Language Link Online  June 2008

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. 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

Accents,,, To Include or Not?
     So sorry, but you simply can’t avoid using accent marks in written Spanish. A word is not considered properly written if it needs an accent and you omit it, and sometimes omitting it completely changes the meaning of what you’ve written. The good news is that it is easy to master when to use accents.          
       Before we begin, here’s a hint on being able to easily include accents with your computer. (This may vary depending on your computer make and model.) Go to My Computer, Control Panel, Regional & Language, Keyboards & Languages. Here you can add Spanish as an alternate keyboard. Down at the bottom of your screen you should see EN (you may have to use the left caret to display the language icons). Click the EN, and the ES (Spanish choice) will come up. Make sure that it stays there, and then just type normally in your email or Word. To add an accent to a, e, I or u, type the left bracket key. The carriage. will not move. Then just type an a, and an accent will appear over it as á. It’s the same for all the other vowels. It’s like magic, so have fun with it. The ñ is found at the semicolon, colon key. The upside down question mark is found at the plus sign, and the upside down exclamation point is the plus sign with the shift key. Your keyboard will be different, and you will have to explore a little to find out where things such as apostrophes have moved, but you will have all the tools you need.
       The main use of the accent is to show you where the stress falls. The basic rules are: 1. If a word ends in a vowel, N or S, the natural stress will fall on the next to last syllable. 2. If a word ends in a consonant (except N or S) the stress falls on the last syllable. If a word is not pronounced according to these two rules, it needs a written accent over the syllable which is stressed in the way the word is actually said. Analyze these examples:
HoTEL, HAblan, primaVEra, baRAto, haBLAR, JoSÉ, francÉS. The last two words do not follow the rules, and so need a written accent.
      Another use of accents is to distinguish between words which sound alike, but have different meanings. These will sound the same in speaking, but in writing, the difference will be an accent to denote which meaning you choose:
si, if; sÍ, yes
de, of or from; dé, the command form for usted of the verb dar
el, the; él, he
mi, my; mí, me
te, you as in Te quiero; té, tea (as in brewed or iced)
tu, your; tú, you
       Accents are also used with demonstratives or the pointing out words such as this book, that book, that book over there. When they’re used with the noun itself (book), they don’t have accents and are stated as este libro, ese libro, aquel libro. However, if you want to drop the noun (in English we would say this one, that one), just add an accent, and they can stand alone. Éste (this one), ése (that one), aquél. Think of the accent mark as giving it the strength to stand alone.
     Yet another use of accents comes up with question asking words or interrogatives. Who, what, when, where, how, how many, why, which.   All have accents when in questions in Spanish. Quién, qué, cuándo, dónde, cómo, cuántos, por qué, cuál.   Note that when these words are not a question, they become relative pronouns and will lose the accent. ¿Dónde está tu casa? La casa en donde vivo está en la Colonia Miraval. ¿Qué tienes en la mano? El libro que tengo es tuyo.
      A final use of the accent is over the letter O when meaning or between numbers. If you write Tengo 5 o 6 páginas it can look like the number 506. To avoid this write it this way Tengo 5 ó 6 páginas.

Cocina Cooking

     You’re too busy studying Spanish to cook, so here’s a very easy menu of do ahead dishes for summer entertaining with great Mexican flavors.
Stacked Chicken Enchiladas with Salsa Verde – serves 6
These easy enchiladas have a bright, lively flavor due to the tomatillo, a small green tomato with a husk. It’s the main ingredient in bottled green salsa..
      2 poblano chiles (8 oz. total), the fresh green chiles which are easily found everywhere, 6 T vegetable oil, divided, 12 corn tortillas, 4 C bottled salsa verde, divided, 2 C shredded cooked chicken, divided, ¾ C sour cream, divided, 1 ½ C grated Mexican cheese, 3 T chopped fresh cilantro
       Char chiles directly over gas flame or in broiler until blackened all over. Enclose in paper bag; let stand 10 minutes. Peel and seed, then cut into 2x1/2-inch strips. Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 2 T oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tortilla to skillet; cook until slightly softened, about 15 seconds per side, turning with tongs. Transfer tortilla to paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining tortillas, adding oil to skillet as needed. Spread 1/2 C salsa over bottom of 8x8x2-inch glass baking dish. Arrange 4 tortillas over salsa, covering bottom of dish completely, overlapping slightly, and extending about 1 1/2 inches up sides of dish. Scatter 1 C chicken over tortillas, then half of poblano strips. Spoon 1 1/2 cups salsa over. Spoon 1/4 C sour cream over. Cover with 4 tortillas, overlapping slightly. Layer with remaining 1 C chicken, remaining poblanos, 1 C salsa, and 1/4 C sour cream. Cover with remaining 4 tortillas, then 1 C salsa, and remaining 1/4 C sour cream. Sprinkle with cheese. Can be covered and refrigerated at this point. Bake casserole until bubbling and cheese is lightly browned, about 35 minutes (longer if refrigerated). Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.  (Try to squelch the urge to shout ¡Viva México!)
Ensalada de Jícama con Melón – serves 6
If you don’t know jícama, you’re missing a Mexican treat. It looks like a fat, turnip shaped potato and is found in the produce section. The most amusing part is hearing it pronounced at the check out counter. Of course, you know that it’s properly said as HEEcahmah. In this dish he contrast of sweet fruit, crunchy jícama, tangy lime juice, and a little dash of chili powder makes for a delightful salad with spicy dishes.
1 large jícama, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips, 3 navel oranges, peeled and sectioned, 1 large cantalope or honeydew melon, peeled, seeded, and cut into bite-size chunks, 1/2 C pomegranate seeds (optional, but nice if you can find them), 1 C fresh lime juice, 2 sprigs cilantro, chopped, 1 T salt, 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
      In a glass bowl, combine jícama and fruit. This can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight at this point, but don’t do the next step until an hour before serving. Toss with lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Refrigerate about 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Toss with chili powder before serving.

Culture Clips

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” - Jawaharial Nehru

      On several trips to Cusco to visit our program there, I have relished  strolling the streets of this town which oozes ancient history and tradition. I remember one night seeing an illuminated closely cut Inca stone wall and remarking to my companion that all those curved corners in the light seemed to be living and breathing. It made a beautiful memory, but I am still waiting to create the memory of being in Cusco during Inti Raymi. Unlucky for me, my trips have never included the June date.  Inti Raymi is the second biggest festival in Latin America, after the carnival of Rio in Brazil. Celebrated by the Incas until it was banned by the Spaniards after the Conquest, the festival of Inti Raymi has been performed by Cusqueñans in their traditional Inca way since 1944.
      Inti Raymi is dedicated to the Inca Sun God, Apu Inti, and marks the beginning of the harvest. On the 24th of June they celebrate the winter solstice, which was to the Incas the beginning of the New Year. Scientifically the solstice begins on the 21st of June, but according to the Pacha Unachaq, a sundial used by the Incas, the sun remains in the same position for several days before rising on the 24th of June. This day was proclaimed by the Inca high priest to be the New Year, or Inti Raymi. Inca rituals were related to astronomic observations, in which priests predicted optimal timing for plowing and planting of corn based on the alignment of the constellations.
      The Inca era celebration of Inti Raymi began on a carved stone ceremonial platform at Q'orikancha, the house of the sun. On the morning of June 24th, the Inca leader, known as Sapa Inca, began the ceremony with an oration honoring Pacha Mama, the Earth Goddess. The oration encouraged the people to forget hatred and revenge and to work for the future of the Inca Empire. Sapa Inca would sing, pray and offer ceremonial seashells and other offerings of fine carvings, textiles, precious stones, gold and silver.
       The modern ceremony begins at the same site, where now stands the cathedral of Santa Domingo. During the ceremony, a Sapa Inca is carried on a golden throne between Q'orikancha and Sacsahuaman, the Inca fortress that overlooks the city. (The original throne, seized by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1533, was made of 175 pounds of pure gold.) The Sapa Inca and his colorful procession move along flower-bedecked streets to music and prayers and dancing. Women sweep the streets to clear them of evil spirits as the people climb up the hill to Sacsahuaman.  
      At Sacsahuaman, 600 people dressed in historical costumes begin a specially choreographed dance. The Sapa Inca and his wife, Mama Occla, salute the sun and offer a glass of chicha, a drink of fermented corn. A group of three priests then sacrifices a llama, removing the heart and interpreting the message of the gods as shown in its blood. (This part of the ceremony is now performed without sacrificing the animal, and the heart is artificial.) In the Inca ceremony, the llama's remains were burned and offered to the gods, along with other gifts.  Following the salutations, the Inca leaders prayed to the Sun God for plentiful harvests and fertility of the herds.
       Surrounding the modern day festivities of Inti Raymi, the city of Cusco is filled with fireworks displays, street vendors and various activities. The best musicians of Peru give live concerts in the Plaza de Armas. One festival food tradition is the huatia, where special potatoes are roasted in ovens dug in the ground, usually served with roasted cuy (guinea pig), lamb and plenty of chicha beer.
      Doesn’t it sound fascinating and wonderful? Maybe next year!

Language Link’s Latest

      Are you in a profession where contact with Spanish speaking people is important? Are you aware that we organize many professional groups for Spanish skills? Recently we have had a grain company, social workers, hospital groups, international business companies…just to name a few. You may perk up attention from your employers by approaching them about the possibility of organizing a group for professional development. Even with airfare it’s very affordable training, Contact kay@langlink.com to discuss the possibilities.
     We have proudly organized more than 10 groups of middle schoolers and high schoolers for the American Council of International Study. We are quite taken with their slogan “Travel Changes Lives”, and we have the same goal…to give you an unforgettable adventure.
     Announcing the winner of our two week free study trip to Quito, Ecuador! Randomly selected from over 1,000 entries, congratulations to Jim Couch, a network analyst for the Hertz Corporation in Norman, Oklahoma.

OJO (Special deals)

      Another exciting contest, and this time it’s for two weeks of free classes and homestay in one of our most highly rated programs, the Spanish Language Institute of Cuernavaca, Mexico. Just enter your name and a brief comment through our contest box on the website, and cross your fingers that you’ll be the lucky one. You’ll enjoy six hours daily of Spanish group classes and a homestay with private room and two meals daily. We’re even including a dinner out in one of Cuernavaca’s fabulous garden restaurants with director Kay Godfrey as your culinary host. Dream of the sublime climate of Cuernavaca, excellent Spanish instruction, and enter your name!
     Thanks to Meredith's technical skills, we are announcing a plan by which you can recoup 10% of the cost of your recently completed Spanish learning adventure. Publish a vlog showing what you experienced and share your story. Please contact Meredith at info@langlink.com for a full explanation of the requirements.

Rhythm & Book Blurbs

The Last Days of the Incas by Kim McQuarrie
With vivid and energetic prose, MacQuarrie recreates the 16th-century struggle for what would become modern-day Peru. The Incas ruled a 2,500–mile-long empire, but Spanish explorers, keen to enrich the crown and spread the Catholic Church, eventually destroyed Inca society. MacQuarrie, who writes with just the right amount of drama gives a balanced account of those events.

Magia Negra/Black Magic by Omara Portuondo  This is a classic album remastered, recorded in Havana, Cuba,, in 1958. It was the first solo album recorded by the great Omara Portuondo, recently of Buenavista Social Club fame. Classic tunes like "Magia Negra" , "Black Magic" , "Ya No Me Quieres", "Llanto de Luna", and "No Puedo Ser Feliz",  all make this album timeless and irresistible to Cuban music fans.  

You can easily purchase both items through our Language Link Shop. 

Been There, Loved That

     PLFM of Antigua, Guatemala – My two weeks in Guatemala ended up being way better than anything I expected. Antigua is a beautiful, safe area with a fascinating history and culture. My instructor was AMAZING. On hot, lazy days we would walk through the cobblestone streets and go to the market to purchase avocados, haggle with the venders in Spanish, return to our classroom and make nachos with guacamole for the entire school! I enjoyed how we weren’t always limited to exercises from the book, and it allowed me to learn more about the Guatemalan people and their culture. All the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The pre-travel packet was SOOO helpful. I was perfectly prepared, thanks to it. – Meredith Chandler, Student, Tiburon, California
     Intercultura of Samara Beach, Costa Rica – My experience was superior! I really enjoyed my time there, and everything was well organized. The instructors were awesome, very helpful, and really seemed to care about the students. – Samantha Langford, Nurse, Austin, Texas
     Amauta of Cusco, Peru - The best time of my life!!!!!!! Professors were very friendly and helpful. There was a good variety and each teacher brought something special to the classroom. They are very sincere people who are there to help you learn as much as you can and get the most out of the experience. My family was very caring and open and I really enjoyed living with them. The information you provided was very informative, and it is always good to experience new things and to have to discover them for yourself. -  James Urlacher, Student, North Dakota
     Academia de Español of Quito, Ecuador - The school is very helpful with excursions and traveling after studies (special thanks to Arturo!), a great country where you can spend a lot of time. The Activa Program was a fantastic and diverse way of learning, and a great way to directly apply what you learned. I could have continued for weeks without getting bored or tired. I thank you very much for all your help, it was a great experience with wonderful people at the Academia, and it was definitely not my last time to take classes there in Quito. - Ulrike Kuehl, Flight Attendant, Germany
      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
      Spanish Language Institute of Cuernavaca, Mexico - The school experience was EXCELLENT!. Every effort was made to allow students to take advantage of what Cuernavaca can offer, thus expanding the overall learning experience. The class sizes were perfect and they placed me at just the right level. I would highly recommend SLI to anyone who seriously wanted to learn or improve their Spanish. My instructors were first rate, Conversations ran from controversial, to informative, to funny, to hypothetical. The real proof of the pudding was the reaction of our Mexican friends, in DF, who all commented on our greatly improved abilities to hold lengthy conversations in a fluid, literate and relaxed way. The time at SLI was very well spent. - Allan Knuerr, Retired Chef, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Likeable Links

http://www.unique-southamerica-travel-experience.com/inti-raymi.html - an overview of Inti Raymi
http://www.mon-photo.com/South_America/Peru_3/en.htm - very good Inti Raymi photos
http://www.cusco.net/articulos/intiraymi.htm - the story of Inti Raymi in both English and Spanish versions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inca - general information about Inca civilization

We hope you enjoyed our news. Please visit us at www.langlink.com. Call us at 800.552.2051. Central Time with hours 9:00 to 5:00.
Kay Godfrey, Director Latin America Office
Meredith Butler, Director U.S. Office
Language Link, P.O.B. 3006, Peoria, IL 61612 USA
Worldwide 309.673.9220, Toll Free 800.552.2051
info@langlink.com ¡Hasta luego!

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