Basic principles

Draw a picture suggested by each word: A window A loaf of bread A mocajete

Languages are culture-specific: Words exist to express notions relevant to a particular culture You might have drawn a picture of a window that goes up and down. People who speak other languages might draw a window that opens out. Your loaf of bread might be rectangular, whereas bread from another culture may be round. You might have drawn nothing for a mocajete, because you’ve never even heard of such a thing.

Write a better (idiomatic) version of each awkward phrase: To me, basketball is pleasing. She climbs the bicycle. I have 16 years. I have much hurry. It’s making much wind.

It does not work to translate word for word from Spanish to English and vice-versa You have to find the equivalent structure in each language. The previous sentences are word-for-word translations from Spanish. It is usually possible to convey the same idea in Spanish and English, but the word order and word choice will often differ.

Don’t just learn words in isolation Learn vocabulary in context. Learn equivalent ways of saying things. For example: the word “does” is not used in Spanish for asking a question.

Pronunciation This is the easiest part of Spanish. Spanish is much easier than English. Vowels and consonants each have only one sound, making words much easier to sound out and spell. Spanish alphabet is almost the same as English. We’ll learn the slight differences soon.

Cognates: Try to guess the meanings of the following Spanish words: imaginar música profesor importante momento delicioso You are probably able to guess the meanings of these words. Cognates are similar words in two languages that have the same meanings. There are many cognates between English and Spanish

Beware of false cognates! Some examples: éxito means “success,” not exit carpeta means “file folder,” not “carpet” embarazada means “pregnant,” not “embarrased”

A word about accents (diacritical marks) Accents in Spanish help distinguish the meaning of two words that sound the same but have different meanings Accents also help us with exceptions to syllable pronunciation rules. Example: tú = you; tu = your sí = yes; si = if Example: café; cómico When memorizing new words, memorize where the accents are.