Language Link Online
Your Passport to Spanish Learning Adventures
http://www.langlink.com   Toll Free 800.552.2051     info@langlink.com
Full details of all programs including fees and dates on our website

March 2007 Online Newsletter...sent every other month
Tips and information about learning Spanish and about the people who speak it.  Personal attention is what has made Language Link grow, and we value your contributions.  Please send an email if you want to remove your name or add a friend to our newsletter list.
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 
Speaking Directly     
     Whenever a grammatical term such as direct object pronoun is used, often eyes glaze over and a mind shudders at the thought of anything using the word grammar.  Please don't let the terminology keep you from using these all important words.  If you never use them, your Spanish will stay at a very elementary level.  Let's take some of the mystery out of them.  First of all, remember that a pronoun is just a stand in word for an object or a noun.  Instead of constantly having to repeat the noun, you simply use a form such as it or them.  There are two kinds of pronouns in this area - direct and indirect.  Think of the indirect ones as having the word "to" in front of them.  For instance, give it to me - the it is a direct pronoun, and the me is an indirect.  In this lesson we'll just consider the direct object projouns.  The Spanish forms are: Singular  1) me - English me  2) te - English familiar you  3) lo, la - it, English formal you, him, her
Plural  1) nos - us   3) los, las - them, you plural
      Let's see how these work, using only the present tense.  The positioning is all important.  If they are used with a conjugated verb, the direct object pronoun goes right in front of the verb, even if it's a negative statement.  Consider - I have the book.  Tengo el libro.  Replace the word for book with lo (because it's a masculine, singular noun), and put it in front.  Lo tengo.  Other examples:
Te quiero.  I love you.  Paco no la conoce.  Paco doesn't know her.  Ana no la tiene.  Ana doesn't have it (it's something singular and feminine).  Los necesito ahora.  I need them (something plural and masculine) now. 
      What about another position of these direct object pronouns?  If you have an infinitive (remember, that's the unconjugated "to" form), you simply attach the pronoun on to the end of the infinitive, actually making it a part of the word.  Voy a necesitarlo mañana.  I am going to need it (something masculine and singular) tomorrow.  Ellos quieren verme más tarde.  They want to see me later.  Paco no puede terminarlo hoy.  Paco can't finish it (perhaps el libro?) today.
      Another situation when you attach the pronoun is when using an affirmative command.  Escríbalo aquí, por favor.  Write it (masculine and singular, el número?) here, please.  Prepárelas, por favor.  Fix or prepare them (in this case, las enchiladas).  Hágalo, por favor.  Do it, please.  Notice that you have to add a written accent to keep the original sound of the verb when you have added the pronoun.
      Notice that in all cases above, these were affirmative commands, asking someone to do something.  If the command is negative, however (as in, don't do something), the pronoun is not attached to the end.  It is placed before the verb.  Take the examples above, make them negative, and see the difference.  No lo escriba, por favor.  No las prepare, por favor.  No lo haga, por favor.
      These are really not complicated, and they easily move your Spanish to a much higher level.  Make a special effort to master them, starting by using the most commonly used ones and incorporating them whenever possible into your conversation.
Cocina Cooking
Vegetable Paella - Serves 6
A low fat rendition of the classic dish of Spain
1/2 C. water, 1/4 tsp. saffron threads, 2 T. olive oil, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 medium onion diced, 1 9 oz. pkg. frozen baby artichokes thawed and quartered, 2 large minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 C. white rice, 3 C. canned chicken stock, 2 C. chopped Swiss chard or zucchini, 1 C. drained canned chopped tomatoes, 1 1/2 tsp. paprika, 1/2 tsp. salt, one 15 oz. can white beans rinsed and drained, 1/2 C. frozen peas.
Heat olive oil in large heavy saucepan over medium heat.  Add bell pepper and onion and sauté until soft.  Add artichokes and garlic and sauté 5 minutes.  Reduce heat to low.  Add rice and stir in chicken stock, zucchini and tomatoes.  Bring to boil, stirring frequently.  Add saffron, water, paprika and salt.  Cover and cook 15 minutes.  Mix beans and peas into rice, cover and continue cooking until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 5 minutes.  Remove saucepan from heat.  Let stand 5 minutes and serve. 
Culture Clips
Feria de Abril en Sevilla
      The poet Lord Byron referred to Seville as being famous for its oranges and women.  I have just strolled through a courtyard, the air heavily perfumed with the scent of orange blossoms, and that description filled my senses.  I could imagine the incredible orange marmalade just waiting to happen.  Now, as a walker appreciating the pedestrian streets of Seville, my attention is caught by a shop window filled with ornate fans, tall combs and lacy mantillas.  They are the very image of what little girls dream of as Spanish señoritas.  What fun I have trying on a few and imagining myself as Doña Catalina from a past century in Seville.  But what I have seen and immensely enjoyed today is only a brief glimpse into a spectacle which will occur in April in this enchanting city.  How I wish my stay were longer so that I could experience firsthand the Feria de Abril (2007 dates April 24 – 29).  This would be my chance to see hundreds of colorful flamenco dresses, all worn by local girls and women out on the streets.  The themes of this mighty party (besides dresses) are horses and bullfighting, and it is clearly a typical Spanish party with a million guests showing up, coming from all over the world.  It began as a cattle trading fair in 1847, and it has evolved into a round the clock spectacle of fun, frivolity and color.  The grand opening is El Alumbrado, when the official lanterns are lit and half a million little lights are turned on at once.  The main activities take place in a temporary tent city called the Real de la Feria.  There are innumerable temporary tents known as casetas.  Each one is hosted by different groups of aristocratic Sevillana families, clubs, trade unions and political parties.  Each temporary dance hall has its own atmosphere and traditions, and sherry flows freely, complimented with tapas. One of the most notorious and amusing casetas is Er 77.  In this caseta, wine is drawn from a well and poured from buckets.  Each evening the casetas feature flamenco music and dancing from around 9 pm to 6 or 7:00 the next morning.  I keep asking myself a perennial question…when do the Spanish sleep?
     They certainly can’t be sleeping during the day, as at noon each day there is a procession called the Paseo de Caballos, in which women in full flamenco dress ride through the city in beautiful carriages pulled by splendid horses.  There are strolling singers playing traditional Sevillana ballads on their guitars, filling the air with traditional music.  In the afternoons bullfights take place, with outstanding matadors and bullfights which are considered the best of the season.  These are held in one of the most beautiful bullrings in all of Spain, and locals call it “the Cathedral”.
     I’m already marking it on my calendar for 2008.  The tentative dates are April 8 – 13.  This is one party my husband and I definitely don't want to miss, so please increase the guest list to a million and two in 2008.
The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. - St. Augustine 
Language Link's Latest 
     It's the time to plan your summer study, keeping in mind that some of our programs will completely fill to the point of a wait list, especially in June and July.  At times we receive questions asking if it will be uncomfortably hot in Latin America in our summer.  Please remember that in Mexico we have three mountain locations (Cuernavaca, Mexico City and Oaxaca), and the climate is refreshing and wonderful in U.S. summer months.  The same can be said for San José and Heredia in Costa Rica and Antigua in Guatemala.  Enjoy the natural air conditioning of crisp morning mountain air.  When you reach South America, the seasons are reversed.  You'll be in the colder winter months in Ecuador, Argentina, Chile and Peru.  You can even ski in some of those countries! 
     Don't delay in enrolling your teens in one of our great teen programs.  They are gaining in popularity each year, as parents are recognizing the importance of an early start to learning Spanish.  Costa Rica is a super one for active teens.
     The National Geographic Channel will be airing a three hour special on the Galapagos Islands on March 18. The documentary will highlight the creation of the volcanic islands and their famous role in Darwin's theory of natural selection. For those of you who haven't experienced the islands, this film will be a fantastic introduction. And for the lucky souls who have combined the Galapagos with their Spanish study in Ecuador, what an excellent way to revisit the memories from your trip!
OJO (Special Deals)
    A new contest! Since our Costa Rica contest ended, we are now offering a free two week study trip to charming Antigua, Guatemala.  The winner will study at PLFM with a private instructor for six hours daily and will have a private room and three meals daily (except Sundays) with a local Guatemala family.  Click on the contest box on our website, enter your name and a brief comment, and dream of Antigua!
Rhythm & Book Blurbs
Book - The Blind Man of Seville by Robert Wilson   This is a mystery-suspense thriller set in the cultural milieu of Seville.  The writer knows Spain well, and his descriptions are well written and compelling.  The novel includes a murder mystery, Spanish history, and a bit of what it means to be a sevillano.  Readers have commented that it is much more than just a thriller due to the cultural content.
Music - To further your dreams of dancing in Seville, practice with this two CD album of the most popular sevillana dances, A Bailar Sevillanas:  40 Sevillanas Inolvidables.
Purchase these items through our Language Link Shop.
Been There, Loved That
          PLFM of Antigua, Guatemala   This was my third trip to Antigua to study.  I had the most fantastic living experience, living with a widow who rented out three bedrooms in the house and a couple of cabinetas next door.  This made for fantastic dinner conversation.  It was great to have 6-9 people around the table for a meal and converse in Spanish about the world.  We all had different levels of competency in speaking Spanish, but our host did a fantastic job of making sure everyone participated and correcting the errors made by everyone.  I had two different teachers for the two weeks.  Both were terrific.  The second one was a real task master, which was just what I needed!  - Catherine Gadomski, International Sales Manager, Kirtland, Ohio
     Amauta of Cusco, Peru     My experience was Superior Plus.  It far exceeded my expectations. From the quality of staff and accommodations to the central locations of the campuses, I wouldn't have changed a thing. I had a life changing experience and can't wait to travel again.  My teachers were very interactive and knowledgeable.  They gave me an education I couldn't get in a classroom in the U.S.  I wish I would have known before I left how much fun Peru is...I would have come three weeks earlier. I didn't want to leave. – Will Tullmann, International Business Student, Webster Groves, Missouri
     Intercultura of Heredia and Sámara Beach, Costa Rica  I had an exceptional experience at Intercultura.  My favorite aspects were the classes/staff and the location of the school.  I enjoyed the overall attitude of the staff, including administrators, of being a learner.  Everyone was interested in helping you learn and get connected to cultural experiences in the area.  They were creative, helpful, patient…I loved learning!  Because I was older than the majority of the students at Intercultura, I appreciated that my host family's house lent itself to a more independent lifestyle.  – Molly Huber, Livermore, California
     Becari of Oaxaca, Mexico - Just thought I'd let you know, I love Oaxaca.  Don't hesitate to send your students here.  Yes, there are buildings that still need some paint over the slogans, but all is calm.  There is so much culture, artisans, artists, textiles here.  If there is a city in the States like this I want to know about it so I can move there.  There is music in the Zócalo every night, with major productions on the weekends.  Last night I saw Tania Libertad - phenomenal. The people are great.  – Alison Smith, Physician
     Academia de Español Quito, Ecuador - Being in Ecuador was great.  My wife and I went down there with our two children (2 years and 5 months).  While we were a bit afraid of traveling so far with our children, the trip went great. My wife and I took classes in the morning while the employee of the house took care of our kids.  She was great and became like their “second mom.”  In the afternoons one of us went out with a professor on the town to sight see; the other went home and watched the kids while a professor taught a class or just conversed.  Two months went by very quickly there. My wife went from being a non-Spanish speaking person to the advanced level in 2 months.  – Daniel Olson, Pastor, Woodside, New York
     Spanish Language Institute of Cuernavaca, Mexico – (organized group trip)  The trip was great.  The housing was excellent, and the kids were very comfortable.  The kids really enjoyed the teachers and the classes.  I had not one complaint. – Tom Fennell and Alison Brown, Department Chairs, Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, California
Likeable Links
http://www.red2000.com/spain/sevilla/fest.html
http://www.andalucia.com/festival/seville-feria.htm
http://www.virtourist.com/europe/seville/index.html      A virtual tour of Seville

We hope you enjoyed our news.  Visit us at www.langlink.com
If you like a real voice, call us at 800.552.2051, Central Time, office hours 9 to 5.
Kay Godfrey, Director Latin America Office / Meredith Butler, Director U.S. Office
Language Link, P.O.B. 3006, Peoria, Illinois 61612 USA, Fax 309.673.9221, Worldwide Telephone 309.673.9220, Toll Free 800.552.2051  info@langlink.com
¡Hasta luego!

follow us on twitter , youtube or facebook