Unlock the secret to true language mastery! Dive into the world of lifelong learning in foreign language teaching, where every conversation becomes a lesson and passion meets proficiency. Are you ready to transform your language journey? Unlock the secret to true language mastery! Dive into the world of lifelong learning in foreign language teaching, where every conversation becomes a lesson and passion meets proficiency. Are you ready to transform your language journey?
Read more7 day Japanese conversation Challenge!
The 7 day Japanese conversation practice blog is a language learning resource designed to help beginners improve their speaking skills in Japanese. The blog consists of a series of daily posts, each containing a new conversation topic and related vocabulary, grammar, and phrases.
Read moreLearning and Memorizing Vocabulary in another language.
Learning vocabulary can be overwhelming. Vocabulary is indispensable to mastering any language and memorizing vocabulary can be daunting. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, the sheer number of words to learn can seem insurmountable. From nouns and verbs to adjectives and adverbs, each with its own unique meanings and usage, it's no wonder that many language learners find themselves feeling frustrated and discouraged along the way. But fear not! In this article, we will explore effective strategies and techniques that will help make learning vocabulary a more manageable task, allowing you to build a strong foundation in any language with confidence and ease.
One of the key components of language learning is building your vocabulary. Simply learning 1,000 words in a foreign language can get you far in understanding texts and communicating with people. This article will explore various methods to help you learn new words in a foreign language efficiently and effectively.
One of the key components of language learning is building your vocabulary. Learning 1,000 words in a foreign language can get you far in understanding texts and communicating with people. This article will explore various methods to help you learn new words in a foreign language efficiently and effectively.
Here are some steps to help you boost your foreign language vocabulary learning:
Narrow it down The first step to effective learning is to identify what you want to focus on and set goals. Start with that if you have a strong interest in a particular subject. Perhaps you want to read about soccer or learn how to cook like a native chef. The most effective learners are motivated to study because they choose vocabulary based on their interests and needs. If you select words you don’t find useful, you’re much less likely to succeed in memorizing them and being able to use them in context. You should be as excited as possible about learning new words!
If you have a more general goal, like wanting to be able to communicate with people on an upcoming trip or read the news, it’s a good idea to focus on the words that are most commonly used in your target language.
Figure out what the most common words are. This is a good tip for anyone, no matter your particular interests. The most common words will be the most common words in any speech or writing. They pop up everywhere!
Typically, there are four general categories of vocabulary words we can talk about in any language: High-frequency words, academic words, technical words, and low-frequency words.
You can generally ignore academic, technical, and low-frequency words, unless you have specific needs to learn them. Focus on high-frequency words to quickly improve your ability to communicate. These are the words people use most in everyday writing and speech, so learning them will take you in the right direction so you can start understanding what you hear and being able to respond appropriately.
An online search for the phrase “most common words in X language” can help you identify a list of high-frequency words to focus on, like this one in Spanish or this one in French. After identifying these words, try doing an online search to find articles and videos that use these words in context.
Seek out opportunities to use new words. Learning any vocabulary involves two separate processes:
Being able to recognize a word when you hear or read it Being able to say or write a word It’s more difficult to produce a word than it is to recognize it, so we typically learn to recognize words in writing or speech before we’re able to produce them ourselves. It takes additional, concentrated practice to learn a word well enough to think of it and say or write it when we want to.
On an average day, you get much more practice hearing and reading words than speaking or writing, whether in your native language or a language you’re trying to learn and even if you’re super extroverted and talkative.
That’s why it’s important always to seek out more opportunities for productive language practice, such as writing emails to friends, writing in a personal journal, talking with others in a conversation club, or chatting with people who don’t speak your native language. These opportunities provide a chance to use new words and help you build your confidence in using the language.
If you’re shy or hesitant about practicing with others, start small by practicing on your own. Try speaking to yourself in the target language, or writing short stories or journal entries. You can also practice pronunciation by listening to native speakers and repeating after them. Many language learning apps and websites also offer speaking and writing exercises for practice.
Another great way to practice is by finding a language exchange partner in person or online. You can find language exchange partners on websites and apps like Tandem, HelloTalk, and My Language Exchange. These platforms connect you with people who are also learning a language and are interested in practicing with a native speaker of your target language. You can practice speaking and writing with your language exchange partner, and they can help you with grammar and vocabulary.
Seek out opportunities to use new words. Learning any vocabulary involves two separate processes:
Being able to recognize a word when you hear or read it Being able to say or write a word It’s more difficult to produce a word than it is to recognize it, so we typically learn to recognize words in writing or speech before we’re able to produce them ourselves. It takes additional, concentrated practice to learn a word well enough to think of it and say or write it when we want to.
On an average day, you get much more practice hearing and reading words than you do speaking or writing, whether in your native language or a language you’re trying to learn and even if you’re super extroverted and talkative.
That’s why it’s important always to seek out more opportunities for productive language practice, such as writing emails to friends, writing in a personal journal, talking with others in a conversation club or chatting with people who don’t speak your native language. These opportunities provide a chance to use new words and help you build your confidence in using the language.
If you’re shy or hesitant about practicing with others, start small by practicing on your own. Try speaking to yourself in the target language, or writing short stories or journal entries. You can also practice pronunciation by listening to native speakers and repeating after them. Many language learning apps and websites also offer speaking and writing exercises for practice.
Learning and memorizing vocabulary in another language can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. You can enhance your language skills and fluency by implementing the strategies discussed in this article, such as using flashcards, practicing regularly, and incorporating vocabulary into everyday activities. Remember to stay motivated and consistent in your efforts, as progress takes time. If you are looking for personalized guidance and support on your language-learning journey, book a lesson with me today. Together, we can work towards achieving your language learning goals and unlock new opportunities for personal growth and cultural understanding.
Japanese Vocabulary and phrases when staying at a hotel
Gain essential Japanese vocabulary and phrases when staying at a hotel in Japan. Learn the key words and phrases to make your trip smoother, and get tips on how to communicate effectively.
Read moreMondly Language App Review: Is It Really Worth It?
Are you ready to take your start your language learning journey? Then let’s check out Mondly's language program and app! We are going to go through its strengths and weaknesses as a program. As a vocal and language coach, I've tried and tested countless language learning tools, and I must say, And what do I think about Mondly?
I will share my review of Mondly's language learning program and app in this blog post. From the pricing to the program's structure, to what I love and dislike about it, I'll be covering it all! No matter if you are a beginning language learner or an experienced one, this review will equip you with all the information you need to determine if Mondly is the perfect fit for you.
Read moreSing Your Way to Fluency
Learning a foreign language can be an intimidating task for many people, but it doesn't have to be! Music has the power to make learning exciting and fun, and this article will explore how singing can help you learn a language quickly. With just a few simple tips and tricks, you'll be able to pick up new words and phrases while having a great time doing it.
Benefits of learning a language through singing
Helps with pronunciation: One of the most significant benefits of learning a language through singing is that it can help you improve your pronunciation. When you sing, you naturally pay more attention to the sounds and rhythms of the language, which can help you learn how to pronounce words more accurately. Singing also allows you to practice different tones and intonations that are essential to speaking a language fluently.
Expands vocabulary: Another advantage of learning a language through singing is that it can help you expand your vocabulary. Music is a great way to learn new words and phrases, as you can hear them in context and learn how to use them correctly. Many songs also include idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms that are commonly used in everyday conversation but may not be found in textbooks.
Improves comprehension: Singing along to a song can also help you improve your overall comprehension of a language. When you hear a song, you're exposed to a range of vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structures that you might not encounter in other forms of language learning. As you listen to and sing along with a song, you'll gradually develop an ear for the language and begin to understand it more deeply.
Makes learning fun: Perhaps the most significant benefit of learning a language through singing is that it can make the process more enjoyable. Music is a universal language that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures. When you're singing along to a song, you're not just learning a language; you're also having fun and enjoying the process. This can help you stay motivated and engaged in your language learning journey, which is crucial for making progress.
Tips for learning a language through singing
Now that we've explored the benefits of learning a language through singing let's look at some tips for how to effectively incorporate music into your language learning routine.
Choose songs that you enjoy: The key to successful language learning through singing is to choose songs that you enjoy. If you don't like the music you're listening to, you're less likely to be motivated to continue learning the language. Choose songs that you find catchy, enjoyable, and interesting. You don't have to stick to one particular genre of music; the more variety you have in your music choices, the more exposure you'll have to different types of vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structures.
Listen to the song several times: Before you start singing along to a song, it's essential to listen to it several times. This will help you become familiar with the melody, rhythm, and lyrics of the song. You may also want to look up the lyrics online and read through them to get a better understanding of the vocabulary and grammar used in the song.
Sing along with the song: Once you're familiar with the song, it's time to start singing along. You may find it helpful to start by singing along with just the chorus or a few lines of the song before trying to sing the entire song. Focus on your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation, and try to match the singer's voice as closely as possible. You don't have to worry about being perfect at first; the more you practice, the better you'll get.
Analyze the lyrics: After you've sung along with the song several times, it's time to analyze the lyrics. Look for words and phrases that you don't understand, and try to decipher their meaning based on the context of the song. You can also look up unfamiliar words and phrases online or in a dictionary to get a better understanding of their meaning. This will help you expand your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of the language.
Memorize the lyrics: Once you feel comfortable singing along with the song, it's time to try and memorize the lyrics. Memorizing lyrics can be a great way to reinforce vocabulary and grammar structures, and it can also help you improve your pronunciation. Start by memorizing a few lines at a time, and then gradually build up to the entire song. You can also try singing the song without the music to test your memory and see how well you remember the lyrics.
Sing with others: Learning a language through singing doesn't have to be a solo activity. Try singing with others, such as friends, family members, or language exchange partners. Singing with others can help you practice your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation in a more social and collaborative setting. It can also be a lot of fun to sing together and share your love of music and language.
Create your own songs: Another way to incorporate music into your language learning routine is to create your own songs. Try writing your own lyrics in the language you're learning, and then put them to a melody. This can be a fun and creative way to practice your vocabulary and grammar while also expressing yourself artistically.
Learning a language through singing can be a fun, effective, and enjoyable way to improve your language skills. Singing can help you improve your pronunciation, expand your vocabulary, and deepen your understanding of the language. By following the tips outlined in this blog, you can incorporate music into your language learning routine and make the process more enjoyable and engaging. Remember to choose songs that you enjoy, listen to the song several times, sing along, analyze the lyrics, memorize the lyrics, sing with others, and even create your own songs. With a little patience and practice, you'll be singing in a new language in no time!
In conclusion,learning a language through singing can be an enjoyable and successful way to pick up a new language. It can help improve pronunciation, build confidence when speaking, and introduce new cultural nuances that can’t be found in textbooks. Furthermore, by using a variety of songs from different genres and eras, learners can keep their progress interesting. With dedication and commitment, anyone can learn a language utilizing the power of music. So why not sing your way to fluency?
Voice Is Not Just Air: Uncovering Our Vocal Machinery
Unlock the mysteries of vocal machinery and discover the power of your voice!
Read moreUnlock Fluency Secrets: How Long Does It Take to Learn a Language?
Discover the secrets to unlocking fluency in a new language! Learn how long it takes to become fluent and get tips on how to make the most of your language learning experience.
Read moreReach Fluency Faster: Tips to Sharpen Your Listening Skills
Learning a new language can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience, but it does require consistent effort and dedication. One of the most important skills to master in order to become proficient in a language is listening comprehension. To truly understand how to speak a language, it's essential to be able to listen and comprehend what is being said. Fortunately, there are several proven strategies that you can use to improve your listening skills and make learning a language easier.
Read moreDon't like your voice? Let’s Improve it!
Singing is pretty amazing. Who doesn’t want to learn to sing better, right? I’m assuming most of you reading this article are looking for advice on how to sing better. Today I want to take some time to talk about the importance of the approach you take in learning to sing.
We live in a fast-paced world. With ever evolving technology at our fingertips, instant gratification is the norm. Mastering any instrument, especially the voice, is not something that happens overnight. However, unfortunately I see many young students exhibit frustration when they can’t belt like Beyoncé after their first voice lesson.
I’m sure many of you are familiar with the term “muscle memory”. Contrary to what the name suggests, our muscles aren’t remembering whatever tasks we are working on, but our brain is. Through repetition, our brain remembers certain tasks and sends signals to our muscles. As I am typing this article, my fingers are clicking away at the keyboard, and I am not thinking about where the different keys are. Because I have typed so much, I can now execute that task on a completely subconscious level. That is an example of muscle memory. I’m sure you can think of many examples of times when you practiced something over and over until it became easier. That is how you learned to walk and talk as a baby!
As our vocal cords are comprised of muscle, obviously muscle memory comes into play when learning how to sing. This is why you should be practicing your vocal exercises 5-6 times a week. The exercises that your teacher gives you are most likely repetitive exercises up and down a scale that are designed to be practiced frequently for the best results. After you practice these vocal coordinations over and over, they will become easier. I will go back to the example of walking. When you were a baby, you really had to concentrate on walking, but now the muscle memory has taken over, and you walk without thought.
One of the hardest things to change is bad muscle memory. A lot of singers have been practicing bad habits, whether from singing a lot without instruction, or from poor instruction. Perhaps the wrong muscles are firing when they are singing. Oftentimes, singers are engaging their jaw and neck muscles unnecessarily. To correct this, the bad muscle memory must be undone before the new can be taught. This can be a frustrating process, but consistent practice can most definitely change these habits.
This is where patience comes into play. Learning how to sing is not something you can expect to master in a few lessons. I have been singing my whole life, and am still learning and improving all the time. Besides the fact that muscle memory takes time, your voice is fragile. You can’t practice for hours on end like you can with other musical instruments. The voice can only do so much.
To study singing is an enormously gratifying experience, and one that can change you in more ways than you can imagine. However, you must be serious about your studies if you expect to see results. Consistent practice is key, and you must be gentle with yourself. As in any journey, there will be great moments, and moments of frustration. You must know that it is all part of the process. You should approach each lesson and practice session with focus, enthusiasm, and patience. You should be willing to take risks and fall flat on your face. Most importantly, you should continuously remind yourself that it is a process. Enjoy the journey!
Inglés Para Principiantes- Las oraciones
¡Aprende a construir oraciones básicas en español con esta guía sencilla y útil!
Read moreMust know Spanish Phrases That Gets you Talking
Starting to learn a new language can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to grammar and vocabulary. But don’t worry, you can start by learning simple Spanish phrases and expressions to begin communicating right away.
By mastering just a few basic expressions, you'll be able to handle basic interactions such as greeting people, making small talk, ordering in a restaurant, and more. So let’s get started!
Hola.Hello.Buenos días.Good morning.
Buenas tardes.Good afternoon.Strictly speaking, you should change buenos días to buenas tardes right after noon.
Buenas noches.Good evening. / Goodnight.Buenas noches is both a greeting and a way to say goodbye. Here are a couple of examples:
Buenas noches, ¿tienen mesa para dos? → “Good evening. Do you have a table for two?”
Nos vemos mañana. Que descanses, buenas noches. → “See you tomorrow. Sleep well, goodnight.”
As we’ve just seen, buenas noches is a common way to say goodbye . Here are some others:
Adiós.Bye.
Hasta luego.Bye. / See you later.In some regions in Spain, hasta luego is even more common than adiós.
Hasta pronto. See you soon.
Nos vemos.See you.
Que vaya bien.Wish you well. / Have a nice one.
Que tengas un buen día.
[informal]
Que tenga un buen día.
[formal]
Have a nice day.
Cuidase.Take care.
If you’re meeting someone for the first time, here are some polite Spanish phrases you can use to introduce yourself:
Me llamo…I’m…Soy…I am…
Mi nombre es…My name is…The three expressions above mean basically the same thing. However, Me llamo… is the most common one, and Mi nombre es… is the most formal one.
Encantada de conocerle, me llamo Rosita. → “Nice to meet you, I’m Rosita.”
Buenas tardes, señor. Mi nombre es Marcos. → “Good afternoon, sir. My name is Marcos.”
¿Cómo te llamas? What’s your name?
Encantado de conocerte.
[masculine]
Encantada de conocerte.
[feminine]Nice to meet you.
Mucho gusto. Nice to meet you.
¿De dónde es? Where are you from?
Soy de…I’m from…
Here are some informal ways to engage a conversation.
¿Qué tal? How's it going? / How are you doing?
¿Cómo estás?How are you?
¿Cómo va? How's it going?The three expressions above mean more-or-less the same thing, and they can be used in most conversations. However, each one has a slightly different shade.
"¿Qué tal?" is a versatile expression that can serve as a greeting. It can be used to inquire about the well-being of the other person, to ask about a specific situation, or simply as a friendly greeting without expecting a response.
¿Cómo estás? is also used mainly as a small talk phrase. You wouldn't expect the other person to get too deep with their answer unless it's someone close to you or if you have an intimate conversation.
¿Cómo va? is even more casual and generic than the two expressions mentioned above. It can be used as a greeting, too.
¡Hola, Amanda! ¿Cómo va?¿Qué tal, Jaime?
Estoy bien, gracias.I’m well, thank you.
Que te recuperes pronto.Get well soon.
Me alegro de verte.It is good to see you.
Saluda a … de mi parte. Say hello to … on my behalf.
Now that we got the greetings and introductions, let’s try to keep the conversation going! In this section, you’ll learn the most basic Spanish phrases for beginners that will help you master polite conversations with native Spanish speakers.
Here are the most important courtesy phrases in Spanish:
Gracias.Thank you.
Muchas gracias. Thank you so much.
De nada. You’re welcome.
Por favor.Please.
Perdón can be used in various forms. If you want to directly appeal to the person you’re saying sorry to, you can say the informal version (perdona) or the polite way (perdone). These words can also be used as a way to say “excuse me.”
But if you’re apologizing for something really serious, you should say perdóname (“forgive me”).
Perdón. Sorry.
Perdone, ¿me podría decir adónde al museo? → “Excuse me, could you tell me where the museum is?”
No debería comer su burrito , perdóname. → “I shouldn’t have eaten your burrito, please forgive me.”
Lo siento. I'm sorry.
Disculpa.
[informal]
Disculpe.
[formal]Excuse me.
No te preocupes. Don't worry.
No pasa nada. No worries.
Lo siento. I’m sorry.
No te preocupes.Don’t worry.
No pasa nada. No worries
Dining & Shopping Phrases
Dining out and going to the local Spanish-speaking shops will give you great opportunities to practice your Spanish. If you go to a restaurant, you´ll be able to politely ask for a table or order some food. Or when you go to shops, you’ll need to know how much the item you would like to buy.
¿Podría ayudarme, por favor? Could you help me, please?
¿Cuánto cuesta? How much is it?
¿Cuánto es? How much is it?
¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? Can I pay with a credit card?
¿Puedo pagar con efectivo? Can I pay with cash?
¿Tienen mesa para + number+ personas? Do you have a table for … people?
Querría una mesa para … personas por favor. - I’d like a table for … people.
Tengo una reservación. I have a reservation.
Querría pedir…I’d like to order…
No como…I don’t eat…
Soy vegetariano / vegano.
[masculine]Soy vegetariana / vegana.
[feminine]I’m a vegetarian / vegan.
Asking for Help
Some of the most common situations where you might need to speak Spanish is when you’re in need of assistance.
¿Habla inglés? Do you speak English?
No le entiendo, lo siento. I don’t understand you, I’m sorry.
No hablo muy bien el español. I don’t speak Spanish properly.
¿Cómo se dice … en español? How do you say … in Spanish?
¿Dónde está…? Where is…?
¿Cómo puedo llegar a…? How can I get to…?
¡Ayuda!/¡Socorro! Help!
Necesito un médico. I need a doctor.
Llama a una ambulancia. Call an ambulance.
5. Final Thoughts
In this guide, you’ve learned the most common Spanish expressions for different situations. It’ll be a useful tool for you as you navigate your very first conversations in Spanish, and you can always refer back to it even as you progress in your studies.
Happy Learning
How to control the Tension
Tongue tension is the enemy of many singers. Learn a simple exercise to help you release the tongue tension and build more freedom when singing.
Read moreTechniques to Assess the Foreign Language Level of Adult Student
Gauging the proficiency of adult students can be a challenging task. Let’s learn and dive into techniques that assess their linguistic capabilities and weave a fabric of trust and understanding. Discover how prior experiences, nuanced questioning, and keen observation can unveil a learner's true language potential, ensuring a tailored educational journey for every student
Read moreBeginning Spanish for Medical Professionals-Making commands
The imperative mood is a helpful tool for giving instructions, whether for exams, follow-up explanations, or prescriptions, giving directions, or simply informing your patient what you want him or her to do.
Let’s take a look at the “Usted” form in the chart below. When talking to your patients I will recommend in using the “Usted” form.
To make an usted command, use the él/ella/usted form of the present simple subjunctive. To review, it takes three steps to form the subjunctive:
Conjugate the verb in the yo form. (Hablar becomes hablo, tener becomes tengo, decir becomes digo.)
Remove the –o. (Habl-, teng-, dig-)
You didn’t think I was going to leave you hanging without the other endings, did you? I only suggested when talking to the patients to use the “usted form”
AR: -e, -es, -e, -emos -éis, -en
ER: -a, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an
IR: -a, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an
In English the same form of the verb is used in the present tense as is used in the command form.
Present Tense Command Tense
I take pills everyday Take your pills.
Yo tomo las pastillas cada día. Tome las pastillas.
Here are some common “-AR” verbs that are used in the medical field.
’
’
And here are some common “ER and IR” verbs
In Spanish, for regular verbs, the last letter is different in the present tense yo form and in the command form. (There are a few other letter changes in irregular verbs and the g-changing verbs in the yo form that you will see. Here is the formation of conjugating irregular verbs.
To make a command with an irregular verb:
Here is a list of typical commands or structures that you will use frequently. We highly suggest memorizing the ones in the left-hand column that you use repeatedly. You may find the ones in the right-hand column (Favor de + infinitive—the shortcut!) to be easier to use, particularly if you draw a blank or if you only refer to them from time to time. Memorize the ones that you handle with the most ease. But, at least now, you can understand how they are formed and can deduce how to do so with other verbs not included here.
Let’s use some of the following vocabulary and use it to give a physical exam!
DOCTORA: Buenas tardes, señora… Hoy necesito examinarle. ¿Okey? Primero, voy a examinar sus ojos. Por favor, mire la luz. Bueno, saque la lengua, por favor. Gracias. Por favor, abra la boca y diga “Ah.” Trague, por favor. Gracias. Ahora, quiero escuchar sus pulmones. Respire profundo por la boca, por favor. Otra vez… otra vez. Tosa, por favor. Acuéstese. Doble las rodillas, por favor. Relájese, necesito palpar su estómago. Gracias. Siéntese otra vez. Afloje la pierna… gracias. Bueno, es todo. Puede vestirse ahora (Puede ponerse la ropa), y regreso en un momento .
Please answer these questions and send the answers to me at my profile at TakeLessons
1. ¿Qué va a examinar el doctor primero? _____________________________________________________________
2. ¿Qué dice el doctor de la luz?
______________________________________________________________
3. Favor de escribir cinco cosas que el doctor dice al paciente.
1.___________________________________________________________2.___________________________________________________________3.___________________________________________________________4.___________________________________________________________5.___________________________________________________________
Beginning Spanish for School Educators
As you begin to learn Spanish, there are some expressions that are key to greeting, introducing yourself, getting to know the parents, students, and support staff in your school. While you are studying these expressions, please note that Spanish has both a formal and an informal way to address a person (you). If you are talking to someone older, someone you are meeting for the first time, or someone in a higher position like a boss or a supervisor, you should use usted (Ud.) [OOS-TEHD]. After knowing the person for a while, or after they ask you to address them informally, family and friends you may use the tú [too] form. Keep in mind that Spanish-speaking countries, parents and children use usted [OOS-TEHD] to address their teachers and in some countries, parents use the usted [OOS-TEHD] form to make an authorative statement. When you address a student, you will normally use the tú [too] form, but at times—such as to emphasize the serious nature of what you are saying—you may use the usted [OOS-TEHD] form when addressing him or her.
GREETINGS
To start off a conversation you can always start with the most basics of greetings.
If you want to introduce yourself and others, there are a couple of ways to do this in Spanish.
If you are the person being introduced, you may respond with any of the following expressions.
A pleasure. Mucho gusto
It's a pleasure meeting you Es un placer
In Spanish, when you are talking about a teacher or other person with a title, you use the definite article (el, la, los, las [ehl, lah, lohs, lahs]) with the title,For example, if I wanted to say ¨She is Mrs Ruiz the Spanish teacher.” It would be “ Ella esla Señora Ruiz la maestra de español.”
To ask “How are you” there are 2 ways to learn
How are you? ¿Cómo estás? ( koh-moh ehs-tahs) (Informal)
How are you? ¿Cómo está? ( koh-moh ehs-tah) (formal)
Responses
I’m fine thank you, and yourself? ¿Estoy bien gracias, y usted? ehs-toi bee-ehn grah-see-ahs)
I’m great! ¡Muy bien! (Mooi bee-ehn)
I’m worried Estoy muy preocupada.
To say goodbye, there are various ways of doing this besides saying ADIOS (ah-dee-ohs)- goodbye
Have a great day! Que le vaya bien (keh leh vah-yah bee-ehn)
To say goodbye to your students, colleagues and parents for when there is an event that you know you will see them again.
Other expressions you can use with “hasta” are
Next week La semana próxima
Next Month El mes próximo
Next Year El año próximo
Let’s do some exercises!
What would you say in Spanish? Use the expressions that we went over!
1. You have just met the parents of one of your students, and you want them to meet your student teacher. Introduce him/her. _________________________
2. You have met the mother of one of your students. During Parents' Night you are introduced to the father. What do you say? _________________________
3. At the end of Parents' Night, you want to say good-bye to the parents. What do you say? _________________________
4. Introduce yourself to the mother of one of your students. _________________________
5. It is Friday, and one of your students is leaving the classroom. Tell him/her that you will see him/her on Monday. _________________________
6. You have made an appointment with the parents of one of your students. They are supposed to come back next week. Tell them that you will see them then. _________________________
If you can Speak you can Sing- Why is Breath so important?
Why is breathing so important when it comes to singing? Well, it is just as crucial to speaking and singing. I’ll tell you why.
Read moreDoing warm-ups on the go!
Why do we Sing?
Why do we sing instead of speak? It's an honest and serious question. Why do we? We can talk for hours but when it comes to singing we only get so lucky! Well, in singing there is an emotional meaning stronger than regular speech. Embracing this fundamental fact is the joy of singing; having control and understanding of it is the challenge of all vocalists.
What is it about what you’re feeling, what you’re experiencing, what you’re listening that must be sung? Getting specific and detailed with this question in every moment of a song is sure to bring out the clarity in one’s performance like no other point of analysis can. Close friends of mine who are professional performers have shared that, due to the size of the houses they perform in front of, details like these are essential to communicating the intimate details and to share their realizations alike to their fullest potential. However, it wasn’t the idea of performing and getting people engaged that brought this question to my immediate attention. Her voice had energy and sounded smooth.
What inspired me to write this articles were my students. When they are singing a song after class they get so expressive, they are sharing their emotion, sharing how they feel. One specific example: my 11 year old student was singing "Sad Song" by We the Kings thinking and showing how she felt about her crush. When singing becomes lazy, when vocals don’t appear motivated, when catchy riffs or embellished arrangements dominate a song above its message it becomes a burdensome thing to watch or it just makes you sleepy.
We sing because we feel a relation to a song and it is easier to express when we don't have the words to describe when speaking. It is a way that we can express us without not thinking about it. This is why we sing. Singing is the extension of communicating what we want to say and feel.
What to do if you need to sing and your sick?
As a professional singer there are times when I have to perform when I have to sing. I'm sure some of you can relate. So here is a video blog that will help you if you are in that situation.
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