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September 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

Do you need more stress?  Well, sometimes you do when writing Spanish.  Accents…what a mystery to some, yet it’s one which is easily decoded.  And please don’t think you can ignore them.  If you do, it can completely change the meaning of what you have written.  This lesson will give you some basic rules of stress, how the syllables are broken down, and the very simple rules to know how to use an accent.  First let’s examine how to know where to put the natural emphasis on words which don’t require an accent.  Three basic rules:  1. If a word ends in a vowel, n or s, the natural stress (where your voice goes up) falls on the next to last syllable.  Examples primavera.  hablan  2.  If a word ends in a consonant (except n or s), the natural stress falls on the last syllable.  Examples hablar, verdad. 3.  If a word doesn’t follow rules 2 or 3, then it needs a written accent over the vowel in the syllable which is stressed in the way the word is actually said.  Examples  estará, anécdota

This is all quite simple and straightforward, but there is a small wrinkle.  This is easy enough when there is one vowel in each syllable, but often there’s a combination of vowels called a dipthong.  Sometimes this combination slides together and is counted and pronounced as one syllable, while other times it separates into two separate syllables.  How to know when?  It’s an unchanging rule again.  U and I are weak vowels (think that you and I are weak when it comes to great desserts), and A, E and O are strong vowels.  Two strong vowels together count as two syllables.   Example: tarea   One strong and one weak vowel counts as one syllable. Example: comedia, and two weak vowels together counts as one syllable. Example: suizo 

     Now what happens if a word doesn’t follow the rules of 1. or 2. and needs an accent, but it has a dipthong in the syllable you want to stress.  Over which vowel you place the accent mark makes a lot of difference!  If you have a combination of a weak vowel and a strong vowel and you put the accent over the weak vowel (you’re strengthening it with the accent), it divides into two separate syllables.  Example: panadería  If you want the entire dipthong syllable to get the stress, then you put the accent over the strong vowel, keeping it one syllable.  Example:  canción   This is all quite easy and consistent once you realize the logic of the rules.

     There are exceptions, of course.  The most frequent ones are those when an accent mark doesn’t change the stress; it simply distinguishes a word which is spelled the same but differs in meaning.  Examples:  el – the, él – he or

si – if, sí – yes.

     And a note…we do hope that all the accent marks show up correctly in this article.  Different browsers sometimes show accent marks looking like gobbledygook.  We try to use the most standard way possible so that your information comes through correctly.  If you have any problems with viewing the accents correctly, please see the posted version of this newsletter on our website at www.langlink.com under the News section.

Cocina Cooking

Fish in Scallop Shells – a dish with a history, served for December holiday dinners at the home of Mexican artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.  Makes an elegant first course when served individually, but you can also put in a larger casserole and have a savory, easy, do ahead main course.

Serves 8

1 ½ lbs. red snapper filets (huachinango) or any firm fleshed white fish, 2 onions quartered, 1 bay leaf, 6 black peppercorns, 2 cloves, 2 tsp salt, 3 T. lime juice, 4 cups water.  Sauce – 1 large chopped onion, 4 T. oil, 3 chopped, seeded jalapeño chiles, 3 large tomatoes peeled and chopped, 2 T. chopped parsley, salt and pepper.  Topping – 4 T. softened butter, bread crumbs.

Place fish with quartered onions, seasonings, lime juice and water in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil.  Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.  Strain the fish, let it cool and flake it.  Set aside.

To make sauce, sauté chopped onions in oil until translucent. Add the chiles, sauté for a few seconds, then add tomatoes and parsley.  Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook until thickened.  Gently stir in fish and simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.  Butter 8 sea scallop shells (you can buy these at fresh fish markets) or a buttered casserole dish.  Fill with fish mixture.  Sprinkle with bread crumbs and dot with butter.  They can be covered and refrigerated for several hours this way.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes or until heated through (may need longer if they have been refrigerated or the mixture is in one larger casserole dish.)

Culture Clips

Museum-piece – Def. An object so splendid or old-fashioned that it should be on display in a museum

     I am embarking on a visit to three quite splendid museums, all located in the Spanish speaking world.  Museo El Prado is in every Spanish textbook I ever had, and my itchy traveling feet are anxious to be headed in that direction for the first time in Madrid, Spain.  Since it’s quite near El Parque del Retiro, Madrid’s most famous park, I decide on a little stroll there first.  Public parks are always venues filled with energetic life in Latin America, and I find Spain to follow this same pattern.  Before I head for the building with life on canvas, my eyes fill with the sights of the human drama of life en vivo.  Approaching the main entry, I remember reading that it was originally a science museum, and redesignated as an art museum by the brother of Napoleon Bonaparte.  At the main door, I feel a bit overwhelmed.  The Prado contains over 9,000 works, mainly paintings, of which only about 1500 can be displayed at any one time.  The Royal Collection, the core, was started by Queen Isabel in the 1500’s.  Instantly I realize that with my first visit I need to concentrate on my must sees, leaving the rest for a later time.  I decide to concentrate on Velazquez, El Greco and Goya.  The Prado houses all the major works of these artists, and it is an amazing thrill to see the originals of what I have seen only in copies for so many years. Both the Maja paintings (clothed and nude) are exciting to view.  The images are so familiar that it’s almost as if I’m looking in an old family album. Perhaps the most enjoyable is discovering a new painting, or at least unknown to me with my limited art education.  There is a particularly memorable one by Goya of children at a country picnic.  The joy and life in that piece are a marked contrast to many of his darker drawings of war, and I will keep it in my head for many weeks.  Next I decide to do a quick descent to the lower level, as the huge work The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch is located there.  My guilt over abandoning the art of Spain is quickly overcome by the fascination of trying to interpret this monumental allegory.  My head is awash in images as I depart to meet friends, as it’s now tapas time!

     On another day in Spain, I am asked by the owner of the Spanish school Eureka in Madrid, what I would particularly like to see, as he knows I’m anxious to learn more of Spain.  Since I know he is specifically trained to be a cultural interpreter, I ask to see one painting only, located in the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. The building itself is appealing, with a central patio, a soaring Alexander Calder mobile, and filled with major contemporary art.   My quest, however, is the painting of Picasso titled Guernica.  The themes of death, the bullfight and the crucifixion are all here, as well as many more.  Angel Piñuela is an excellent guide through the maze of symbolism.  An example of one small detail is that there is a wounded horse which has been stabbed by a spear.  The spear is a symbol which represents Picasso, as the first four letters of his name mean spear in Spanish.  There is also the association of a wet paintbrush and a spear in his childhood.  This is partly due to his remarks about painting being a weapon.  “A painting is not made to decorate apartments.  It’s an offensive and defensive weapon against the enemy.” Picasso was very secretive about the meanings of Guernica and would only talk about it in a guarded and superficial way, yet the mysteries of its imagery have given rise to more art historical interpretations than any other picture in history. Is it any wonder that Angel and I are spending two hours in front of this one painting…analyzing, discussing, interpreting.  It’s giving my Spanish ability to hypothesize a great workout!

     Another museum…another continent, and this time it’s at one of the best museums of its kind in the world.  I am at the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City and am instantly refreshed by the mist which blows off the immense waterfall within the central courtyard.  This is a museum I have visited many times and always look for an opportunity to return.  I have to tip my hat to the giant Olmec heads, and they still look like football players in the old fashioned helmets of that sport.  The Maya room always beckons, as I find it thrilling to walk down stairs to a reconstructed tomb where an incredible jade mask lays over the face of a past king.  In the temples with their colorful murals I always find a new symbol or detail which I had never noticed.  Next I’m off to the Mexica room, knowing that this was the original name of the Aztec people.  The term Aztec was not given to them until years past their decline.  Although this sala is never completely empty of visitors, today it seems particularly crowded.  I notice that there are several groups of native people, most with red bands tied around their foreheads.  They are concentrated specifically between the amazing sculptures of Coatlicue, the mother goddess and another significant deity, and they are closing their eyes and facing their palms toward the statues.  My curiosity overcomes my reluctance to interfere, and I ask what they are doing and why.  I am told that this is a special day in the Aztec calendar, when these groups believe that there is a unique energy field created between these two deities.  They are holding up their hands to receive the vibrations of the special energy, and the red headbands concentrate their meditations.  It’s a fascinating crossroad of contemporary people and ancient beliefs, and what remarkable serendipity to come across it in this marvelous place.

In a time of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future.  Those who have finished learning find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists. – Eric Hoffer

Language Link’s Latest

     Several schools are adding specialized medical courses to their programs on any dates in 2006.  Cuernavaca has one which started recently and has already received good reviews.  Next year these will be offered in Santiago, Chile (with a shadowing program) and Buenos Aires.

     For all you urbanites who like really large cities, we will be adding a school in Mexico City within the next few months.  It has an excellent reputation and is located (family stays also there) in La Condesa, the trendiest neighborhood in the city.

     The year 2006 will be exceptionally busy for us with groups from middle schools, high schools and universities going to several countries.  Remember that you can form your own personal group (just a group of your friends) of at least ten students and receive a complimentary trip to almost all our schools.    

     We’ve been asked to alert you to major festivals occurring in 2006 so that you can schedule your study around them.  January 19-21, Jazz Festival, Panama City, Panama

January – March 2006, Various events for the Year of Gastronomy, Barcelona, Spain 

February 25-March 6,  Tango Festival, Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

April 9-16,  Semana Santa or Holy Week.  Antigua, Guatemala, and Seville, Spain 

April 11-24, Film Festival.  Buenos Aires, Argentina

April 25-30, April Fair in Seville, Spain.  Seville’s biggest annual party. 

May 21-30,  Madrid, Spain.  World’s largest bullfight festival plus many cultural events

May (dates to be determined),  Feria de Córdoba, Spain.  Córdoba’s festival of flamenco

June 24, Inca festival of Inti Raymi, Cusco, Peru.  Sun festival celebrating winter solstice

July 7-14, Running of the bulls, Pamplona, near San Sebastian, Spain

July 16-25, Guelaguetza, Oaxaca City, Mexico.  Folk music and dance festival

July (dates to be determined), Guitar festival, Cordoba, Spain

November 1, Día de los Muertos (Day of the dead).  Oaxaca, Mexico and Antigua

December 23, La Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes), Oaxaca, Mexico

Some schools have special Christmas programs – Cusco, Vejer (Spain), San Sebastian

OJO (Special Deals)

    A FREE tango class in Buenos Aires is now included when you study at ILEE.  You can add ongoing tango classes for only $60 per week.

     If you are planning study for 2006, new fees are now posted on our website. Note that some Latin American schools (Quito, Cusco and Oaxaca) will give you the 2005 prices if you register by Nov 1 for 2006 study dates.

     Prices in Spain will actually be a little lower in 2006 due to the stronger dollar against the euro.

     The Oaxaca contest continues!  Our contest for a free two week trip including classes and family stay to study in Oaxaca will continue for the next two months.  Enter through our contest box on our website.  When we announce the winner in November, we’ll start another contest, and we’ll surprise you with the location at that time.  We love reading the comments on your entries!

Rhythm & Book Blurbs

     We like to recommend a variety of reading for you, so here’s a whodunit for all you mystery readers.  The Moche Warrior by Lyn Hamilton, is in the category of archaeology mysteries.  It is an entertaining, fun to read, and educational book set in the background of the ancient Moche people and their civilization along the Northern coast of Peru.  It may lead you on to further reading about the rich, ancient cultures of this area.

      The sound track from the film about the young Che Guevara, The Motorcycle Diaries, has some haunting melodies and features the Oscar nominated song, Al otro lado del río by Uruguayan singer and acoustic guitarist, Jorge Drexler.  If you’re taken by this song, another of his albums is Llueve.  The liner notes include all the words to the songs, one of our favorite teaching tools. 

Been There, Loved That

Antigua, Guatemala

            Having a one-on-one experience with a teacher was a fantastic learning experience!  The teachers and the school were all so professional!  Walking about Antigua  made the learning so much more interesting and valuable.  S.

Benedetto, Educator, Connecticut

Seville, Spain 

Loved the CLIC course in Sevilla, would go back in a second…attentive, great teachers.  L. Fidler, Jeweler, California

Madrid, Spain. 

I had a great time and the staff was friendly and helpful.  The teachers were excellent and taught good techniques to acquire the language.  A. Morales, Teacher, California

San Sebastian, Spain

Thanks for putting together a very wonderful experience.  The instructors were great.  I really enjoyed all the classroom exercises because they helped me practice everyday Spanish.  S. Chin, Attorney, New York

Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

I had a wonderful experience at IH Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen.  I was happy with the program, staff, and school facilities.  I especially liked the fact that the school offers extras such as cooking classes.  The apartments  that they offer to longer term students are nicely furnished and equipped.  I really enjoyed the three weeks I spent there.  O. Cooper, Software Engineer, California

Likeable Links

http://www.mna.inah.gob.mx/ - National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guernica_(painting) – Picasso’s Guernica

http://www.museoreinasofia.es/portada/portada.php - Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid

http://museoprado.mcu.es/home.html - El Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain

http://www.pbs.org/treasuresoftheworld/guernica/gmain.html - Information on Guernica

 

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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