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

Hay…definitely not ay, ay, ay!
     Haber is one of the more unusual verbs in Spanish, but it’s an indispensable one. The present tense form hay is usually translated as there is or there are. But note that it has nothing to do with location, rather it refers to existence. (If you were pointing at the “there” of location, you would use estar, as in El dinero está allí. Very often in everyday speech, you comment on the existence of something. Hay mucho dinero en la mesa. Hay muchas personas en las calles. Note that it is always hay, whether it refers to the existence of something singular or plural. It is often used in public situations where in English you would ask the more personal, do you have…? In a restaurant, for example, ¿Hay vino? This is a more polite, less personal way of asking whether the restaurant offers something. It’s common to be looking for something in a store, and you’re met with a shrug of the shoulders and the dreaded comment, No hay.
     What about the past, expressing there was or there were? This form is había, and notice that it is also used for either singular or plural. (A note that sometimes this is used ungrammatically even by native speakers who may say habían, but this is not correct usage.) Había muchos problemas. This form expresses a description of something, without a defined beginning or end. It’s a very generalized statement. The other past form is hubo. This indicates there was or there were but indicates that it is over. Hubo un incendio en un edificio ayer. Hubo una guerra allí en 1943.
     Other forms used are future – habrá, there will be. This makes a very strong statement, stronger in feeling than the less specific va a pasar – it’s going to happen. Habrá problemas sin dinero. The subjunctive form is haya, there may be. Espero que haya más tiempo. The conditional form is habría, there would be
      The other use of haber is what is called as an auxiliary or helping verb to form the perfect tenses. These are when we use “to have” as a helping verb in English. I have written, they had seen, I will have finished, you would have done – these are all called perfect tenses, and they are expanded to be called Present Perfect, Past Perfect, etc. With these forms in Spanish you use all conjugated parts of the helping verb, as it does agree with the subject. Present – he, has, ha, hemos, han. They’re used with a part participle – this is equivalent in English to spoken, seen, done, finished. He hablado, has visto, ha hecho, hemos terminado. The most commonly used past forms: había, habías, había, habíamos, habían - I had spoken, había hablado, they had finished, habían terminado
The conditional is often used in this tense – habría, habrías, habría,habríamos, habrían – he would have spoken, habría hablado
¡Ay, ay, ay…so many things to consider with hay!

Cocina Cooking

Torta Ahogada (Drowned Beef Sandwich), a traditional dish of Guadalajara
Serves 4
      For the sauce: One 10 oz. can chopped tomatoes with green chiles, two 8 oz. cans tomato sauce, ¼ C. chopped cilantro leaves, 2 chipotle chiles in adobo seeded and chopped, 2 tsp. adobo sauce from canned chipotles, l lime juiced, 1 tsp. salt, 1 C. beef broth
      For meat filling: 2 T vegetable oil, 1 large onion thinly sliced, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 minced jalapeño peppers, 1 lb. deli-sliced roast beef cut into strips, 1 avocado mashed, 4 crusty sandwich rolls such as bolillos or French bread rolls, halved and lightly toasted.
      To prepare the sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped tomatoes with chiles, tomato sauce, cilantro, chipotles, adobo sauce, lime juice, and salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to gently cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
To prepare the meat filling: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions. Cook and stir until the onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and jalapeño. Cook and stir for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until the onions are well browned and the garlic and jalapeños soften. Add the meat and toss until heated through and well combined, about 2 minutes. Add 3/4 cup of the tomato sauce to the roast beef mixture, tossing to coat.
     Remove the sauce from the heat and add the broth. In a blender or with a mixing wand puree the sauce until smooth. It should be thin. Ladle the sauce into 4 large bowls with room for dipping.
      To serve: Spread the smashed avocado on both sides of the roll. Pile the meat filling on the bottom halves of the sandwich buns, close, and cut each sandwich in half. Arrange each sandwich on a plate with the dipping sauce on the side. Dream you’re in Guadalajara!

Culture Clips

Sitting in a Plaza in Guadalajara
      It’s one of my favorite things to do in Latin America – sit in a plaza, have a coffee or a glass of wine, and watch daily life unfold before me. Plazas are always so full of life here that they seem to be the heartbeats of the city. Where I am sitting today is in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and the day is characteristically pleasantly warm and sunny. Since I’m at 5,200 feet of elevation, the air is invigorating without being cold. This isn’t even the largest plaza in this beautiful, colonial city of four million, founded in 1542, but it’s quite close to where I’m staying during my visit to our latest school, IMAC. I am in the Centro Histórico, however, and my view is of the Templo Expiatorio, an imposing NeoGothic church built in the 1800’s. Just as in the Middle Ages, no cement or iron was used in its construction. As I make a quick visit, the morning sunlight illuminating the stained glass windows is stunning. In front of the church is the ample plaza, ringed with outdoor cafes. As I eat my breakfast chilaquiles, I notice a large, beautiful fountain off to the side. Is it centered by nymphs, cherubs, or sea creatures? Oh, no! I’m in Guadalajara, and the center of the fountain is a large carving of the agave plant, the source of tequila.
     This is the second largest city in Mexico, but it does not have an overwhelmingly urban feeling of skyscrapers and hustle and bustle. It is, however, a major contributor to the cultural and economic life of Mexico and was ranked as the “city of the future” over all other major Mexican cities. It is also considered the Silicon Valley of Mexico for its strong software production. There is such a wealth of art and culture that the Guggenheim Foundation is constructing in Guadalajara the sixth Guggenheim museum in the world. The city will also host the 2011 Pan American Games. Shall I just condense things by saying that this is a “happening” place. And all of this is coming from a place which is the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila.
     As I watch a myriad of people pass by, I’m already anticipating my future side trips. After seeing it in a Mexican soap opera (completely over the top and so much fun to watch) called Destilando Amor, I think it will be a grand time to ride the Tequila Express train to the nearby town of Tequila. There’s much to learn about this national beverage of Mexico. The agave plants thrive in this area, with perfect altitude and climate for their growth. I will see fields and fields of agave plants, as well as the workers cutting off leaves to reach the large piñas, as the cores are called. Each plant will produce five bottles of tequila. Always enjoyable to visit, I know I will find the entire distilling process fascinating. There’s always so much that goes on before I lift a tequila glass with the brindis (toast) of ¡Salud!
      And what else awaits? The warmth of the tapatíos (as locals are called in Guadalajara) lends a cordial feeling everywhere, but it’s like icing on the cake, as there is so much to do. Tlaquepaque is an artisan town which is quite near, and it’s renowned all over Mexico for exquisite and unique handcrafts. I have known people who have flown halfway around the world just to shop in Tlaquepaque. Surely I will be compelled to aid the Mexican economy and put out some pesos for a treasure to take back home. And then there are those round structures (can something round be called a pyramid?) at Guachimontones, dating back to the 6th century. The lover of ancient cultures in me won’t be able to resist a visit there.
     What will I do in Guadalajara? It’s quite obvious that it’s a list I won’t go through quickly. What a superb place to visit, study Spanish, and to enjoy Mexican life.

A different language is a different vision of life. - Federico Fellini
   

Language Link's Latest

     NEW!  We are proudly announcing the addition of another school, and it’s located in Guadalajara, Mexico. This is a wonderful place to study, and we have received many requests for this location over the years. Language Link is very pleased to be able to offer it to you. It’s easy and inexpensive to reach (many direct flights), and IMAC is a quality school with affordable fees and many additional benefits. All the school information is now posted on our website under Mexico, so do have a look.
     Academia de Español Quito (Ecuador) has put together a very exciting program for medical professionals of all types. It is called Corazones Amigos and combines 4 hours of classroom study in medical terminology with 4 hours of hands on medical volunteer work at a well known hospital. Please see all information on our website under Ecuador and Quito.
      Another interesting program for those with medical interests will be taking place in Cuernavaca in January. Two universities (including the Univ. of Wisc. at Madison) are sponsoring a Medical Spanish course, and students will visit facilities and receive lectures from Mexican health professionals. 
      Our latest contest winner, Jim Couch of Oklahoma will be claiming his prize of two free weeks in Quito, Ecuador, in January, at our exceptional partner school there. We wish him a wonderful experience.
      We're quite busy planning groups for next year.  They're going everywhere...from Spain to Costa Rica and more.  It's not too late for you to put together a group, and remember that it's an easy way for you to get comlimentary benefits.
      Our exciting contest for two weeks of free classes and homestay in one of our most highly rated programs, the Spanish Language Institute of Cuernavaca, Mexico, continues. 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!
     Prepare a vlog (a video blog) about your Language Link trip and receive a significant discount on the cost of your study. Contact Meredith at info@langlink.com for details.

OJO (Special Deals!)

     As a promotion, Language Link will give a 5% discount on classes (private or group) at IMAC of Guadalajara for the first 20 Language Link students to enroll, starting Nov 1 (minimum 2 week study). It’s a little incentive, but enough to cover the cost of an excursion to explore this great area. Of course, you can also use this little bonus to do tequila sampling if you choose! If your study is in the summer months of June, July or August, you can add two free excursions – Tequila and Guachimontones. It’s IMAC’s way of welcoming you to their fine school. We might add that this discount makes your class cost cheaper than if you were to enroll directly with the school. Language Link never adds on any cost to your study, but this arrangement for the first lucky 20 makes it even a better value.

Rhythm & Book Blurbs

      Music - Mariachi Cobre by the vivid group of the same name is highly recommended, with the many entertaining sounds of the mariachi instruments. Not only is the music outstanding, but this CD comes with a booklet in Spanish and English with a history of mariachi music. There are English translations along with the Spanish lyrics. It’s a great learning tool.
      Book – A recent trip to Spain was a reminder of how important it is to understand its influence on contemporary Latin America. The best of its kind to understand this complex concept is The Buried Mirror: Reflections on Spain and the New World by Carlos Fuentes. It is a superb book, and you may remember it as the source of a PBS series several years back. 

     All recommended books and music are available through the Language Link Shop on our website.

Been There, Loved That

     This comment from Maggie McSwiggen of Oregon reminds us of why we do what we do at Language Link . Maggie studied in Cuernavaca years ago with her daughter Julie as one of our many family combinations.  Julie was under 10 at the time, 
      Starting with Cuernavaca, thank you for the lovely beginning in Spanish for my daughter! This last year, Julie was a research assistant at Harvard's Joslin Center studying ways to help adolescents with diabetes and she found herself making phone calls and interpreting for patients. She was on a medical trip to Costa Rica and Nicaragua a year and a half ago and again became one of the primary translators whenever they were short handed. Now this fall she just began medical school at OHSU here in Portland. Who would have ever guessed the impact that you would have with so many people in such wonderful ways when you first had the idea to start Language Link?? Thank you much!
      The following comments represent the great variety of our students:
     Spanish Language Institute of Cuernavaca, Mexico – It was really great. I only wish I could have stayed longer. The instructors and staff were very professional and proficient. My host family was the highlight of the trip. – Jake Fisher, Radio Sales Management, Oklahoma City OK
      PLFM of Antigua, Guatemala - My experience was superior, great. The instruction was fun, and teachers were excellent. My host family was lovely, and the food was excellent. – Thaddeus Bird (age 15), London, United Kingdom
      Very professional school and instructor, clearest explanations I ever received, perfect combination of challenging and encouraging learning combining grammar, discussion and excercises. I stayed in a host family (Doña Olga de Molina) with a very nice woman and family. I had a lovely stay in her house with great food, nice chats in Spanish and a wonderful way to learn more about Guatemala and Antigua. I found the information package received through your services very complete and accurate. It was very useful to receive it in advance. – Marie-Odile Emond, Senior Advisor, United Nations, Brussels, Belgium

Likeable LInks

http://www.allaboutguadalajara.com – a general overview of Guadalajara
http://www.tequilasource.com/tequilajalisco.htm - information about the town of Tequila
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guachimontones - archaeological site
http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/guadalajara/marhis.html - mariachis

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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