With exam results out in the UK this week the ongoing debate about whether ‘native speakers’ should sit exams (as it is said to jeopardize the statistics and influence grade boundaries) got me thinking about what actually a “native speaker” of a language is. So in this blog post I’m explore what it actually means to speak native Spanish in the UK?
Read More »What Does Speak Spanish “Like a Native” actually mean?
There’s something truly transformative about living within a Spanish-speaking culture that goes beyond traditional language learning. Immersion offers you the chance to experience the language as it’s naturally spoken, embedded in the everyday life and customs of the people around you. From ordering food at a local market to engaging in casual conversations with neighbours, these experiences push you to think in Spanish, accelerating your fluency in a way that textbooks simply can’t.
Read More »Beyond the Textbook: Understanding Spanish Culture Through Immersion
When learning a new language, textbooks and flashcards are great, but music can take your skills to the next level. Spanish, in particular, has a rich musical tradition that offers an enjoyable and effective way to enhance your language abilities. Artists like Manu Chao bring not only catchy tunes but also a deep cultural understanding, making them invaluable resources for language learners.
Read More »Rhythms of Learning: Music as a Language Learning Tool
When learning Spanish, it’s easy to focus solely on the “standard” version of the language, often associated with Spain. However, one of the most rewarding aspects of becoming truly fluent is understanding and appreciating the regional variations and local expressions that pepper conversations across different Spanish-speaking countries. South America, in particular, offers a treasure trove of linguistic diversity that can transform your language skills from good to great.
Read More »Local Lingo: Navigating Cultural Nuances in Spanish
Combining your passion with language learning can significantly enhance your Spanish skills. For me in my early 20’s scuba diving was my passion and what better place to do this and learn Spanish at the same time than in the stunning Caribbean coastal village of Taganga! In this blog post I reflect on my own experiences of how learning to scuba dive in Colombia accelerated my language learning.
Read More »Learning Spanish Through Passion: A Dive into Language Education
In this blog post I discuss the vital role of feedback from tutors in mastering Spanish, drawing from experiences of my own intensive language courses with private tutors in South America.
Read More »The Importance of Feedback in Spanish Language Learning
In this blog post I delve into the value of learning informal Spanish and slang for fostering friendships and cultural immersion, based on my own personal experiences backpacking across South America.
Read More »Cracking the Code: Embracing Street Spanish and Slang
In this blog post I explore the nuances and challenges of teaching Spanish to different age groups, reflecting on my own personal experiences teaching English as a foreign language in a local school in Quito, Ecuador.
Read More »Navigating the Linguistic Landscape: Teaching Spanish to Adults vs. Kids
In this blog post I dive into how the adventure tourism experiences that I gained while working in Merida, Venezuela enhanced my own Spanish language… Read More »Unlocking Spanish: Learning through Adventure Travel
Kissing as a form of greeting and farewell is a cherished tradition in many Spanish-speaking countries. Understanding the nuances of this cultural practice is key to navigating social interactions with grace and respect. Whether you’re traveling, studying, or building relationships in these regions, here’s an engaging guide to kissing etiquette in Spanish-speaking countries.
Read More »Kissing Etiquette in Spanish-Speaking Countries: A Guide to Social Smooches