deal.  It is very meaningful to them.  I feel that my time there is so rewarding.  I always think that it would be hard to top my last trip, but every year is just as or more incredible. - P. Vaughn, Healhcare, MN

            Madrid, Spain   The school was great, the administrators were very kind and helpful.  The location of the school was ideal for having an opportunity to see the city. -  R. May, Graduate Student, PA

Cusco, Peru   The teachers were dynamic, friendly, and very professional.  From zero, I made a lot of progress in those two short weeks. -  M. Lewis, France

Buenos Aires, Argentina   I learned a lot and had fun in the process.  My host family was very welcoming and great company.  I stayed with them for about three months and really got to know and enjoy the family. -  N. Germaneri, Student, OR

Oaxaca, Mexico   The school and the family stay were excellent.  The instructors I had were all very competent and responsive to feedback.  The family was amazing!  I especially loved the cook and her eight year old daughter - a family with kids was the perfect choice for me. - Ashley Richardson, Nurse, CA

Playa del Carmen, Mexico    I loved my experience.  Martha, the director of teaching, and Tere, the program director, were terrific.  D. DuPree, Marketing, MD

Heredia, Costa Rica    I absolutely loved the school.  Aside from the teachers, the dance classes and Samara beach campus were the best parts.  I also made some amazing friends.  M. Scadeng, College Student, DC

 

Likeable Links

http://mayaruins.com/tikal.html    Photos with descriptions of the park

http://www.craigandstephsvacations.com/Guatemala/Guatemala2004/Tikal.html  One couple's account of their visit to TIkal

http://www.civilization.ca/civil/maya/mmc01eng.html  Information on the Mayan civilization, in the past and today

http://www.mayadiscovery.com/ing/  An online magazine on all things Maya

http://mayamayan.homestead.com/about.html  A small intro to Mayan languages

 

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 Time with office hours 9:00 to 5:00.  
Kay G. Rafool, Exec. Director/Christina Henderson, Asst. Director, Language Link, P.O.B. 3006, Peoria, Illinois 61612 USA, Fax 309.692.2926 Worldwide 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

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