[Tango-L] Spanish

[Angela Maria]

Most commercial ?language learning programs have been ineffective as a tool for learning languages. One learns a language by living it and interacting with other people.
Spanish or castellano are well understood in all countries of L.A. and Spain. The difference of the?Spanish heard?is due to the? different cultural influences in the language, derived from Indian, European, and African ancestry; in addition to the jerga?or coloquial language as in the?case of Lunfardo in?Argentina.? Furthermore, while traveling through Spanish speaking countries, you will have some humorus experiences?as to?the meaning of some words due to their own regionalism.These differences one can also?notice in French while in France, Switzerland or Canada.

Learning languages requires a lot of listening, being open to make mistakes and have fun with it.I suggest a language program with teacher:group interaction. The program should consist of phonemic awareness; basic grammatic?structures; meaningful conversational situations to improve comprehension and vocabulary that will be apply to your travel experience and connection with the culture.

In addition, you may want to take advantage of the media and the Internet. Listen to a radio station; read the newspapers or magazines on topics of interest?with prior knowledge and watch Spanish movies or a novela (most come from Venezuela and Mexico).? Most important, take advantage of Spanish speaking?dancers at the milongas and talk to them in Spanish. It will might just make you laugh on the dance floor!

Felicidades en el Ano Nuevo!

Angela Maria
NYC