Spanish Teaching

Great Loss in Mexican Literature

Dilek — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:56:00 GMT

Mexican author Carlos Fuentes died at the age of 83, leaving behind wonderful examples of Spanish language.

Fuentes, who was an honorary member of the Academy of the Language of Mexico, an artist who knew how to capture and describe the nuances of Hispanic life through novels and short stories, essays and newspaper articles that have become a benchmark of literature in final Spanish language, but also a critical awareness of our time, making this an intensely both as writer and citizen.

He always represented "critical consciousness" and his works illuminated the imagination of millions of people around the world and contributed to a better understanding of Mexican culture and history. Spain recognized him with "the highest award of the letters" as the Cervantes Prize in 1987 and the Prince of Asturias Award in 1994.

In 1957, when he was 30 years old his first novel was published, Where the Air Is Clear (La regi�n m�s transparente), which became a classic. Among his most celebrated works are: The Death of Artemio Cruz (La muerte de Artemio Cruz), Aura (1962), Christopher Unborn and The Old Gringo (Gringo Viejo). The last one became the first United States bestseller written by a Mexican author and was filmed in which Gregory Peck and Jane Fonda starred.

The Mexican author was good friends with Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Mario Vargas Llosa who has acknowledged that he felt "very sad" and said about Fuentes that "he made a huge work that is an eloquent testimony of all major political and cultural realities of our time. Not only his friends but many readers will miss him."

San Isidro Festival of Madrid!

Hannah Ryan — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:32:00 GMT

Today in Madrid, celebrations are underway for the Festival de San Isidro. Madrid's patron saint is annually honoured on the 15th of May, with fiestas lasting for days! Bullfighting, dancing, concerts, eating, drinking and merriment are enjoyed throughout the city today, as celebrations come to a close.

The San Isidro Fiesta marks the start of the bullfighting season in Madrid, and is considered as the world's most important bullfighting festival. It is also a great excuse for a city-wide fiesta, culminating in the romeria, or pilgrimage, to the shrine of San Isidro.

This fiesta celebrates the life on San Isidro; a poor farm labourer who is remembered for his generosity and devout service to Catholicism. Also a patron saint to farmers, day labourers and several other cities (including the Peruvian capital of Lima) San Isidro is honoured during this festival with an abundance of food! The ceremonial cooking of a huge Cocido Madrile�o (Madrid's speciality dish, a traditional chickpea-based stew with meat and potatoes) marks the last day of the festival.

This year, celebrations started on the 11th, and festivities are officially opened by the Mayor's speech. Bullfights in Las Ventas bullring, music concerts in the Casa de Campo, and open-air dancing in Vistillas Park are enjoyed throughout the week before the official day of San Isidro.

It is today, the 15th of May that the Madrile�os celebrate in full. Clad in traditional dress, the inhabitants of Madrid head to the Plaza Mayor for traditional dancing and open-air concerts. Dancing, drinking, bullfights and incredible food; you couldn't find a more typically Spanish fiesta!

The Benefits of Studying Abroad!

Hannah Ryan — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:06:00 GMT

Everyone knows the economic situation at the moment is less than fant�stica. But that doesn't necessarily mean you should put your dreams of spending time abroad on the backburner. As a uni student currently on their year abroad, I'm forever finding ways that my six months in Paris and five months in Salamanca will replace "um...' for nearly every interview question!

Another language is ALWAYS employable. Especially with the growing business importance of Latin America, and the huge numbers of Spanish speakers in the USA, it's more practical than ever to learn Spanish. If you have time to, studying for a qualification such as the D.E.L.E means that employers the world over will recognize and appreciate your progress.
You get to enjoy time abroad in a different country! You'll be exposed to a different culture, a different way of life, and have a whole host of different experiences from another candidate for the job. So why not learn flamenco or study wine making; you'll develop skills (ie. confidence, people skills in talking to someone you don't know) that are great for your CV.
Every experience counts. Even if it's just opening a bank account, finding yourself a flat or working out what on earth that is in the butcher's window, these small necessities of spending time abroad are all positive attributes. The self motivation it takes to move away, the problem-solving gained from navigating through all the bureaucracy involved, the organisation and adaptability that your time abroad demands from you, will impress prospective employers.
Learning from your mistakes is important; it shows courage at overcoming diversity and the lateral thinking ability not to fall into the same trap a second time. Be it a linguistic misunderstanding, lost luggage, homesickness, you can spin how you handled these experiences into CV worthy anecdotes. Showing the initiative to find a solution, and in another language as well, will be points in your favour.

Don't be afraid to show your enthusiasm! Showing how much you enjoyed your time abroad will not only demonstrate that you're a passionate, positive person, but also help you to stand out - especially if the interviewer has sat through a whole day of listening to the same answers.

Don't give up! Just as its always the easiest option during your time abroad to sit in your room with a pile of DVDs instead of challenging yourself, so is the same for job applications. So ¡buena suerte!

The chances of Castile and Leon in teaching and learning Spanish

Dilek — Mon, 7 May 2012 16:00:00 GMT

8000 Spanish teaching professionals have gathered to discuss the advantages and opportunities of Castile and Le�n in teaching Spanish.

The Third TodoEle Community Meetings began in Madrid, over 600 professionals teaching Spanish settled in 44 countries on five continents are expexted to be attended. The meetings will continue until 22nd of June and are held virtually online through the Community TodoEle-social network that brings together more than 8,200 teachers of Spanish as a foreign language worldwide.

This online conference is supported and sponsored by the Autonomous Community of Castile and Le�n so as to spread the activities of the meetings, the possibilities of teaching and learning Spanish in Castile and Leon.

The nine scheduled sessions will be taught by teaching professionals who exercise ELE teachers in countries such as Belgium, Argentina, Poland, Greece, Taiwan, Brazil and Spain, among others. Through these sessions, professionals will share approaches, experiences, resources and knowledge related to teaching Spanish to foreign students.

With this presence and sponsorship, the Castile and Le�n gives a significant step towards the goal of making the Community in the global epicenter of the language, as well as a reference, in person or online, for the professionals of Spanish to distribute the world, strengthening the international visibility of Spanish schools, both public and private.

Global Network of Spanish scholars

One of the priority of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is to create a Global Network of Spanish scholars in teaching Spanish for foreigners. This network is one of the strongest foot to promote language and seeks to draw attention of all ELE teaching professionals in the world on the resources of Castile and Le�n. Those who are interested in culture and want to learn or teach the Spanish language in Castile and Le�n, can reach the offers of universities and courseswith an access of cultural heritage and tourism.

Salamanca

Speaking of cultural heritage, Salamanca - was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site- is the perfect destination for those who want to study in a small town, which is large enough to offer plenty of leisure activities. Salamanca is the home for the first Spanish university campus and the multitude of Renaissance buildings. Another advantage for foreigners is that the purest Spanish is spoken and all DELE exam grades are given here by the University of Salamanca.

In this regard, Castile and Le�n community will meet your needs and offers you a great opportunity to live Spanish.

Spanish Culture opens its doors in Hong Kong

Dilek — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:22:00 GMT

Hong Kong hosted the second edition of the "Feria de Abril"(Seville Fair) on the third weekend in April introducing Seville and Spanish culture with great success.

Nearly 2,000 people attended to the promotion of culture and Spanish products in the British former colony. Organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Hong Kong, the event was held this weekend attended by a dozen exhibitors who supported their shows with live performances and activities designed to raise awareness to the local tastes and Spanish culture.

The aim is to bring Spain to Hong Kong through the products and samples of the quality of life, which helps Spanish companies and those working with Spanish products can open up markets in Asia.

There were a total of 16 indoor exhibitors with their own stands selling Spanish products and services, mainly from the Food & Beverage sector, offering products like Spanish wine, cava and "gourmet products" but also service providers such Airlines and Spanish courses promoted their services.

Fun activities like cooking demonstrations, performances of flamenco and children's games and shared space with companies that they would display their products to local market. The traditional Spanish food like the sausages, cheese and Spanish wine dominated the offerings of the exhibitors which is the best way to know a country and understand their market.The cooking demonstrations in the form of children's cooking classes, were given by the Spanish Chefs Association in Asia, recently established in Hong Kong and aims to promote food and Spanish products in the area.

The Fair was inspired by the similar Andalusian fairs and aesthetics with recreational activities, and included musical and dance performances by the Centro de Arte Flamenco in Hong Kong. The traditional costumes "traje corto" (short jacket, tight trousers and boots) for men and the "faralaes" or "trajes de flamenca" (flamenco style dress) for women were great interests of the fair.

About 80 percent of attendees are local residents, mostly hospitality professionals like chefs associations, schools, restaurant owners or companies, media and citizens of Hong Kong or final consumers.

The Spanish Film Festival which is held every year in October is the second largest event that promotes culture and Spanish products in Hong Kong. The charm of the Spanish culture captivates almost everyone across the world and noone would regret that amazing experience to live Spanish in Spain.

Learning A Language Is Good For The Brain!

Hannah Ryan — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:03:00 GMT

There are numerous benefits to learning languages, like expanding your horizons to other cultures, other peoples and even other employment prospects. Yet it has been concluded there are also health benefits of bilingualism! A study has shown that speaking another language does in fact slow dementia in the aging brain, and fight off the effects of Alzheimer's.

Psychologist Ellen Bialystok from Canada's York University has found that while all the patients had similar levels of cognitive impairment, studies show that those who were bilingual had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's about four years later, on average, than those who spoke just one language. So at the same level of impairment, bilinguals are older, which shows they have been able to cope better with the disease. "Bilingualism is protecting older adults, even after Alzheimer's is beginning to affect cognitive function" according to Bialystok.

Unfortunately, bilingualism can't prevent the onset of Alzheimer's. What it does equip you with however is enhanced use of your brain's "executive control system', which bilingualism uses frequently to avoid confusion between languages. Even though this system does deteriorate with age, studies have shown that at every stage of life it functions better in speakers of more than one language, compared with monolinguals.

Moreover, it has been suggested that these benefits of bilingualism don't just apply to those who have been raised speaking a second language, but also to people have learnt a foreign language later in life. Psychologist Teresa Bajo of the University of Granada insists that even school-level language skills that you use on holiday may even improve brain function to some extent. While these effects were greatest in people who had to use a second language everyday, "every little bit helps" she explained.

According to Janet Werker, a psychologist at the University of British Columbia in Canada, the mental exertion required to separate languages in your head creates an "enhanced perceptual vigilance" that has lifelong benefits. So, learning languages is like a cognitive workout! And when it comes to exercising the brain by learning another language, apparently it's never too late, and never too little.

Help your brain and start learning Spanish today!

Modern Ways to Learn Spanish

Hannah Ryan — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:25:00 GMT

In-country language learning is generally the best way to become proficient and understand more of the culture (and enjoy a holiday too!). Much as an extended language-holiday is appealing, there are always small ways you can master/maintain your language levels until it's time to pack the suitcases again. Especially in this modern day and age, there are numerous opportunities outside of the grammar books to improve your Spanish!

Firstly, and simply, watching foreign films are a brilliant and entertaining way of getting a quick language lesson. While beginners may find Spanish films difficult to understand, you'd be surprised how much context and storyline can be picked up. Or why not put Spanish subtitles onto your favourite film; you'll know the story well enough to concentrate on the new vocabulary you can learn.

It's also good practice for your next conversation with a Spanish speaker; the Spanish you learn in a classroom is not necessarily the same Spanish you'd encounter in the Plaza Mayor. Native speakers talk rapidly, use slang, and Spanish has a huge range of different accents. However, watching films not only introduces you to these more colourful aspects of language, but you'll get a chance to attune your ear to the native sounds in order to mimic them better. And with a DVD, you can watch it repeatedly until it all makes sense!

Another important factor when watching Spanish movies is the cultural insights they give you, into another country and way of life. Granted, Pan's Labyrinth (El Laberinto del Fauno) may not have the most realistic of storylines, but there are cultural underlying themes that let you know about Spanish history, and if anything else discussing films is a great conversation starter for your next trip to a tapas bar!

Spanish-language cinema has a huge range of films for you to enjoy, including but by no means limited to;

Y Tu Mam� Tambi�n (And Your Mother Too) which received nominations for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards and Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes.
El Mar Adentro (The Sea Inside) shows Javier Bardem at his best.
Todo Sobre Mi Madre (All About My Mother) a very influential film from acclaimed director Almod�var, this won Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes.
Abre los Ojos (Open your eyes) a young Penelope Cruz stars in this thriller.
Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberry and Chocolate), Oscar nominated for Best Foreign Film, this movie is about the Castro regime's treatment of homosexuals in Cuba.
Amores Perros was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and is the first of Mexican director Alejandro I��rritu's "trilogy of death', succeeded by the equally excellent '21 Grams' and "Babel'.

Another fantastic modern technology to help your Spanish is the podcasts. One of the biggest impediments of learning a language is the time commitment it requires to maintain your proficiency. However, for all those unproductive minutes in the day, sitting on the bus on the way to work or chopping carrots for dinner, a podcast is a brilliant way to insert un poquito de espa�ol into your day.

Podcasts are widely available for download on the internet, and there is a huge range to suit any level of Spanish; there are podcasts for listen-and-repeat simple sentences, or more advanced dialogues, such as news updates, for you to listen along to. Many have an accompanying transcript to ensure you pick up all of the vocabulary, and given the vast choice available, it's a great way to learn about a part of Latin American culture or a city in Spain that you'd never heard of before.

So with so many ways to practice, there's no excuse not to!

The Iberian Lynx

Hannah Ryan — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:21:00 GMT

While the image of the bull is immediately conjured up when thinking of Spain, it is understandable that Iberian Lynx is less well known, since it is the most endangered cat species in the world. The Iberian lynx is a distinctive creature and an iconic animal for Andaluc�a. Yet it has required a monumental effort to pull it back from the brink of extinction.

The Iberian Lynx, or Lynx pardinus, was once found all over Spain and Portugal, yet now populations are restricted to just Andaluc�a. This critically endangered species has seen its numbers plummet in recent years, with populations estimated to be as small as just 150 in 2005. If the Iberian lynx were to become extinct, it would be the first feline species to do so since the sabre tooth tiger, at least 2,000 years ago.

The lince ib�rico, as it is known in Spain, has several factors to blame for its dwindling numbers. As an unusually fussy eater, the Iberian Lynx suffered greatly when its food of choice, the rabbit, was devastated by two major disease outbreaks - myxomatosis in the 60s and viral haemorrhagic disease in the 90s. The scarcity of food added to other stresses for the lynx. These include habitat destruction, caused by the spread of farming and urbanisation of the surrounding area, and the large numbers of lynx that were being caught in traps set by landowners to get rid of foxes and other vermin. Only two breeding populations remain, based in protected areas in Spain.

The situation was so desperate that conservationists in Spain were forced to take radical action, removing some of the cats from the wild and putting them into captivity to breed, in an attempt to boost numbers. Conservationists from the Lynx Life project have been working closely to ensure the survival of this "super predator". Thanks to breeding projects in the Do�ana Nature Park in Huelva, and the Sierra Morena area just north of And�jar, numbers of the Iberian Lynx have continued to grow. Kittens born in captivity are released into the wild, with electronic collars so their progress can be monitored.

Saving the lynx has also required political action: laws have been introduced in Andaluc�a to stop indiscriminate snare-laying by landowners; an intense PR campaign aims to persuade owners of hunting estates to love the lynx, as they kill foxes; and the €33m investment of the Andalucian government to fund conservation. A further €50m, mainly from the EU has been committed to reintroduce the Iberian Lynx to other areas of Spain and Portugal, to continue its survival.

"The Iberian lynx is a key species in the Mediterranean ecosystem. It is a top predator, and if we preserve this species, we are preserving the whole ecosystem" says Dr Miguel Simon, of the Lynx Life Project. "It is our heritage, and we have to preserve it for future generations." ¡Si ser� cierto!

A Tribute Album For Spanish Poet

Dilek — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:40:00 GMT

Mexican singer Chavela Vargas pays homage to Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca in her latest album " The Full Moon" (La Luna Grande).

Costa Rica born singer has lived for seven decades in Mexico and recorded 80 albums. This last one has a special meaning for the 93 year-old singer that she is glad to find a chance to pay tribute to Spanish poet. Vargas deeply admires Lorca and has pity for he left so soon, at the age of 38, is convinced that "he is one of the chosen one that God takes" she said.

"I told him one night and we were like friends. Friends are to be in the distance, far or near, it takes more than love. I said tell me about your life, is beautiful, full of glory, to all the poets of the world" she said.

Federico Garcia Lorca is one of the greatest Spanish poet who unfortunately died at an early age in 1936. His works not only famous for reflections of his era but also carrying surrealist elements as a result of the friendship with Luis Bu�uel and Salvador Dali. Even it is said that his involvement with Dali is a little bit more intense. While he was the director of the University Theatre Company, he wrote his best-known plays "Rural Trilogy" which are Bodas de sangre, Yerma y Do�a Rosita la soltera. The author was shot by the troops of Francisco Franco in the wake of the Spanish Civil War in 1936. Theories about his murder are various. The most accepted claim is that the content of his works and his known homosexuality, irritated the right of the country and marked the outbreak of the conflict.
His works had been banned till 1953 which makes him more important in the eyes of the public that admire him for his remarkable role in nation's history.

Chavela Vargas also mentions her bound with Spain calling it " the female of Europe" and the album stands as a meeting point of two worlds: Vargas's singing with Garcia Lorca's poetry, a bridge between Spain and Mexico. The album is available in Spain and Latin American countries.

I think it will be a perfect ending with a short poem of Lorca and wonderful song of Vargas.

Pero que todos sepan que no he muerto

Pero que todos sepan que no he muerto;
Que hay un establo de oro en mis labios;
Que soy el peque�o amigo del viento oeste;
Que soy la sombra inmensa de mis l�grimas.

International Students Have Doubled in Catalonia

Dilek — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:58:00 GMT

About 12,000 international students choose to study in Spanish universities especially in Catalonia.

Almost %5-%20 of the enrolled students in a master or PhD programme are international students. Students come to Spain because the quality of education is good and many choose to stay and do a doctorate, because they are also attracted to the culture and feel very well here.

The Erasmus exchange program between European countries is also another influence. The student who has enjoyed the time during his bachelor degree in Spain is willing to pursue a higher level of education.

The (UPC) Catalunia Polytechnic University has the largest number of international PhD students in Spain (49%). As for the master, one third of the enrollment comes from outside. The branches of architecture, telecommunications and energy are the leading studies that foreigners prefer.

In the case of the University of Barcelona (UB), the social & legal sciences and medicine are two of its strengths in appealing international students, which takes the portion between 24% and 32% of enrollments. The recruitment of international students would not be possible without the commitment to the titles in English. The Spanish (Castilian) continues to attract a large proportion of students from the U.S., Germany, China and Morocco. Most of the international students who want to perfect their Spanish generally study social sciences or humanities.

The University of Lleida, Rovira i Virgili (URV) and Girona have a number of international students taking courses to become Spanish teachers. Currently more than 180 Chinese students study Spanish and get excited with the Spanish culture. The Department of Romance Studies established a collaboration agreement with the University of Dalian (China) for the 2005-2006 academic year that began with the arrival of sixteen Asian students in Tarragona. Since then, the agreement has already spread to seven universities in the country.

However, in the field of science and technology, English is the dominant language. The UPC and several other universities have 23 Master's programs in this language. However the interest in speaking Spanish is also on the rise and most people think that it will be a win-win situation studying in an international programme.

Trapped Peruvian Miners

Hannah Ryan — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:05:00 GMT

Things are looking up for the trapped miners in Peru!

9 Peruvian miners have been trapped since last Thursday in the Cabeza de Negro copper mine, in Ica, which is 300km south of Lima, the capital. The men, who are aged between 22 and 59, have been stuck more than 200 metres underground since the collapse last week. The miners have been getting oxygen, food and water through a tube, which has also allowed them to stay in contact with people above ground. Although all unhurt, some are feeling anxious or desperate, and unsurprisingly very keen to be rescued!

Peru's president Ollanta Humala has asked the trapped miners to be patient and try to be in good spirits as workers feverishly tried to rescue them this morning. "They're being subjected to a lot of cold" said Prime Minister Oscar Valdes from the scene. The miners' families and the emergency services have been camping near the mine since the rescue operation began, which unfortunately has been slower than expected, as rescuers have been unable to get heavy machinery to the mine. Fresh collapses over the weekend at the Cabeza de Negro mine are also responsible for the delay, according to Valdes.

After the cave-in, there were calls to formalize Peru's vast informal mining sector, which, according to private estimates, generates as much as $2 billion a year. Cabeza de Negro is one of many wildcat mines in Peru, which put workers under high risks to extract copper and other metals. Mining accounts for more than 60% of Peru's exports; the world's second largest exporter of copper after Chile, Peru is also sixth in gold exports. Yet Peru "doesn't have a specialist team for mining rescues" according to Jose de Echave, former deputy environment minister. Official figures show that 52 miners died in Peru last year in work-related accidents, a third of them in mine shaft collapses.

Although, fingers crossed, these miners should be lucky. After recent government appeals to mining companies for their expertise, mining colleagues appearing on Sunday to help, and several dozen other rescue workers' efforts with pickaxes and shovels, progress has been made. Official expectations suggest that the miners could be rescued within hours. "We've advanced six meters in a tunnel that's eight meters long" Mines and Energy Minister Jorge Merino told reporters on the scene, "the important thing is that the nine people are alive. We won't abandon them."

With any luck, this Peruvian rescue will be as successful as that of the Chilean miners in 2010. After 69 days underground, all of the 33 miners trapped in northern Chile were shuttled up a narrow escape shaft to freedom and joyous reunions with their friends, family, and some 1,500 journalists of the world's press, covering what turned into the feel good story of the year. So good luck to the rescue operation in Peru!

Favorite Study Destination in Latin America

Dilek — Wed, 4 Apr 2012 14:00:00 GMT

35 thousand foreign students are expected to arrive to study in this Latin American country.
The International Travel Survey conducted by INDEC in 2011 showed 62,626 tourists have visited the country.

You may guess which country we are talking about, yes it is, Argentina.
The massive flow began after 2001 and chose the city for the quality and quantity of its educational offerings and for its tourist attractions.
The academic activity lies fifth in the ranking of motivations so that overseas visitors visiting the country, behind: holiday, business, family visits and conferences.

Since 2001 began the influx of students and the amount UBA doubled in the last five years. During 2007, 4,700 foreigners began to pursue a career in University of Buenos Aires, while today that number grew to nearly 10,000 enrolled.

The students mostly come from Bolivia, Peru and Brazil, followed by Chile and Paraguay. But as the house of studies has cooperation agreements with European countries, a considerable amount of students of German, Spanish and French as well as Americans choose Argentina to study. And in 2012 there are 150 students coming from China. Many students prefer Argentina to study Spanish and explore the Latin American culture.

While UBA has no student housing, they recommend hostels and residences which should be previously checked.
In The National Institute of Arts (IUNA), some courses have alumni up to 80% foreigners, as well as in the graduate Department of Visual Arts.

One of the reasons for this search is related to the amount of public and private universities that offer academic programmes reaches a total of 80 institutions.
Another reason is the crisis in Europe and America, which is the reason for the foreigners to seek other options on education and employment.

In that sense, Buenos Aires is the seventh most preferred destination for the American students since 2010. Therefore, many local universities, such as Di Tella, the Belgrano, Palermo and the Foundation HA Barcel�, promote its academic offers at international fairs.

Among her extracurricular services include promotions such as free Spanish language courses. In addition, Secretary of University Policies of the Ministry of Education's Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Migration have generated the outside borders.

April Fools in December

Hannah Ryan — Mon, 2 Apr 2012 11:53:00 GMT

If you're reading this blog post then CONGRATUALTIONS! You've survived April Fools' Day, hopefully with dignity in tact!

However, if you were in a Spanish-speaking country yesterday, then it's no wonder you managed to get through the day with no one jumping out of cupboards to scare you, no salt in the sugar dispenser, or (God forbid!) cling-film on the toilet seat. That is because, in the Hispanic world, April the first is just another day on the calendar.

So that explains any blank stares or raised eyebrows you would have got in response to cries of "¡Tontos de abril!". As April Fools' Days is celebrated (if such a world can be used for institutionalised pranking) in many parts of the world, the USA and Europe included, Latino culture stands out from the crowd, with a rough equivalent, el D�a de los Santos Inocentes, being observed on December 28.

The Day of the Innocents, which is celebrated in Spain (especially the southern areas) and parts of Latin America, is observed in much the same way as April Fools' Day. But when the prankster reveals their joke (known as una inocentada) the saying is "¡Inocente, inocente!", to be yelled gloatingly at their victims. Sometimes the jokers themselves are called the "inocentes' and the victims of the prank are not supposed to be angry at them, since jokes are all in good faith and they could not have committed any sin...

The origins of el D�a de los Santos Inocentes are somewhat less light-hearted. Like a lot of Spanish holidays, there are biblical roots to the Day of the Innocents. According to the Gospel of Matthew, on December 28th King Herod ordered all the baby boys in Bethlehem under the age of 2 to be killed, because he was afraid that the newborn baby Jesus would become a rival. However, as the story goes, Jesus had already been taken away to Egypt by Mary and Joseph. So the joke was on Herod, and the tradition followed of tricking people on that day.

Pranks are limited to your imagination, although someone walking around blissfully unaware of a paper man stuck on their back (not unlike the French do with paper fish, or the really cruel do with "Kick Me' signs) is a common sight on el D�a de los Santos Inocentes. Even news broadcasters get involved with joke stories being reported, such as UFO sightings, alien abductions and whatever else they can get away with! Be sure to take everything in good humour, but with this prankster holiday being so close to Christmas, the inocentadas are normally received with festive cheer.

Which means, for those of you living in el mundo Hispano, you have 8 more months to plan your bromas!

The Obama Family Learning Spanish!

Hannah Ryan — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:43:00 GMT

What a way to celebrate your birthday!

While Spain's PM Mariano Rajoy was in Seoul, South Korea, this week he celebrated his 57th birthday, unconventionally, at the Nuclear Security Summit. While he was presented with a chocolate cake by President of South Korea, Lee Myung-bak, Rajoy also received an official invitation to visit the White House, from US President Barack Obama.

Obama, who has spoken of his regret at his poor Spanish, joked that his daughters, who are learning the language, could be interpreters for Rajoy's visit. The Spanish PM revealed that his children are learning English, and he joins in their lessons!

Speaking about his Malia and Sasha, the American leader has said "I've told them that my biggest regret was not studying Spanish hard enough when I was in high school. Hopefully, they've got head start on me. And they'll be entirely fluent. So they maybe will translate for me the next time I'm out."

Obama has acknowledged the importance of Spanish, especially within the United States. On a historic trip to Puerto Rico last year (incidentally, the first sitting President to do so since Kennedy) Obama spoke a little Spanish to the people. The president declared that Puerto Ricans who have served in the military are "as American as apple pie, or as "arroz con gandules." Which means rice with pidgen peas! The President has also just launched a Spanish version of his re-election campaign website, recognizing the political importance of the Latino voters. The video link below shows Obama speaking out for the positive impact Spanish brings to the diversity of the States, and how it should be embraced.

The President's wife Michelle, chose the south of Spain as her holiday destination last summer, and she even met King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia in their Majorca home. As Obama declared to Rajoy that "I know that our teams are working very well together" in regards to the economic situation, it is clear that the American First Family are fans of Spain, and of espa�ol.

Why not, like the Obama girls, start learning Spanish today!

The Future of Dual Language Immersion

Dilek — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:53:00 GMT

Spanish is the second natively spoken language in the world. In most of the countries especially in USA, its importance has risen much lately.

In the United States, public schools have increased the number of dual-language immersion programs at a fast pace. The researches show that two or three languages to a high level have certain cognitive advantages for students. The language learning as a second or third is much easier when you learn in the early ages.

Dual language immersion programs target for improving bilingualism (the ability to speak fluently in two languages), it generally begins in kindergarten and continues at least five years. Nowadays in most public schools, dual language immersion programmes extend to high school. About 50,000 students are enrolled in dual-language programs in California and ninety percent of the programs offer Spanish as the second language. Every school has its own teaching structure. Kindergartners are taught 90 percent in Spanish and 10 percent in English. Each following year, the language balance shifts closer to 50-50. Some programs in secondary and high schools split the English and second language 50-50 for all grade levels.First Language immersion began in 1971 with first Spanish immersion program in Culver City, California and has reached to 30 states now.

The kids are also happy with the programme. The students coming from Mexico, Cuba or other Latin America countries don't lose their heritage and language, since it becomes a big problem for the third or latter generations to speak Spanish out of their home during daily life with their friends or at school. For the American students, it is a great opportunity to learn the language which has dominated the country for the last few years and has a great amount of importance within their community. The programme also offers a cultural exchange experience and the advantage of being a bilateral speaker in modern world.

This two-way immersion programme is regarded to be the most effective way of language learning for integrating both Spanish speaking students and non-Spanish speaking students. And to increase the number of this programme, the authorities emphasizes the importance of scarcity of dual language immersion programme teachers and teaching materials. Right now most elementary schools are hiring teachers starting from the 4th or 5th grades.

The future of Spanish is going to be more bright with the new way of techniques and programmes as almost every citizen will be able to speak Spanish at one point.