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.

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

Think of the Subjunctive as WEIRD

          As one student remarked, “That Spanish subjunctive is an invention of the devil.” Do you wish it were not so? Congratulations, you just read the previous sentence, and it was in the subjunctive!  Where else would you say it were rather than it was in English? But, as you know, not even all English speakers say it were, but rather say it was.
            Whether used either correctly or incorrectly, the subjunctive is just not used as often in English, but in Spanish, it’s impossible to avoid. In English we get around it by saying something like – I want you to raise the car window, please. Notice you just use the infinitive after that second subject of you. But in Spanish, you can’t get away with this. You have to say the equivalent more or less of I want that you should raise the window, please. So it takes a little getting used to, expressing these ideas in a different type of verb. The whole secret, however, is not to be overwhelmed by it. Just sneak it in gently in phrases you often use, repeat your examples, and remember to put them in as the occasion arises. 
            An easy way to know which verbs require that you follow them with a subjunctive when you have a change of subject is to think “WEIRD”.
W = wishing, desiring, wanting,  querer, desear 
          Quiero que vengas a mi casa a las 8:00.
E = emotions, to be afraid, to be happy,  tener miedo,  
            temer, estar contento (a)
           Estoy muy contenta que estés con nosotros.
I = impersonal expressions it’s important, it’s good, it’s bad    
            Ojalá  (this Moorish one literally means, Oh to Allah 
             that….)
            Es importante que pagues la cuenta.
R = requests pedir, rogar (to beg), implorar
            La compañía pide que Ud. escriba su dirección aquí.
D = demands exigir, doubt  dudar
            Mi jefe exige que (yo) trabaje hasta la seis.  Dudo que             venga Pepe.
            Think of the first verb as a strong magnet which attracts the creation of a second clause with que in front of it. Of course, there are many more verbs requiring the subjunctive. but most of them fit into these same categories. The point is to start with a few and use them a lot! Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to master everyone in the book from the beginning. Ease into it with the ones you will use the most, and think weird.
           Resource recommendation: If you already have a handle on the basics of Spanish and now want to improve or maintain your proficiency,  a product recommended by a past Language Link student is Puerta del Sol Spanish Audio Magazine.  It will help you take your vocabulary, grammar, listening comprehension, and Spanish conversation skills to the next level. To subscribe is not inexpensive, but it is a quality product. Each edition brings the language and culture of Spain to life.  The company also offers a free newsletter. See: http://www.champs-elysees.com for details

Cocina Cooking

           Tapas are Spain's greatest food invention. "Eat when you drink, drink when you eat" is the philosophy. Tapas are not meant to be a meal (although a ración is a substantial portion). One tapa per person and a different one with each drink is the idea, then everyone enjoys tasting and sharing. The idea started, or so they say, with a piece of bread, soon topped with ham or cheese, balanced over a glass, to keep out the flies - the word tapa means a cover. 
            Grilled Pork Sausages with Spiced Figs – a fascinating mix of flavors! Serves 10. This is actually a quick and easy recipe, and the sauce can be made ahead.
           Sauce: 1 C red wine vinegar, ¾ C sugar, ¾ C packed dried black Mission figs (about 6 ounces), 1 cinnamon stick, 12 whole cloves, 2 tsp. water, 1 tsp. cornstarch, 5 sweet Italian link pork sausages (about 1 lb.)
            Stir first 5 ingredients in heavy medium saucepan. Let stand 30 minutes. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium low and simmer until figs are softened and vinegar is slightly syrupy, about 45 minutes. Mix water and cornstarch in small bowl; stir into fig mixture. Boil and stir to thicken slightly, about 1 minute. Let stand 1 hour. Fig sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.
           Prepare barbecue (medium heat). (You can also use an indoor tabletop electric grill. No turning needed.) Grill sausages until browned and cooked through, turning frequently, about 15 minutes. Remove from grill. Cut all in half lengthwise. Repeat with remaining sausages. Grill sausages, cut side down, until browned, about 3 minutes. 
             Place 1 sausage half on each plate. Drizzle sauce over and serve.   Pretend you're in a tapas bar in Spain and accompany with the drink of your choice. 

Culture Clips

The world is a mosaic of visions, and every vision is incarnated by a language. – Carlos Tello

On The Road Again in Spain

           I find myself back in Spain, having almost forgotten the excitement I feel when here. Despite having formally studied the literature, history and culture of Spain, it took me a long time to get here for my first visit, and then I was even a bit reluctant. My background study was so much more emphatic of Latin America that I was not overly excited. Well, it took me all of a day to fall completely in love with this country, and I very much had the feeling of visiting grandparents of good friends. It was so easy to identify all the influences which Spain has had on Latin America. Everything seemed familiar, even though it was my first visit. It was an enchanting feeling.
            Since that time I have made many visits to Spain, and it never fails to impress me greatly. I’m fortunate to be here on this visit as a guest of Turespaña (along with 60 others from 25 different countries), the tourism institute of the country. Spain has annually about 250,000 language students, and the government recognizes the importance of supporting and promoting Spain’s language schools, so I’m here to learn more about the culture of two specific areas, Madrid and Salamanca. They even want me to learn more about the food and wine of Spain.....oh, yes, bring it on!
          My pleasures are simple ones today. So I find myself strolling the streets of Madrid,, in a brief respite between tapas and Spanish cava. As I walk I ponder the economics of getting here. It’s true that airfares have risen, but the U.S. dollar is now improving against the euro. Frankly, a trip here is not at the bargain prices of Latin America, but it is more affordable now and well worth it. The atmosphere, particularly in the larger cities, is full of sophistication and high style. It’s Europe, after all.
          I have just visited the school we work with in Madrid, Eureka, and it’s always a delight to “check in” there. They’re also located a short distance from the Puerta del Sol, and that’s a great place to begin my nostalgic walk. This large plaza which is Spanish for Gate of the Sun is one of the most well known and busiest places in Madrid. I always enjoy seeing the marker of Km 0, as this is the center of the radial network of Spanish roads and serves as the symbolic center of the country. The square also contains the famous clock whose bells mark the traditional eating of the Twelve Grapes and the beginning of a new year. On the north side I find a statue of a bear and a tree (madroño), the heraldic symbol of Madrid. It’s considered good luck to touch the tree, and I do so, so as not to tempt any fate and in the hope I can come back soon.
          The Puerta del Sol originated as one of the gates in the city wall that surrounded Madrid in the 15th century. Outside the wall, medieval suburbs began to grow around the Christian Wall of the 12th century. The name of the gate came from the rising sun which decorated the entry, since the gate was oriented to the east. It is in the very heart of Madrid.
          There is so much activity going on! The square connects several commercial and recreational areas together, and so both it and the surrounding streets consist of many shopping establishments catering to locals and tourists alike. I spot my favorite, the large El Corte Inglés department store. I have to take a quick stroll through there, if only to see the variety of Spanish shoe styles. Even though it’s still daytime, I remember that the activity here is non stop. Some of the bars only start entertainment at 1 am. Street music is also common in the area, and you never know what you may see. One evening on another trip, I came upon a group of young women from Ireland, singing and dancing in the streets (and they were former performers in RiverDance!)
          I continue my walk until I reach the street of Felipe III, finding myself at the Plaza Mayor of Madrid. The plaza´s origin is that of the old Plaza del Arrabal, which was the meeting point for the town’s traders. Under the reign of Felipe III in 1590, the first side of the plaza started construction and the order given to enclose the square on all four sides. 
           In common with many buildings in medieval Europe the five story accommodations surrounding the Plaza Mayor were constructed with wooden floor beams and straw bedding which were susceptible to fire from the torches and fireplaces used to light and heat the buildings. Between 1631 and 1790 three major fires devastated the Plaza. In the first two instances (1631 and 1670) the plaza was rebuilt almost exactly to the original design. However after the fire of 1790 the architect in charge of the restoration decided to reduce it to just three stories. In 1848 a statue of Felipe III was placed in the center of the square.
          Since it is closed to traffic, I find it a tremendous place just to sit and be a watcher…of people, activities and architecture. There are numerous tapas bars and restaurants in the alcoves, underneath the arches. One of them, Botín, is officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as being the world’s oldest restaurant, having been founded in 1725.
          I’ll keep going for a while, as it’s still an easy walk to places such as the Cathedral Almudena, the Royal Palace and the Teatro Real Opera. But as for now, I recall that a theme running through Spain is to live passionately. And indeed there is a very special passion here, and so I feel it my obligation to honor it by stopping for just one more copita of Spanish wine and some chipirrones (baby squid), my favorite tapa.  ¡Viva España! 

Language Link's Latest

           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.
           See all details of our new program in Guadalajara on our website under the Mexico section.

OJO (Special Deals!)

           Language Link will do all we can to help you make the following opportunity happen. Make free travel part of your study-abroad program to Mexico (Cuernavaca, Guadalajara, Oaxaca) or Guatemala (Antigua). By participating in the TREK research study, you can take local language classes and cultural studies while helping others. 
          In the cities above, a local physician’s office is participating in the TREK research study to determine if an investigational patch will prevent Travelers’ Diarrhea.    
          Individuals or groups may be considered for participation in this study if they meet the following criteria:
• Male or female between the ages of 18 and 64 years of age
• In general good health
• Visiting Mexico or Guatemala for at least 7 days between May 2009 and June 2010
• Willing to maintain a daily study diary for 17 days
           Qualified participants will receive travel compensation up to $1,500; either applied to travel plans/accommodations or provided to you upon completed study requirements.
          If you are interested in learning more about this research study, please contact the TREK Research Study Help Desk at 1.866.792.TREK, or log on to www.trekresearchstudy.com. Please mention to them that you plan to study through Language Link at your chosen location from those listed above.
        ********************************************************* 
           A Special Winter Promotion in Guadalajara, Mexico! Sign up up for a two-week group Spanish Immersion Course at IMAC and receive a FREE week of group Spanish lessons!, a $194.00 USD value! Plus, the offer week is transferable to a friend. (Lodging, excursions, transportation not included) You can add the bonus week to your course or you can schedule it for a later time. Enrollments must be received by Language Link by Feb 28, and your course must be completed by November 30.
            We already have had two Canadian students who have received this generous offer.. Combine this with the offer below, and you get a very special deal! 
            As a promotion for our new program in Guadalajara, 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 (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 - The Rough Guide to the Music of Spain
Thanks to its variety and character, Spain's musical heritage has fascinated people from all over the world for centuries. The infectious beats seeping across Spanish borders have influenced numerous talented musicians, and today the popularity of Spanish music is reflected in contemporary pop all over the world. The artists on The Rough Guide To The Music Of Spain are all distinguished representatives of contemporary Spanish sounds. 
           Book – Iberia by James A. Michener
Unlike most of Michener’s books, this is a personal travelogue of his impressions of many travels all over Spain. Michener clearly loved Spain and knew many Spaniards as friends. He discusses the country’s history, culture, art, literature, dance, geography, sports and spirituality. It is all woven together to paint an entrancing picture of the Spanish soul. This account of Spain, though dated now by thirty years, will make you feel as if you are there, travelling side by side with Michener. It is a wonderfully detailed and always engaging book.
            All recommended books and music are available through the Language Link Shop on our website.

Been There, Loved That

           Eureka of Madrid  I  rate the Madrid program at the top. I made good progress. They are professional, helpful, friendly - just nice people. Actually, my whole two weeks in Spain was great.  - Ted Carp, Judge, Oregon
            The school is very small, but certainly maintains the same high quality of instruction as other Language Link schools I have attended in Spain. Good value for the tuition.  Class size was perfect.-- Linda Rexford, Pediatrician, Rhode Island
           The staff was outstanding! The director, Ángel, was always available and helpful to explain all I needed to know. The grammar instructor, Andrés, was also my private instructor and helped me to tie together so many loose ends in speaking Spanish. His devotion to teaching and passion for his language is passed onto the students. He made learning fun! - Diane Teixeira, Artist, Florida
          Everyone at the school was concerned about every aspect of our time there from the moment we walked in the door. Given the quality of the teaching and the personal attention, we felt the cost of the school was quite a bargain. - Julie Roehm, Financial Writer, CA
            CLIC of Seville, Spain   I  absolutely loved Spain and my overall language experience.  I encourage anyone thinking about traveling to Spain to do a program like the one offered by Language Link. I would do it again in a second.- Delynn Davidson, Student, Texas
          PLFM of Antigua, Guatemala The school is situated in a beautiful garden, very centrally located in Antigua. I had 3 different teachers, all of them excellent (Fernando, Magdalena, Marco). Instruction was excellent. The teachers I had were very professional, with great skills and with a lot of humour. They were also willing to tell about their lives in Antigua, their culture and daily life. I really learned a lot!  I am very satisfied with your information sent prior to study. – Randi Hammerstrom, Managing Director, Red Cross Oslo, Norway

Likeable Links

http://www.esmadrid.com – an English and a Spanish version You can download a magazine called Esmadrid showing all current events.
http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com – a general guide with brief information about everything in Madrid
http://cuip.uchicago.edu/wit/2000/teams/cybertour/madridhistory.html - a good history of Madrid

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, 2008 W. Kellogg Ave.,  Peoria, IL 61604 USA
Worldwide 309.673.9220, Toll Free 800.552.2051
info@langlink.com, www.langlink.com ¡Hasta luego!
 

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