Building Rapport: The Key to a Fruitful Classroom Relationship

Every seasoned educator knows that a teacher's relationship with their students can significantly impact the overall learning experience. In a foreign language classroom, this bond becomes even more pivotal. Let's journey together as we explore the essence of rapport-building, especially in adult-centric environments.

A Personal Connection: My Experience

Let me pause here to share a personal story that underscores the power of rapport. A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of teaching a diverse group of adult learners. Among them was Daniel, a businessman in his late 50s. He appeared reserved initially, always hesitating before participating. I noticed his interest in vintage cars from a casual conversation and decided to incorporate this theme into some of our lessons. The transformation was incredible! Not only did Daniel become more active, but he also initiated a project where students shared tales related to their own passion. That was rapport in action.

What Exactly is Classroom Rapport?

Rapport in the context of a classroom isn't about becoming best friends with your students. It's about establishing a connection based on mutual respect and understanding. It's a bridge of trust, making the learning journey smoother and more enjoyable.

The Significance of Building Rapport in Foreign Language Classes

Adult learners often return to the classroom after a significant hiatus. This can be intimidating. As their guide in this journey, your role extends beyond teaching. You're also a pillar of support, ensuring that they feel comfortable, valued, and understood. Establishing rapport ensures that your students remain engaged, even when the subject matter becomes challenging.

Interestingly, adults bring with them a treasure trove of life experiences. These shared experiences, hobbies, or even career paths can be fertile ground to nurture a bond.

Crafting Connections: A Guide to Building Rapport

Here's a practical roadmap to help you weave the fabric of rapport with your adult learners:

1. First Names First: A name holds power. Addressing someone by their first name is an immediate ice-breaker. It establishes a more egalitarian atmosphere and fosters open dialogue. So, forget the formal “Mr.” or “Ms.” and invite a friendlier classroom vibe.

2. Speak their Language: And I don't mean just the foreign language you're teaching. Approach them as peers. Ditch the theatrical expressions suitable for kids. Instead, converse as you would with a colleague or a friend.

3. Embrace the Age Spectrum: Our classroom will often reflect the broader spectrum of society. It's essential to acknowledge age differences but in a positive and inclusive way. You can cleverly tailor your lessons to be relevant across the board.

4. Accept and Learn from Limitations: No one knows everything. If a student stumps you with a query, own it. Admitting that you need to check something doesn't make you less of an expert. In fact, it humanizes you and models a vital life lesson: continuous learning.

5. Open Doors and Ears: Be accessible. Encourage students to approach you with their concerns, questions, or even feedback. This openness can drastically reduce any barriers of intimidation or hesitation.

6. Listen, Then Respond: A technique I swear by is repeating back questions. Not only does this show that you're genuinely listening, but it also gives you a few seconds to frame a coherent response.

Remember, these aren't just classroom strategies; they're life skills. Embracing them can enhance your relationships outside the classroom too.

Conclusion and Forward Path

Building rapport is akin to lighting a candle in a dim room. It dispels uncertainties and paves the way for a vibrant, productive learning environment. By understanding and valuing your students, you're not just teaching them a foreign language; you're making the learning journey memorable.

Hungry for more insights? Stay tuned as we unravel more layers of the adult learning ecosystem. And if you wish to master these techniques and more, consider booking a Language Teacher Training session with me. Let's embark on this transformative journey together. Happy teaching!

Your Role Beyond The Textbook: Responsibilities of a Foreign Language Teacher

Shaping Futures: The Integral Role of a Foreign Language Teacher for Adult Learners

The journey of teaching is as enlightening for the educator as it is for the student. As you step into the vast world of foreign language teaching, you must recognize that it's not just about teaching language skills but about moulding minds, shaping perceptions, and facilitating transformation. But what does this entail for someone teaching English to adults?

Understanding Adult Learners: A Glimpse Beyond Age

Adult learners come with their own set of experiences, preconceptions, and intricacies. Unlike young learners who primarily need physical care and safety, adults require mental and emotional scaffolding. They need support in gathering and analyzing information, self-reflection, gauging their progress, and more.

Let me share a quick story. I once had a student, Maria, a 45-year-old, who decided to learn English after her children had flown the nest. Her initial hesitance was palpable, stemming from self-doubt. Over time, it became evident that while she had the will, what she required was guidance, not just in linguistics but in believing in her ability to learn anew.

This story reflects our vast responsibilities, which extend beyond just the curriculum.

📝 Exercise: Before diving deeper, take a moment to jot down five responsibilities you think an adult foreign language teacher might hold. We’ll see how they match with the responsibilities we discuss below.

Seven Key Responsibilities of a Foreign Language Teacher for Adults

1. Fostering a Positive Learning Environment: Your first task is to curate an atmosphere that's conducive to learning. A space where students feel safe, respected, and motivated to dive into the intricacies of a foreign language.

2. Igniting and Sustaining Motivation: As students come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, understanding and harnessing those variables to keep them engaged is crucial. A tailored approach, keeping in mind their interests, life situations, and past experiences, can work wonders.

3. Building Self-Efficacy: At the heart of adult learning is believing in oneself. Boosting a student’s confidence in their capabilities can positively impact their motivation and academic performance. Maria, for instance, flourished when she started believing in herself, and this transformation is what we aim to achieve.

4. Reframing Perceptions Towards Learning: Some adult learners may harbor reservations or anxieties about learning, possibly stemming from past experiences. It's our role to redefine and rejuvenate their perspective, making learning a joyous journey rather than a daunting task.

5. Promoting Lifelong Learning: Lifelong learning is a commitment to continuous growth. Encouraging students to embrace this approach ensures they stay curious, engaged, and ever-evolving inside and outside the classroom.

6. Developing Information Literacy: Information is abundant with the digital age at its peak. Guiding students on sifting through this information, discerning credibility, and using it effectively is paramount. After all, knowledge is power only when it's accurate and applied correctly.

7. Cultivating Critical Thinking: Beyond linguistic skills, encouraging students to delve deeper, question, analyze, and understand the 'why' behind their learning can foster independence and a zest for knowledge.

Remember, as foreign language educators, our focus is on nurturing self-awareness and honing mental skills. This dual approach equips adult students with the tools to motivate themselves and take charge of their learning intrinsically.

Conclusion:

The world of adult foreign language teaching is vast and varied. As educators, our role is multifaceted, extending beyond mere instruction to shaping mindsets, fostering growth, and facilitating transformative learning experiences.

If you’re looking to refine your teaching methodologies, delve deeper into adult learning dynamics, and truly make a difference in your students’ lives, consider enrolling in the Language Teacher Training. Elevate your skills, broaden your horizons, and be the beacon of change in the world of foreign language teaching for adults. Embrace the journey!

Find Yourself Through Singing: How Auditions Bring Out Your Voice

When it comes to auditioning for acting and singing roles, there's a lot of pressure on performers to have the "right" sound. But this can be a slippery slope, as the desire to fit a certain mold can lead to performers distorting their own natural voice and style. We are going to explore why it's essential to stay true to yourself and your natural voice rather than trying to imitate others or adhere to certain expectations.

The Two Components of Your "Sound"

To understand why it's essential to stay true to your natural voice, it's important to first understand what comprises your "sound." There are two main components to your sound: your tone of voice and your style.

Your tone of voice is the unique sound that comes from your own natural speaking and singing voice. This is the sound that is uniquely yours, based on your specific vocal anatomy. Of course, good vocal training can help you to make the most of your voice and improve your technique, but it shouldn't ever make you sound like someone else. Your voice is as unique as your fingerprint, and trying to change it to fit a certain mold can do more harm than good.

The second component of your sound is your style. This refers to the techniques you use to create a specific sound for a particular style of music or character. For example, you might raise your larynx and increase compression for a "rock sound," or use your mix or belt for a more "modern musical theatre" sound. These stylistic choices should be used to enhance your natural voice, not to distort it. By combining your natural voice with your chosen style, you create your unique sound.

The Problem with Imitation

One of the biggest problems that performers encounter when auditioning is the temptation to imitate other singers or performers. Whether it's trying to sound like a popular pop star or attempting to replicate the sound of a famous Broadway actor, this approach can backfire.

When you try to imitate someone else's sound, you run the risk of losing the unique qualities of your own voice. Even if you're a talented mimic, you'll never be able to replicate the sound of someone else's voice perfectly. This can result in a forced or unnatural sound that doesn't truly represent your abilities.

Moreover, focusing too much on trying to imitate a certain sound can distract you from other important aspects of your audition, such as analyzing your acting situations, presenting a confident physical presence, and harnessing your best vocal technique. By trying too hard to fit into a certain mold, you risk missing out on opportunities to showcase your true strengths as a performer.

The Benefits of Staying True to Yourself

In contrast, when you focus on doing justice to the material in a stylistically appropriate way using your natural voice, you free yourself up to showcase your unique strengths as a performer. By staying true to yourself, you're able to present a confident and authentic version of yourself, which can make a strong impression on casting directors and other industry professionals.

Some performers who have minimal vocal training have been successful precisely because they focus on their natural voice and how it can best serve the material at hand. By prioritizing the value of the material and their own strengths as performers, they are able to create a powerful and memorable audition that stands out from the rest.

Of course, this doesn't mean you shouldn't strive to develop your skills and versatility as a performer. By all means, work on developing a belt or a rock mix if those techniques are appropriate for your style or the material you're performing. The key is to focus on developing these techniques in a way that enhances your natural voice rather than distorting it.

The Multifaceted Definition of Adulthood and Its Implications for Language Education

Teaching Adult Learners: Navigating the Complex Landscape of Adulthood

As language educators, we often navigate the tricky terrain of teaching adults. The very term "adult" conjures up images of responsibility, maturity, and independence. However, the truth is more nuanced than the clear-cut age thresholds might suggest. How do we, as teachers, tailor our approaches to this diverse group, and ensure our methods resonate with the psychological and social aspects of being an adult?

Who Is an Adult?

The term 'adult' might seem straightforward, but its definition is multifaceted. Legally, countries have their own age markers. Culturally, various religious rites, like the Jewish bar mitzvah or the Christian Sacrament of Confirmation, signal a person's entry into adulthood. Societally, it's about roles – getting a job, marriage, or parenthood. Psychologically, the journey starts in early childhood, emphasizing self-directed, lifelong learning fueled by experience.

This mosaic of definitions presents both a challenge and an opportunity for educators.

**In some countries the legal age of an adult can be as young as 16 whereas other countries one is not considered as a legal adult until the age of 21!**

The Social Psychology of Adulthood and Learning

Adults don't just bring age to the table; they bring a tapestry of experiences, fears, ambitions, and social constructs. The adult psyche often grapples with the expectations of 'being an adult'. In a classroom, this could manifest as a fear of judgment or the pressure to grasp concepts quickly. There's also the social aspect; adults often compare their learning pace with peers, which can either motivate or dishearten them.

But it's not all challenges. Adults often have clearer objectives and a higher motivation level. They might be learning a language for a job, travel, or personal growth. Tapping into these motivations can make learning more effective and enjoyable.

Childlike Techniques for Adult Learning: A Paradigm Shift

It's crucial to shed the conventional wisdom that adult learners always prefer, or benefit from, mature teaching methodologies. Sometimes, techniques that work wonders with children can also be effective for adults.

• Storytelling: Everyone loves a good story, regardless of age. It's an engaging way to teach language structure, vocabulary, and cultural nuances.

• Games and Play: Play reduces stress, promotes creativity, and can be a powerful tool for language retention. Games like 'Charades' or 'Pictionary' can make vocabulary lessons fun.

• Visual Aids: Using colorful charts, mind maps, or flashcards can simplify complex topics and make them more palatable.

Incorporating Adult Techniques for Young Learners

The converse is also true. Some young learners show an aptitude and maturity that aligns more with adult teaching techniques.

• Discussion and Debate: Encourage younger students to express their views on various topics. This not only enhances their vocabulary but also hones their critical thinking skills. This is more for advanced levels. This is typically used in immersion schools.

• Project-Based Learning: Give them real-world problems to solve, fostering a deeper understanding and application of the language.

• Goal Setting: Encourage young learners to set short-term and long-term language learning goals. This instills discipline and purpose in their learning journey.

Sometimes, strategies used for children can be incredibly effective with adults, and vice versa.

Using Kid-Centric Techniques with Adults: Adults might relish activities usually reserved for younger students. Think of games, colorful materials, or interactive storytelling. These methods tap into the inherent human love for fun and play, making learning engaging and memorable.

Using Adult Techniques with Kids: Conversely, children, especially teenagers, can benefit from more mature learning methods. Techniques such as structured debates, self-directed projects, or in-depth discussions can cater to their analytical skills, and I'm sure that they will feel proud that we are treating them like little adults.

Striking a Balance: Respecting the Spectrum

Instead of viewing adulthood as a binary transition, educators should visualize it as a spectrum. This spectrum encompasses cognitive development, maturity, and critical thinking skills. Remember, age is just a number. A 30-year-old might benefit from a storytelling session, while a teenager might thrive in a discussion-based class.

With the diverse spectrum of adulthood in mind, consider these strategies:

Individualize Learning: Understand each student's learning style. It's essential to recognize their cognitive development, critical thinking ability, and maturity levels.

• Blend Techniques: Mix and match teaching techniques from both worlds. A bit of fun combined with deep discussions can keep the learning atmosphere fresh and engaging.

• Create a Safe Environment: Foster a classroom atmosphere where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. This will help alleviate the fears many adults harbor about judgment and not 'keeping up'.

• Acknowledge Experiences: Adults bring a wealth of life experiences. Incorporate these into discussions, which not only validates their experiences but can also provide rich, contextual learning moments.

• Empower Autonomy: Encourage self-directed learning. Adults appreciate having a say in their learning journey, and younger students can benefit from the early introduction to autonomous learning.

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Closing Thoughts

Being an effective language teacher to adults requires a blend of psychology, pedagogy, and adaptability. As we stand at the crossroads of various definitions of adulthood, it's our duty to ensure our teaching methods are as diverse as our students. Let's strive to be educators who not only impart language skills but also understand and respect the rich tapestry of experiences each adult learner brings to the classroom. After all, it's not just about teaching a language; it's about bridging cultures, experiences, and ages.

Ready to master the art of teaching languages to adult learners? Unlock effective strategies and methodologies with our specialized teacher coaching. 📚✨ Email me now at rosita@rositaruiz.com and elevate your teaching journey!"

Lifelong Learning in Foreign Language Teaching: The Secret to True Language Mastery

Life doesn’t pause for classroom lessons. From sunrise to sundown, we’re constantly engaged in a dance of experiences. For adults keen on mastering a new language, these moments outside the traditional learning environment offer a goldmine of opportunities. How can foreign language teachers leverage these moments? Enter the world of lifelong learning.

Understanding Lifelong Learning

The term ‘lifelong learning’ isn’t just a fancy buzzword; it’s a paradigm shift in how we view education. Instead of confining learning to a classroom or a set curriculum, lifelong learning posits that every moment can be a learning opportunity. It’s about embracing the dynamic, voluntary, and ceaseless process where individuals accrue new knowledge and skills in response to everyday life’s demands.

Although it seems like a broad concept, lifelong learning has profound implications in foreign language teaching. Most adults have an innate urge to learn, to unravel the unknown, and to grow. This drive doesn’t halt once they step out of formal education systems. Lifelong learning acknowledges this intrinsic motivation and channels it, especially when it comes to acquiring language skills.

Two primary reasons fuel lifelong learning for adult foreign language students:

1. Professional Motivations: Often influenced by external factors, learners might pursue a language to enhance their career opportunities. For instance, someone might learn Spanish to foster business relations in Latin America or take up an IELTS exam to secure a job abroad.

2. Personal Motivations: Here, the driving force is pure passion. A movie enthusiast might learn French to appreciate French cinema without subtitles, or a travel buff might learn Italian to immerse himself in the culture during an Italian getaway.

Unlike the structured format of formal education, which has a defined beginning and end, lifelong learning is fluid. It recognizes no finish line.

Why Lifelong Learning Matters in Foreign Language Teaching

For foreign language instructors, recognizing the lifelong learning paradigm can be transformational. By understanding its importance in the language acquisition journey, teachers can inspire students to actively engage with the language outside the structured lesson plan. The outcomes of such an approach can be groundbreaking.

Advantages for Students:

• Confidence Boost and Renewed Zeal: Recognizing that language acquisition is a marathon and not a sprint helps students realize that classroom lessons are just the foundation. The real mastery comes from engaging with the language in varied contexts outside the formal setting, which in turn boosts their confidence and motivation.

• Career Fluidity: Traditional language courses can sometimes be restrictive. A student trained strictly in business French might find it challenging to adapt to a creative field later on. Lifelong learning promotes flexibility. It encourages students to learn in bits, like reading varied content, which ensures they’re equipped for diverse scenarios.

• Enhanced Life Quality: Sometimes, passions and professions don't align. Lifelong learning bridges this gap. An individual might learn a language for professional reasons but later use it to travel or explore a newfound hobby.

Implementing Lifelong Learning in Your Teaching Methodology

While the concept sounds appealing, how does one introduce it in a foreign language class?

For Advanced Students:
Begin by shifting the lesson focus for a day. Instead of new vocabulary or grammar, introduce the lifelong learning concept. Highlight its relevance in real-world language usage. As advanced learners have typically been through the rigors of formal education, they often appreciate and resonate with this refreshing approach.

However, for those resistant to change, emphasize the evolving nature of the world. Just like the world isn't static, our approach to learning shouldn't be either. To thrive, it’s crucial to be adaptable, continuously honing our skills in tandem with global shifts.

For Beginners and Intermediates:
Here, subtlety is key. Instead of diving into the theory, provide tools and resources that inadvertently push them towards lifelong learning.

Resources to Consider:

• Visual Media: Movies or TV shows for enhanced listening skills.

• Literature: Novels to practice reading and vocabulary enhancement.

• Current Affairs: Magazines or blogs aligning with their interests.

• Digital Platforms: Apps with gamified language learning modules.

Incorporating these resources piques their interest and fosters habits that align with the lifelong learning model. As their proficiency grows, teachers can introduce the lifelong learning theory more explicitly, guiding them on optimizing their self-driven learning path.

The Lifelong Learning Invitation

Lifelong learning isn’t just a theory; it's an invitation to a more enriching and effective learning journey. For those passionate about language mastery, it's a reminder that every conversation, every movie, and every book can be a lesson. As educators, our role is to ignite this passion and guide our students towards becoming self-driven learners.

And speaking of learning, if you're an educator aiming to amplify your teaching prowess, consider enrolling in Language Teacher Training at Rosita Ruiz's Classes. Let’s usher in a new era of foreign language teaching, one where we empower our students not just to learn, but to live the language.

7 day Japanese conversation Challenge!

Welcome to your daily Japanese conversation practice book! In this book, you will find daily conversation exercises to help you improve your Japanese language skills. Each day, you will learn new vocabulary, grammar, and cultural insights to help you speak Japanese more fluently and confidently.

Day 1: Topic: Introductions

Vocabulary:

• こんにちは (konnichiwa) - Hello

• はじめまして (hajimemashite) - Nice to meet you

• 名前 (namae) - Name

• どこから来ましたか？(doko kara kimashita ka?) - Where are you from?

• 日本 (nihon) - Japan

• アメリカ (amerika) - America

Conversation Practice:

• こんにちは！はじめまして。私は (your name) と申します。どこから来ましたか？ Konnichiwa! Hajimemashite. Watashi wa (your name) to moushimasu. Doko kara kimashita ka?

• こんにちは。私は (person's name) です。アメリカから来ました。Konnichiwa. Watashi wa (person's name) desu. Amerika kara kimashita.

Day 2: Topic: Greetings

Vocabulary:

• おはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu) - Good morning

• こんにちは (konnichiwa) - Hello/Good afternoon

• こんばんは (konbanwa) - Good evening

• おやすみなさい (oyasuminasai) - Good night

• また明日 (mata ashita) - See you tomorrow

Conversation Practice:

• おはようございます！今日はいい天気ですね。Ohayou gozaimasu! Kyou wa ii tenki desu ne.

• はい、本当にいい天気ですね。こんにちは！Hai, hontou ni ii tenki desu ne.

• こんにちは！今日も頑張りましょう。Konnichiwa!Konnichiwa! Kyou mo ganbarimashou.

• そうですね。では、また明日！Sou desu ne. Dewa, mata ashita!

Day 3: Topic: Asking for Directions

Vocabulary:

• すみません (sumimasen) - Excuse me/I'm sorry

• 駅 (eki) - Station

• 左 (hidari) - Left

• 右 (migi) - Right

• まっすぐ (massugu) - Straight

• どこですか？(doko desu ka?) - Where is it?

Conversation Practice:

• すみません、駅はどこですか？Sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka?

• 駅ですね。まっすぐ行って、右に曲がってください。Eki desu ne. Massugu itte, migi ni magatte kudasai.

• 右ですね。ありがとうございます。Migi desu ne. Arigatou gozaimasu.

• どういたしまして。Douitashimashite.

Day 4: Topic: Shopping

Vocabulary:

• いくらですか？(ikura desu ka?) - How much is it?

• これ (kore) - This

• あれ (are) - That

• 買います (kaimasu) - Buy

• 売ります (urimasu) - Sell

• お金 (okane) - Money

Conversation Practice:

• すみません、これはいくらですか？ Sumimasen, kore wa ikura desu ka?

• これは1000円です。Kore wa sen-en desu.

• ありがとうございます。それを買います。Arigatou gozaimasu. Sore wo kaimasu.

• はい、ありがとうございます。Hai, arigatou gozaimasu.

Day 5: Topic: Ordering Food

Vocabulary:

• メニュー (menyuu) - Menu

• 注文 (chuumon) - Order

• おいしい (oishii) - Delicious

• お腹がすきました (onaka ga sukimashita) - I'm hungry

• お茶 (ocha) - Tea

Conversation Practice:

• すみません、メニューを見せていただけますか？Sumimasen, menyuu wo misete itadakemasu ka?

• はい、こちらがメニューです。Hai, kochira ga menyuu desu.

• ありがとうございます。お腹がすきました。これを注文します。Arigatou gozaimasu. Onaka ga sukimashita. Kore wo chuumon shimasu.

• はい、ご注文承りました。おいしいですよ。Hai, gochuumon shoukai itashimashita. Oishii desu yo.

• ああ、おいしい！お茶をください。Aa, oishii! Ocha wo kudasai.

• かしこまりました。すぐお持ちします。Kashikomarimashita. Sugu omochi shimasu.

• Day 6: Topic: Talking about Daily Routine

Vocabulary:

• 毎朝 (mai asa) - Every morning

• 学校 (gakkou) - School

• 仕事 (shigoto) - Work

• 勉強 (benkyou) - Study

• 寝る (neru) - Sleep

• 食べる (taberu) - Eat

Conversation Practice:

• 朝は何時に起きますか？Asa wa nanji ni okimasu ka?

• 毎朝6時に起きます。あなたは？Mai asa roku-ji ni okimasu. Anata wa?

• 私も毎朝6時に起きます。学校に行きますか？Watashi mo mai asa roku-ji ni okimasu. Gakkou ni ikimasu ka?

• はい、学校に行きます。あなたは？Hai, gakkou ni ikimasu. Anata wa?

• 私は仕事に行きます。帰ってから勉強します。何時に寝ますか？ Watashi wa shigoto ni ikimasu. Kaette kara benkyou shimasu. Nanji ni nemasu ka?

• 普通は11時に寝ます。あなたは？Futsuu wa juu-ichi-ji ni nemasu. Anata wa?

• 私は10時に寝ます。毎晩お茶を飲んでいます。Watashi wa juu-ji ni nemasu. Mainichi ocha wo nonde imasu.

Day 7: Topic: Talking about Hobbies

Vocabulary:

• 趣味 (shumi) - Hobby

• 音楽 (ongaku) - Music

• 映画 (eiga) - Movie

• スポーツ (supootsu) - Sports

• 旅行 (ryokou) - Travel

• 読書 (dokusho) - Reading

Conversation Practice:

• あなたの趣味は何ですか？Anata no shumi wa nan desu ka?

• 私の趣味は音楽です。あなたの趣味は？Watashi no shumi wa ongaku desu. Anata no shumi wa?

• 私の趣味は映画鑑賞です。何が好きですか？Watashi no shumi wa eiga kansou desu. Nani ga suki desu ka?

• 私はアクション映画が好きです。スポーツはしますか？Watashi wa akushon eiga ga suki desu. Supootsu wa shimasu ka?

• はい、テニスをしています。あなたは？ Hai, tenisu wo shimasu. Anata wa?

• 私はジョギングをしています。旅行は好きですか？ Watashi wa jogging wo shimasu. Ryokou wa suki desu ka?

• はい、旅行が大好きです。あなたは？Hai, ryokou ga daisuki desu. Anata wa?

• 私も旅行が好きです。最近は国内旅行を楽しんでいます。読書はしますか？ Watashi mo ryokou ga suki desu. Saikin wa kokunai ryokou wo tanoshinde imasu. Dokusho wa shimasu ka?

• はい、小説を読むのが好きです。Hai, shousetsu wo yomu no ga suki desu.

Congratulations on completing your first week of daily Japanese conversation practice! Keep up the good work and continue to practice your Japanese language skills every day.

Learning 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

Staying at a hotel can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it can also be challenging if you don't know the necessary vocabulary and phrases. In this blog, we'll cover some essential terms and phrases to make your hotel stay more comfortable.

Reservations and Check-In

When booking a hotel, you'll need to make a reservation. Here are some key vocabulary terms to know:

• ホテル (hoteru) - hotel

• 予約 (yoyaku) - reservation

• 部屋 (heya) - room

• チェックイン (chekkuin) - check-in

• チェックアウト (chekkuauto) - check-out

• レセプション (resepushon) - reception

• フロントデスク (furonto-desuku) - front desk

When checking in at the hotel, you'll need to provide your name and reservation details. Here are some phrases to know:

• こんにちは、私は〇〇と予約しました。(Konnichiwa, watashi wa ____ to yoyaku shimashita.) - Hello, I have a reservation for ____.

• 私たちは〇〇の予約をしています。(Watashitachi wa ____ no yoyaku wo shiteimasu.) - We have a reservation for ____.

• パスポートをお見せください。(Pasupōto wo omisete kudasai.) - Please show me your passport.

Hotel Room

Once you've checked in, you'll head to your hotel room. Here are some vocabulary terms to know:

• シングルルーム (shinguru rumu) - single room

• ダブルルーム (daburu rumu) - double room

• ツインルーム (tsuin rumu) - twin room

• スイートルーム (suīto rumu) - suite room

• 禁煙ルーム (kin'en rumu) - non-smoking room

• 喫煙ルーム (kitsu'en rumu) - smoking room

• ベッド (beddo) - bed

• ソファー (sofā) - sofa

• テレビ (terebi) - TV

• 冷蔵庫 (reizouko) - refrigerator

• エアコン (eakon) - air conditioning

• 窓 (mado) - window

When checking into your room, you'll receive a key. Here are some phrases to know:

• 部屋の鍵をください。(Heya no kagi wo kudasai.) - Can I have a key to my room, please?

• 部屋を変更したいのですが。(Heya wo henkou shitai no desu ga.) - I'd like to change my room, please.

Hotel Amenities

Hotels offer a range of amenities to make your stay more comfortable. Here are some vocabulary terms to know:

• レストラン (resutoran) - restaurant

• バー (bā) - bar

• プール (pūru) - pool

• ジム (jimu) - gym

• サウナ (sauna) - sauna

• ルームサービス (rūmu sābisu) - room service

• ランドリーサビス (randorī sabisu) - laundry service

  駐車場 (chūshajō) - parking lot

  Wi-Fi (waifai) - Wi-Fi

When staying at a hotel, you may want to take advantage of these amenities. Here are some phrases to know:

レストランの予約をしたいのですが。(Resutoran no yoyaku wo shitai no desu ga.) - I'd like to make a reservation at the restaurant.

ルームサービスをお願いします。(Rūmu sābisu wo onegaishimasu.) - Could I have room service, please?

駐車場はありますか。(Chūshajō wa arimasu ka.) - Is there a parking lot?

Housekeeping

Housekeeping services are essential for keeping your hotel room clean and comfortable. Here are some vocabulary terms to know:

• ハウスキーピング (hausukīpingu) - housekeeping掃除 (souji) - cleaning

• タオル (taoru) - towel

• 石鹸 (sekken) - soap

• シャンプー (shanpū) - shampoo

• コンディショナー (kondishonā) - conditioner

• 歯ブラシ (haburashi) - toothbrush

• 歯磨き粉 (hamigakiko) - toothpaste
  
  

  Here are some phrases to know when requesting housekeeping services:

お部屋を掃除していただけますか。(Oheya wo souji shite itadakemasu ka.) - Could you please clean my room?

タオルを追加していただけますか。(Taoru wo tsuika shite itadakemasu ka.) - Could I have some extra towels, please?

石鹸とシャンプーを補充してください。(Sekken to shanpū wo hokan shite kudasai.) - Could you please replenish the soap and shampoo?

歯ブラシと歯磨き粉を持ってきていただけますか。(Haburashi to hamigakiko wo motte kite itadakemasu ka.) - Could you please bring me a toothbrush and toothpaste?

Check-Out

When it's time to check out of the hotel, you'll need to settle your bill and return your key. Here are some vocabulary terms to know:

チェックアウト (chekkuauto) - check-out

帳票 (chōhyō) - receipt

支払い (shiharai) - payment

領収書 (ryōshūsho) - receipt

鍵 (kagi) - key

Here are some phrases to know when checking out:

チェックアウトの手続きをお願いします。(Chekkuauto no tetsuzuki wo onegaishimasu.) - I'd like to check out, please.

帳票と領収書をください。(Chōhyō to ryōshūsho wo kudasai.) - Could I have the bill and receipt, please?

• 支払いはクレジットカードでお願いします。(Shiharai wa kurejitto kādo de onegaishimasu.) - I'd like to pay with a credit card, please.

  部屋の鍵を返却します。(Heya no kagi wo henkyaku shimasu.) - I'm returning the key to my room.

Exercise for Japanese Learners

Now that you've learned some essential vocabulary and phrases for staying at a hotel in Japanese, it's time to practice! Here's an exercise for Japanese learners:

Match the vocabulary terms with their meanings:

1. ホテル (hoteru)

2. 部屋 (heya)

3. シングルルーム (shinguru rumu)

4. チェックイン (chekkuin)

5. ルームサービス (rūmu sābisu)

6. 掃除 (souji)

7. 歯磨き粉 (hamigakiko)

8. 支払い (shiharai)

a. hotel b. room c. single room d. check-in e. room service f. cleaning g. toothpaste h. payment

Complete the following sentences with the appropriate vocabulary term or phrase:

1. お部屋を __________ していただけますか。(Oheya wo _________ shite itadakemasu ka.) - Could you please clean my room?

2. ルームサービスで __________ を注文しました。(Rūmu sābisu de ________ wo chūmon shimashita.) - I ordered _________ through room service.

3. チェックインの際には、パスポートを __________ ください。(Chekkuin no sai ni wa, pasupōto wo __________ kudasai.) - Please show your passport when checking in.

4. __________ を持ってきていただけますか。(__________ wo motte kite itadakemasu ka.) - Could you please bring me a __________?

5. 部屋の __________ を変更したいのですが。(Heya no __________ wo henkou shitai no desu ga.) - I'd like to change my room __________.

Mondly Language App Review: Is It Really Worth It?

Learning a new language can be challenging, especially if you're trying to do it on your own. However, with so many different language-learning apps available today, the process has become much easier. One such app is the Mondly Language App, which I recently had the chance to review. After using Mondly for a while now, I want to share my thoughts and experience with the app. What are its strengths and weaknesses? Does it really help one learn a new language?

As someone who is passionate about language learning, I have been looking for a reliable and comprehensive language app to help me reach fluency. Mondly Language App has been one of the most talked-about options out there. It seemed to be an ideal fit, so I decided to give it a try.

Pricing and Subscription Options Mondly offers over 40 languages, and while they do offer a free version, it is quite limited. The premium plan, which unlocks all of the monthly content and features, costs about $500/year at retail. But Mondly often runs special deals and promotions, so be sure to check for coupon codes in the description below. There are many offered discounts that the subscription costs $10 per month if you go the month-to-month route, or around $48 per year if you want to pay for 12 months in advance, making it just around $4 per month and still have access to all the content and the languages offered. That is like 90% off! This is very affordable compared to competitors like Pimsleur and Rosetta Stone. There is a free version of the app, but it is extremely limited and really only serves as a trial for the premium version. With that said, in my opinion, the free content really doesn’t portray how beneficial this app is.

Program Structure and Lesson Content

Once you sign up, log in, and choose your target language, you'll arrive at the main dashboard, which looks like a map. You'll notice different landmarks on the map, each representing different topics and courses. Some of these topics include weather, travel, and family, and within each topic or course, there are usually six to eight lessons. You can download these lessons to access them online! Additionally, Mondly provides a daily lesson that is the heart of the curriculum. If you complete all your daily tasks, you'll unlock a weekly quiz; if you complete all your weekly quizzes, you'll unlock a monthly challenge. The Mondly program is structured around consistency and streaks; each lesson takes about five to ten minutes to complete.

The lessons are made up of a dozen or so quick-hit interactive drills and exercises that span listening, reading, writing, and speaking. These include matching phrases to images, listening to words and phrases in your target language and then repeating them, spelling words and phrases, translating sentences from both English to your target language and vice versa, listening to a question and then selecting the right multiple choice answer, and completing mock conversations by selecting the correct response. The lessons are a mix between Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, and Babbel, and they teach you truly useful vocabulary and phrases that you're likely to use in real-world situations.

Take Away:

1. User-friendly interface: One of the most significant advantages of using the Mondly app is its user-friendly interface. The app is easy to navigate and has a clean design, making it simple for users to find the features they need. The app also offers a personalized learning experience, with options to choose the language you want to learn, your level of proficiency, and your preferred learning style.

2. Interactive lessons: Mondly offers interactive lessons that make learning a new language fun and engaging. The app uses speech recognition technology to analyze your pronunciation and provide feedback, helping you to improve your speaking skills. The lessons also include games, quizzes, and exercises, which make the learning process more interactive and enjoyable.

3. Multiple languages: Mondly offers courses in over 40 languages, making it an excellent choice for language learners who want to study multiple languages. The app offers courses in popular languages like Spanish, French, and German, as well as less commonly studied languages like Finnish, Ukrainian, and Swahili. Additionally, the app offers a range of dialects for each language, allowing users to choose the dialect that they want to learn.

4. Offline access: The app allows users to download and access lessons offline, making it an excellent tool for language learners who are frequently on the go. Users can download entire courses or individual lessons, ensuring they always have access to the content they need. This feature is especially helpful for users who don't have access to Wi-Fi or cellular data.

5. Personalized learning: Mondly offers a personalized learning experience, allowing users to customize their learning path based on their individual needs and preferences. The app uses artificial intelligence to adapt the lessons to the user's level of proficiency and learning style, ensuring that they are always challenged but not overwhelmed. Additionally, the app offers a range of features that allow users to track their progress and set goals. Users can see their proficiency level, the number of lessons completed, and their overall progress towards their language learning goals.

What I Like and Don't Like About Mondly

Now that we've covered pricing, program structure, and lesson content, let's discuss what I like and don't like about Mondly.

What I Like First and foremost, I love the price of Mondly. It's very affordable for the content it provides compared to other language-learning apps out there. The lessons are short and engaging, making them perfect for working professionals, busy parents, and students with little spare time. I also appreciate how Mondly tries to gamify the language learning experience, making it more fun and engaging. Their virtual reality and augmented reality learning apps are truly innovative and offer a nice change of pace from the standard lessons. Additionally, Mondly teaches you truly useful vocabulary and phrases, which is something that many language learning programs overlook. Finally, their job-specific courses can be super helpful for working professionals.

What I Don't Like

While Mondly is a solid all-around program, there are a few disadvantages to keep in mind.

As I mentioned earlier, the free version is very limited, and you'll likely want to upgrade to the premium version from the get-go. Second, Mondly isn't great for developing conversational skills, as the mock conversation and chatbot lessons are pretty basic. If you're looking for more advanced conversational practice, you may want to consider programs like Pimsleur or Rocket Languages.

Another issue with the app is that the program is somewhat limited when it comes to grammar instruction. While you can see conjugations of verbs, the explanations of the grammar principles are basic and not particularly helpful. This can be a problem for languages with more complex grammatical rules, such as Finnish or Russian.

Finally, one small issue that I have with Mondly is that you have to hold down the microphone button the entire time you are speaking. While this may seem like a small detail, it can become quite annoying over time, especially if you are practicing speaking for longer periods of time.

Take away:

Pros:

• User-friendly interface

One of the most significant advantages of using the Mondly app is its user-friendly interface. The app is easy to navigate and has a clean design, making it simple for users to find the features they need. When you first open the app, you are asked to select the language you want to learn and your proficiency level. Based on your selection, the app will generate a personalized learning path for you. You can choose between learning through conversations, vocabulary, or grammar lessons. Additionally, the app offers a range of interactive features like speech recognition technology, which analyzes your pronunciation and provides feedback, making it easier to improve your speaking skills.

• Interactive lessons

Mondly offers interactive lessons that make learning a new language fun and engaging. The app uses a range of tools to create an immersive learning experience. For example, the app includes games, quizzes, and exercises that help you practice your vocabulary and grammar. These features are not only fun but also help to reinforce what you've learned in the lessons. Additionally, the app offers speech recognition technology that analyzes your pronunciation and provides feedback. This feature is beneficial for language learners who struggle with pronunciation and want to improve their speaking skills.

• Multiple languages

Mondly offers courses in over 40 languages, making it an excellent choice for language learners who want to study multiple languages. The app offers courses in popular languages like Spanish, French, and German and less commonly studied languages like Finnish, Ukrainian, and Swahili. Additionally, the app offers a range of dialects for each language, allowing users to choose the dialect they want to learn.

• Offline access

The app allows users to download lessons and access them offline, making it an excellent tool for language learners who are frequently on the go. Users can download entire courses or individual lessons, ensuring that they always have access to the content they need. This feature is especially helpful for users who don't have access to Wi-Fi or cellular data.

• Personalized learning

Mondly offers a personalized learning experience, allowing users to customize their learning path based on their individual needs and preferences. The app uses artificial intelligence to adapt the lessons to the user's level of proficiency and learning style, ensuring that they are always challenged but not overwhelmed. Additionally, the app offers a range of features that allow users to track their progress and set goals. Users can see their proficiency level, the number of lessons completed, and their overall progress towards their language learning goals.

Cons:

• Limited free content

While Mondly offers a free version of the app, it only provides access to limited content. To access the full range of features and courses, users need to upgrade to a paid subscription. The free version of the app only offers a limited number of lessons and does not include all of the app's features, such as speech recognition technology.

• Limited speaking opportunities

While the app offers speech recognition technology to analyze pronunciation, it does not provide many opportunities for users to practice speaking.

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While the app offers a chatbot feature that allows users to have conversations with an AI-powered chatbot, it is not the same as practicing speaking with a real person. This may be a drawback for language learners who are looking to improve their speaking skills and want more opportunities to practice speaking with a native speaker.

• Limited writing opportunities

The app also does not provide many opportunities for users to practice writing in the target language. While some lessons include writing exercises, there is no feature that allows users to submit written assignments or receive feedback on their writing. This may be a drawback for language learners who are looking to improve their writing skills.

• Limited cultural context

The app focuses mainly on language learning and does not provide much cultural context for the target language. While some lessons do touch on cultural topics, users may need to supplement their learning with additional resources to gain a deeper understanding of the culture surrounding the target language. This may be a drawback for language learners who are interested in learning about the culture as well as the language.

Now after reading the pros and cons, there are some unique features about Mondly that I haven’t seen in many other apps. Let’s go into the unique features.

Features that many other apps don't have:

1. Daily lessons

Mondly offers daily lessons that are tailored to the user's level of proficiency and learning style. The app sends users a notification each day, reminding them to complete their lesson, ensuring that they make progress on a regular basis. This feature is helpful for language learners who want to establish a regular study habit and stay motivated.

2. VR lessons

Mondly is one of the few language learning apps that offer virtual reality (VR) lessons. The VR lessons allow users to practice their speaking skills in a realistic environment, providing an immersive language learning experience. The app offers a range of VR lessons, from ordering food in a restaurant to traveling through a city. This feature is especially helpful for language learners who want to practice their speaking skills in a more realistic context.

3. Augmented reality lessons

In addition to VR lessons, Mondly also offers augmented reality (AR) lessons. The AR lessons use the camera on the user's device to provide a more interactive learning experience. For example, users can point their device at objects in their surroundings and receive translations or explanations in the target language. This feature is helpful for language learners who want to learn in a more interactive and engaging way.

Other things that I like that Mondly offers:

1. Pronunciation lessons

Mondly offers a pronunciation module that uses speech recognition technology to analyze the user's pronunciation. The app provides feedback and suggestions for improvement, allowing users to fine-tune their pronunciation skills. This feature is helpful for language learners who struggle with pronunciation and want to improve their speaking skills.

2. Multiplayer games

Mondly offers multiplayer games that allow users to compete against other language learners from around the world. The games are designed to be fun and engaging while helping users practice their language skills in a competitive environment. This feature is helpful for language learners who want to practice their language skills in a more social and interactive way.

3. Progress tracking

Mondly allows users to track their progress through the app, providing them with a sense of accomplishment and motivation. Users can see their proficiency level, the number of lessons completed, and their overall progress toward their language learning goals. This feature is helpful for language learners who want to track their progress and stay motivated as they work towards their language learning goals.

Mondly is a great language-learning app that can help users reach their language goals. With its features and interactive lessons, users can learn new languages at their own pace and improve their communication skills. It also offers personalized learning experiences tailored to the user's needs. This makes Mondly an great choice for anyone beginning their language journey. Whether you are just a beginner or an experienced language learner, Mondly has something to offer everyone to get them started in learning a language.

And if you do end up deciding to try out Mondly, be sure to use the links in the description below to help support the free content we create - we would really appreciate it! And as always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.

What’s your discount going to be today?

Here is the coupon link if you guys want to try it out! Click here

Sing 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

As an actor or singer, the prospect of an audition can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. One of the key concerns for many performers is the “sound” they are expected to produce in order to secure a role. But what exactly does this “sound” consist of, and why is it causing so much anxiety for actors and singers alike?

To understand the concept of a “sound,” we need to break it down into two main components: voice and style. Your voice is your natural speaking and singing voice, unaltered by belting, mixing or any other vocal techniques. Your tone of voice is unique to you, based on your vocal anatomy, and can be improved through training, but it should never sound like someone else.

The second component is style, which involves the application of various vocal techniques to achieve a specific sound. For example, raising the larynx and increasing compression creates a “rock sound,” whereas a lower larynx and vibrato creates a “legit” or classical sound. These stylistic choices should be made using your natural voice, rather than attempting to imitate someone else’s.

The issue that often arises is when singers try to imitate the sound of another performer, rather than using their own natural voice and making stylistic choices that suit the material. This is often a problem among more experienced and trained singers, who may have fallen into the trap of imitating popular sounds. However, this can often have a negative effect on their performance, as they are no longer focusing on doing justice to the material, but on sounding like someone else.

In contrast, singers who focus on using their natural voice in a stylistically appropriate way, tend to have a much stronger impact in auditions. This is because they are able to fully engage with their character, the material, and their own vocal technique, rather than trying to imitate a pre-conceived “sound.”

While versatility is certainly a valuable skill for actors and singers, it’s important not to get caught up in the pressure to “sound” like a particular performer. Instead, focus on incorporating the desired style into your audition, while prioritizing presentation, acting, and vocal technique. A true “voice” is unique and undeniable, and far braver than a “sound.”

In conclusion, when preparing for an audition, it’s important to remember that your “sound” consists of both your natural voice and stylistic choices. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to imitate someone else’s sound, as this will only detract from your performance. Instead, focus on doing justice to the material, and incorporating your own natural voice and stylistic choices to create a winning combination. By doing so, you’ll be able to showcase your unique talent and stand out in the audition room.

Unlock Fluency Secrets: How Long Does It Take to Learn a Language?

Learning a new language can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It is a great way to open up new worlds of communication, travel, and cultural understanding. However, the amount of time it takes to learn a language varies greatly from person to person. In this article, we will explore the many factors that can affect the time it takes to learn a language and provide tips on how you can maximize your learning potential.

When it comes to mastering the language, just how much is necessary? While some may want to become fluent in their target language, others may be content with basic conversational skills. 

The amount of time you plan to invest in learning your target language also needs to be taken into consideration. If you only have a few hours per week available for studying, setting goals that are achievable is essential if you want to make progress. For those with more free time or who need the language for professional reasons, mastering all aspects of the language can be a great way to really understand its complexities and nuances.

How far do you want to go?

Ultimately, deciding how much of your target language do you want to master depends on your individual needs and what you hope to achieve from learning it.

You just want to learn the basics

If you’re the type of language learner who just wants to pick up a few basic words and phrases, then you’re striving for the beginner level. This is a great starting point for anyone looking to pursue language learning in their own time. It gives learners the opportunity to gain an understanding of how a foreign language works, as well as some practical knowledge that can be used when traveling overseas or conversing with native speakers.

At this level, it's essential to learn the most common words and key grammar structures so that you can build your foundation on strong foundations. With this in mind, it's important to focus on building your vocabulary with words that are frequently used by native speakers. This will help you get around speaking more quickly and confidently in everyday situations. Additionally, learning commonly used sentence patterns will also prove beneficial when constructing simple conversations with other people.

You want to hold a conversation.

At one point or another, many of us wish to converse with native speakers in our target language. This can be a daunting task for those who are just starting out with their foreign language studies. However, it is possible to have basic conversations with native speakers at the intermediate level of fluency. 

The intermediate level is typically reached after a few months to a year of dedicated study and practice. At this stage, students will have acquired enough knowledge of the language’s grammar and vocabulary that they can form complete sentences and understand most conversations about everyday topics such as work, family, hobbies, etc. It may take some time to get used to speaking more quickly but that is something that will improve gradually through regular practice.

You want it all!

When using a target language for both basic and complicated matters is a significant step in achieving an advanced level. It's not just about having the ability to understand, but also to use the language effectively in more diverse settings. This holds especially true for those who are seeking to use it professionally, such as in their work environment. 

In order to reach this advanced level of proficiency, it is important to practice both simple conversations and complex discussions. Real-world situations are often unpredictable and require fluent usage of the language with precision and confidence. Furthermore, if someone wants to really master their target language they must become familiar with its nuances and cultural customs so that they can apply them appropriately when communicating with others.

What language are you learning?

In the world of language learning, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. With so many languages to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? One factor to consider when selecting a language is how difficult it is to learn. Certain languages may be easier to pick up, which can mean faster progress and a more enjoyable experience while learning. Others may be much more difficult and require more study time before fluency can be achieved. 

One way to select an appropriate language for your level of expertise is by researching the various options available. Languages like Spanish, French and Italian are often considered easy-to-learn due to their similar vocabulary structure and grammar rules. Additionally, there are many multimedia tools like audio lessons or online programs that make it easier than ever before to start speaking quickly in these languages. There are many kinds of languages so let’s take a look at some of the common ones.

Romance languages are a family of related languages that originated from Latin and are spoken around the world. They include French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Romanian and Catalan. All of these languages have been historically important for international communication and culture.

This makes them appealing choices for language learners today because they are widely spoken in many countries around the world. Additionally, learning one Romance language can give you a foundation to learn others more quickly since there is often overlap in vocabulary and grammar between them. This means that if you know one Romance language well, it is relatively easy to pick up another with similar characteristics. For this reason alone, these languages can be very useful for those who want to quickly become proficient in several different tongues.

Germanic languages

The Germanic languages are a subfamily of the Indo-European group of languages, with English as its most widely spoken member. The origins of the Germanic language family can be traced back to Proto-Germanic, which is thought to have been spoken in northern Europe around 500 BCE. 

English has borrowed many words from Germanic sources over centuries, giving it a familiar flavor for native speakers. Despite this influence, however, English remains distinct from other members of the Germanic language family due to its unique grammar rules and syntax. Many aspects of English syntax and grammar differ from those found in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch and German, resulting in more complex structures that require additional study for mastery.

East Asian languages

East Asian languages like Chinese, Japanese and Korean are popular choices for language learners around the world. Not only do they offer fascinating insights into East Asian culture, but they are also notorious for being difficult to master. With new vocabulary, unique writing systems and unfamiliar phonetic rules, these languages can be a challenge even for experienced language learners. However, if you're willing to put in the effort to learn an East Asian language like Chinese or Japanese, the rewards can be immense.

Not only will you gain access to an ancient culture rich in wisdom and tradition - you'll also open up a world of new business opportunities! Fluency in Chinese is especially sought after by international companies looking to tap into the vast markets of Asia and beyond. And with fluency in any East Asian language comes invaluable knowledge of customs and cultural norms that can help bridge gaps between foreign clients and regional partners.

Slavic Languages

Slavic languages are often useful for careers in business and international relations. They can be beneficial to those who work in fields where communication across cultures is necessary. Slavic languages share similarities with other language families, such as Germanic and Romance. In particular, they have complex grammar rules which can take some time to master and understand.

However, many people find that the additional effort is worth it because of the potential career opportunities speaking a Slavic language can open up. For example, being able to communicate with other countries in their native tongue could potentially help a business establish better relationships abroad or even give them access to new markets they weren’t able to reach before. Similarly, diplomats may find mastering a Slavic language valuable when negotiating international deals or discussing important matters between nations.

How much time do I need to study for?

Do you like to take time?

Are you a casual language learner? You don't have to be the type who spends hours of your day studying a language in order to make progress. A casual language learner is someone who is not overly serious about learning a new language and may only spend 90 minutes or less per week doing so. This approach can still be effective if done properly - with consistency, focus, and an organized study plan. 

It's important for the casual language learner to have realistic expectations when it comes to their own abilities and how much time they allow themselves each week. Setting small goals that are achievable given the amount of time available will help keep motivation levels high while also ensuring steady progress over time. For example, understanding basic conversation topics might be a goal reachable within a few months of consistent weekly sessions.

As a studious student, language learning 3 hours per week is no easy feat. You have set yourself an impressive goal and are determined to make it happen. To do this, you must be consistent in your approach to language learning and give yourself homework as needed. This includes setting aside time each week to review material and plan out the upcoming week's study sessions.

Consistency is key when it comes to mastering a new language, so don't be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself with new topics or skills each session. And remember that practice makes perfect! Keeping up with your weekly reviews will help ensure that you retain what you're learning and stay on track with your goals. With some dedication and hard work, you'll soon be able to say “I'm fluent in [insert language]!

The Master

Do you want to gain an edge in the global workforce by learning a new language? Students who take their education abroad can immerse themselves in the culture and master a foreign language quickly. By attending school, working or volunteering in another country, students will have 7 hours of dedicated language-learning each week to pick up new vocabulary and enhance their speaking skills. 

Fully immersing yourself in another culture is the best way to learn a foreign language, and it doesn’t require years of study. Taking advantage of a semester, gap year or summer abroad program allows students to discover more about themselves while expanding their linguistic skills. Students can achieve fluency with an intensive program that provides hands-on instruction from qualified teachers and real-world practice with native speakers.

How are you studying the language

Self-study 

Learning a new language can be a great way to expand your mind and open up the world to you in ways you never thought possible. Self-study is an increasingly popular option for those who are very self-motivated and need the flexibility of working at their own pace. The benefits of learning a language this way are numerous, from cost savings to feeling empowered by taking charge of your own education.

Self-studying offers learners the opportunity to learn on their own terms, which can be hugely beneficial for those who have busy lives or struggle with traditional methods of instruction. Not only that, but self-teaching allows students to tailor their studies in order to focus on areas they may find more difficult or interesting than others. Additionally, studying at home means lower costs since there is no need for additional materials or tuition fees associated with classroom learning.

Language Learning Course

An interactive language learning course is best for those who need structure as well as instant feedback and correction. This type of course provides learners with engaging activities that require direct interaction with instructors or fellow students. 

The courses focus on providing learners with real-world scenarios such as role playing or online conversations to help them gain confidence in their new language. Additionally, immediate feedback helps the learner identify mistakes quickly so they can continually improve their skills without repeating errors. Structured lesson plans also ensure that learners are exposed to all necessary topics within a given timeframe; this gives them direction and guidance while keeping them motivated along the way.

Private tutor

A personal tutor is the perfect choice for those students who need more individualized instruction. Private lessons provide an opportunity for students to focus on their specific wants or needs. An experienced and qualified personal tutor can tailor a lesson plan that works best for each student, providing an organized but flexible schedule. 

Personal tutors are often sought after by language learners, as they can help to practice speaking and understanding in a way that classroom teaching may not always accomplish. One-on-one instruction also allows tutors to adjust the pace of learning to match the learner’s abilities and progress. Tutoring sessions may include things like reading and writing exercises, grammar practice, pronunciation drills, or even cultural activities related to the language being learned.

Learning Abroad

Immersion learning is a method of language acquisition that involves fully surrounding yourself with the language you are trying to learn. On the one hand, immersion learning offers the advantage of being able to practice the language in real-life situations, allowing for a more natural and effective learning experience. Additionally, it can provide a more authentic cultural experience and increase motivation by making the learning process more enjoyable. On the other hand, immersion learning can be challenging for beginners who are not yet familiar with the language, and it can be difficult to find a supportive environment or access resources for assistance. Furthermore, it can be costly if it involves travel or living in a foreign country. Overall, immersion learning can be a highly effective way to learn a language, but it's important to consider both its pros and cons before deciding if it's the right approach for you.

In conclusion, learning a language can be an enjoyable and rewarding endeavor, regardless of how long it takes. Everyone has their own unique learning style and motivation for learning, so time frames may vary between individuals. Therefore, it is best to approach the process with a positive attitude and realistic expectations. Setting achievable goals and building up a habit of regular practice are important steps in becoming proficient in a language. Ultimately, the most effective way to learn a language is to just get started and keep going!

Reach Fluency Faster: Tips to Sharpen Your Listening Skills

Learning a language can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Listening skills are an essential component of language learning, and with the right techniques you can improve your listening comprehension quickly and effectively. In this article, we will discuss some tips and tricks for honing your listening skills so that you can take your language learning to the next level.

1. What Are You Listening For?

When listening to a foreign language, it is important to set realistic expectations and focus on the big picture. Instead of trying to understand every individual word, focus on specific sounds, spoken idiosyncrasies, and the main idea of the conversation or audio. By identifying what you want to listen for before you begin, you can better manage your expectations and track your progress over time.

2. What Are Your Listening Goals?

Yes, setting attainable goals can help ensure progress in foreign language listening skills. These goals can be both big and small, such as understanding a whole conversation or learning a few new words. However, it is important to choose listening materials that are at a slightly higher level than your current proficiency but still comprehensible so you can stay motivated and engaged. It's good to have variety in your listening materials, such as kids’ materials, documentaries, talks and interviews, television shows, and movies. This can provide exposure to different types of language and speech patterns, as well as different contexts and subjects. It's also a good idea to switch materials from time to time as it can help keep you engaged and motivated.

There are great options for listening practice materials. Let’s take a look!

• Kids' materials, such as children's books, shows, or songs, can be a good starting point as they often contain simple language and visuals that can help with understanding.

• Documentaries can be a great way to learn about different topics while also improving listening skills, as the speakers often speak clearly and slowly.

• Talks and interviews can also be a good option as they cover a wide range of subjects and involve only a small number of speakers, making it easier to follow the conversation.

• Television shows can be engaging and provide exposure to different types of language and speech patterns, as well as cultural references.

• Movies can be a good way to practice listening skills as well as expose to real-world speech. They also provide a lot of context and cultural references.

It's good to have a mix of materials to practice with, as it can keep things interesting and expose you to different types of language and speech patterns.

3. Be an Active Listener

Active listening is an important aspect of improving foreign language listening skills. It involves giving full attention to the audio material being used for study and actively trying to understand and process the information being heard. One effective technique is to listen first, then write down any questions about things that you didn't understand, then listen again while trying to answer your own questions. Another technique is to write a summary halfway through the audio material, and then again at the end of it, this will help you to focus and understand the main idea.

An immersive language environment can be a great way to practice active listening, such as by traveling to a place where the target language is spoken, or creating an immersion environment on your own. But regardless of the place or context, the key is to focus your attention on the task at hand. It's important to avoid distractions, as it will help you to get more out of your listening practice and improve your listening skills.

4. Passive Listening

In the last section, we talked about active listening. Now, let’s talk about passive listening. It's good to have a balance of both active and passive listening in your language learning practice. Active listening is more effective for adults as it requires a conscious effort to understand and process the information being heard, while passive listening is more suitable for children. Passive listening can still be beneficial as it allows your brain to get familiar with the sounds and combinations of sounds that the language is built from, even if you don't understand the content.

Passive listening can be done from the beginning of your language learning journey, it can be fun and less demanding than active listening. You can put on background music in your target language, listen to your favorite songs repeatedly, and you may even get some words stuck in your head.

Sleep learning is another way of passive listening, it's not going to make you fluency in your listening skills, but it can help with vocabulary retention. Research has shown that if you review some vocab words and play them back while you’re asleep, you could learn them better.

It is important to note that passive listening should not replace active listening, but it can be used as a complementary technique to your overall language learning practice.

5. Extensive Listening

Extensive listening is an important aspect of improving foreign language listening skills. Extensive listening refers to listening to a wide variety of materials and audio in the target language for extended periods of time. This can include listening to music, watching movies, TV shows, podcasts, and news broadcasts, among others.

The goal of extensive listening is to expose yourself to as much authentic language as possible, in order to improve your overall listening comprehension and fluency. It can also help you to become more familiar with the rhythm, intonation, and natural speech patterns of the language, which can make it easier to understand native speakers.

To maximize the benefits of extensive listening, it is important to choose materials that are at an appropriate level of difficulty for your current proficiency, and to set specific listening goals. For example, you can try to focus on understanding the main idea or a specific aspect of the language, such as vocabulary or grammar.

It is also important to regularly engage in active listening techniques, such as taking notes or summarizing what you hear, in order to fully process and understand the information being heard.

Overall, extensive listening is a great way to improve your foreign language listening skills and become more fluent in the language.

6. Take Audio Pacing into Account

Utilizing different audio pacing can be a valuable technique for improving foreign language listening skills. Audio pacing refers to the speed at which the audio material is presented, and it can vary greatly depending on the source.

When learning a new language, it is important to expose yourself to audio at different speeds, as this can help you to become more comfortable with the rhythm, intonation, and natural speech patterns of the language.

For example, you can start by listening to audio at a slower pace, such as children's books, audio courses for beginners, or news broadcasts that are presented in a clear and slow manner. This can help you to become more familiar with the sounds and basic grammar of the language.

As you become more comfortable with the language, you can gradually increase the pace by listening to more advanced audio materials such as podcasts, TV shows, and movies. This can help you to improve your listening comprehension and fluency, and to become more comfortable with the natural rhythm and intonation of the language.

It is also a good idea to vary the pacing of your listening practice. You can start with slower-paced materials, then move on to faster-paced materials and alternate between them. This will help you to become more comfortable with different speeds of speech and improve your overall listening skills.

Overall, utilizing different audio pacing can be a great way to improve your listening skills in a foreign language, as it can help you to become more comfortable with the natural rhythm and intonation of the language.

7. Use Visuals

Visuals can provide an additional layer of context and meaning to the audio material, which can help to improve understanding and retention.

For example, when watching a movie or TV show in a foreign language, you can use subtitles or captions to help you understand the spoken dialogue. This can be especially helpful for new learners as it can help to bridge the gap between the spoken language and the written language.

Another way to use visuals is to pair listening exercises with flashcards, images, or other visual aids. This can help to reinforce new vocabulary or grammar structures, and can make it easier to remember and recall the information.

You can also use visual aids such as videos, images, or diagrams to help you understand the context or background information of the audio material. This can be especially helpful for understanding news broadcasts, podcasts, or other audio materials that may be focused on a specific topic or subject.

When using visuals to aid in listening practice, it's important to make sure that they are appropriate for your level and they are not too distracting.

Overall, using visuals can be a great way to enhance the impact of your listening practice and improve your understanding and retention of the foreign language.

8. Listening and Reading

Listening and reading can be a powerful combination for improving foreign language listening skills.

When listening and reading at the same time, you are using multiple senses and modalities to process the language, which can help to reinforce the information and improve retention. For example, you can read a text in the target language while listening to the corresponding audio recording. This can help you to develop your listening skills while also practicing your reading skills.

Another way to combine listening and reading is to read along with the subtitles or captions when watching a movie or TV show in the target language. This can help you to understand the spoken dialogue and to follow along with the visual context.

It's also possible to read a book and listen to the audio version at the same time. This can help you to improve your reading fluency while also practicing your listening skills.

When using both listening and reading in your language learning practice, it's important to choose materials that are at an appropriate level of difficulty for your current proficiency and that are of interest to you.

Overall, combining listening and reading can be a powerful way to reinforce your understanding of the foreign language and to improve your listening skills, while also practicing reading skills.

9. Speak it Out Loud

When you speak a language out loud, you are actively using the sounds and grammar patterns that you are learning, which can help to reinforce your understanding and improve retention. It also allows you to practice your pronunciation and intonation, and to become more comfortable with the rhythm and flow of the language.

One way to practice speaking out loud is to repeat phrases or sentences that you hear in audio materials, such as podcasts or TV shows. You can also practice repeating words or phrases that you have learned in your vocabulary study.

Another way to practice speaking out loud is to have conversations with native speakers or language exchange partners. This can help you to practice using the language in a more natural and conversational context, and to become more comfortable with the flow and rhythm of the language.

It's also important to not be afraid of making mistakes, as it is a natural part of the learning process.

Overall, speaking the language out loud can be an effective technique for improving foreign language listening skills, as it allows you to actively use the sounds and grammar patterns that you are learning, practice pronunciation and intonation, and become more comfortable with the natural flow and rhythm of the language.

10. Listening Repetition

We have all heard the phrase “Repeat after me.” by a language teacher, right? So how can repetition help with listening comprehension? Repetition involves listening to the same audio material multiple times in order to reinforce understanding and improve retention.

Listening repetition can be done in a variety of ways. One way is to listen to the same audio material multiple times, focusing on different aspects of the language each time. For example, you can listen to a conversation or a song for the first time to get a general understanding of the main idea, then listen to it again to focus on specific vocabulary or grammar structures.

Another way to include listening repetition is to listen to short segments of the audio material multiple times in a row. This can help to reinforce the sounds and rhythms of the language and make it easier to understand.

You can also use flashcards, images, or other visual aids to help you remember new vocabulary or grammar structures when repeating listening exercises.

It's important to choose listening materials that are appropriate for your level and that you find interesting.

Overall, including listening repetition can be a powerful technique for improving foreign language listening skills, as it allows you to reinforce understanding and improve retention of the language.

In conclusion,improving your listening skills to learn a language is an achievable goal. It takes patience, consistency, and practice. With dedication and commitment, you can become proficient in any language you set out to learn. Don't get discouraged if you don't understand everything right away - it takes time. To reach fluency, focus on developing and strengthening your listening skills. Make sure to draw connections between what you hear and what you know so that you can better comprehend conversations and stories in the target language.

Take your language learning journey to the next level! Finally understand what native speakers are saying and learn how they respond. Take action now and subscribe to our free Listening Comprehensions classes on YouTube Live to help develop your listening skills, shifting you closer towards fluency.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE!

Don'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

Tal vez te preguntes, ¿cómo construir una oración en inglés puede ser simple, especialmente si eres una de las miles de personas que encuentra el estudio de la gramática tan divertido como estudiando la gramática en español.

Para crear una oración simple en inglés puede ser tan fácil como contar 1, 2, 3 — por supuesto, si usas tres partes básicas.

Las tres partes básicas son:

subject (sob-llect; sujeto)

verb (vurb; verbo)

object (ob-llect; complemento)

El subject de una oración puede ser un noun (naun; sustantivo) o un pronoun (pro-naun; pronombre), el verb puede estar en el presente, el pasado o en el futuro, y el object es el término general para ¡el resto de la oración pues!

Construir una oración en inglés es como usar una fórmula matemática. Para esos matemáticos, aquí tienen la “fórmula” con la que pueden formar una oración simple: Subject + verb + object.

Un ejemplo de esta estructura es:

I speak English. (Hablo inglés.)

I speak English. (Hablo inglés.)

Puedes comunicar cientos — o hasta miles — de ideas con esa fórmula de la oración simple. A continuación tienes más ejemplos:

English is easy. (El inglés es fácil.)

English is easy. (El inglés es fácil.)

We ate ice cream. (Comimos helado.)

Las cuatro estructuras oracionales básicas

Las oraciones pueden ser cortas y fáciles o largas y complicadas. Aquí tienes diferentes tipos y las reglas sobre cómo se forman.

• Estructura simple: Una oración simple contiene una sola oración independiente.

Por ejemplo: “John finished the book”. Esta oración tiene un sujeto y un predicado y pueden estar solo como una oración completa.

• Oración compuesta: Una oración compuesta se forma cuando dos o más oraciones simples se unen, normalmente mediante conjunciones (por ejemplo, y, o, but) o el punto y coma.

Por ejemplo, la oración “She went to sleep and he stayed up to finish the work” (“ella se fue a dormir y él se quedó despierto para acabar el trabajo” es una oración compuesta porque puede dividirse en dos oraciones simples:

She went to sleep and he stayed up to finish the work

She went to sleep and he stayed up to finish the work

“She went to sleep” y “He stayed up to finish the work”.

• Oraciones complejas: Una oración compleja contiene una oración independiente y otra dependiente.

Por ejemplo, veamos la oración

“John finished the book even though he was getting late for work” (“John terminó el libro aunque se le estaba haciendo tarde para ir al trabajo”).

La oración independiente (“John finished the book”) se combina con la oración dependiente (“even though he was getting late for work”).

• Oraciones compuestas y complejas: Una oración compuesta y compleja contiene al menos dos oraciones independientes y una o más oraciones dependientes.

Por ejemplo:

“Even though I set my alarm last night, I didn’t hear it ring this morning and I woke up late” (Aunque puse la alarma anoche, no la escuché por la mañana y me desperté tarde“).

Las oraciones independientes están en negrita y la oración dependiente está en cursiva.

Mientras estés aprendiendo y practicando, comienza con las oraciones simples y después utiliza las conjunciones para formar oraciones compuestas. Cuando tengas la suficiente seguridad, puedes empezar a formar oraciones complejas más largas y oraciones compuestas y complejas.

Claro, tal vez no desees hablar siempre en forma afirmativa, así que también necesitas saber cómo formar una oración negativa. La siguiente lista te presenta tres maneras simples de formar oraciones negativas.

Usamos la palabra not (nat; no): Agrega not a una oración simple depués del verbo to be:

English is not difficult. (El inglés no es difícil.)

Agregamos do not o does not antes de los verbos que no sean to be:

She does not like hamburgers. (A ella no le gustan las hamburguesas.)

She does not like hamburgers. (A ella no le gustan las hamburguesas.)

She does not like hamburgers. (A ella no le gustan las hamburguesas.)

Agregamos cannot antes de los verbos para expresar incapacidad: I cannot speak Chinese. (No puedo hablar chino.)

Usamos la palabra no ( no) para negar un verbo. Mientras el inglés usa not, pero en inglés nos no decimos no antes del verbo, como en I no like hamburgers (; No me gustan las hamburguesas). Sin embargo, puedes hacer que ciertas oraciones sean negativas si usas no antes de un sustantivo.

Otro ejemplo: I do not have a car. (No tengo coche.)

La mejor manera de aprender inglés es usarlo lo máximo posible. Aprovecha cada oportunidad que tengas para hablar y escribir en inglés. Habla con tus amigos o con un compañero de estudio o insiste en anotar tus pensamientos y sentimientos de forma regular. Busca recursos y enlaces de gramática online, completa las lecciones de manera regular y no tengas miedo de cometer errores o pedir a tus profesores que te den sus opiniones. Cuanto más te expongas al idioma y te familiarices con él, más rápido aprenderás.

Espero que este post sobre oraciones en inglés te haya ayudado a ampliar tus conocimientos sobre el idioma. ¡Sigue aprendiendo!

Must 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

Do you feel heaviness while you sing? Do you feel vocally fatigued or have a sore throat after? Are you able to complete the exercises mentioned above without tongue interference?  Believe it or not, a large portion of my teaching day is devoted to freeing singers of tongue tension and its undesirable effects. I'll take you through one student's first few steps toward freedom of the tongue.

A lot of the time students will admit that they’ll get frustrated and discouraged because they feel a major squeeze and/or a choking feeling on their higher pitches. Students would feel they had to push hard in order to engage a register or to hit the right note.

Especially with a beginning singer, it is often that one would judge his or her singing in terms of how they hear themselves and feel. I remember a student, not too long ago, told me that while singing she felt an overall sense of heaviness, felt tired, and getting sore. It was stealing the joy from her singing.

You could tell that this student loved to sing caused it showed, but her voice wasn't reflecting her hard work.  She was pushing when transitioning registers thus, she had to push harder to sing any higher. The voice was strident and harsh above A4.  She had one general loud volume in her chest and mixed-voice ranges, which ultimately led to no mixed voice at all. When singing in her head voice, she wasn't able to access it without a major squeeze.

This student's voice was being robbed by that common culprit: tongue tension.  It's a tough issue to self-diagnose. Without trained eyes and ears, students will say phrases like "really feeling it" or "this song is too high for me."  And it has to do with the tongue.

I could see her frustration, but I knew exactly how we would spend our session together…

First, we identified the problem.  Indeed, she felt her tongue retract, or pull back into the throat.  Not only that, the tongue was flat. A lot of trainers will say to bring your tongue forward. This is correct but there is more to that statement. But don’t worry, it is not going to get complicated.

To create great sound, your tongue needs to be just as released as the rest of your body while you sing. The tongue is a huge muscle, and if it’s tense or bunched up in the back, it blocks or it squeezes the tone, making it sound tight. Your tongue should slightly arch when making those consonant and vowel sounds.

We would want to form the back vowels ooh, OOh, oh, aw, and ah by arching the back of your tongue and creating very specific lip shapes. The tongue arches to its highest point on the ooh vowel and then gradually lower for OOh, oh, aw, and ah. The lips create a specific shape for the back vowels, but the shape is more open when you sing the higher notes.

• To sing the ooh vowel (as in shoe and new ), allow your lips to pucker forward (that is, to move forward away from your front teeth) and to round to a small opening.

• The OOh vowel (as in took, shook, and crook ) requires that your lips pucker and open just slightly farther than they do for the ooh vowel. For the oh vowel (as in go and no ), your lips round into a circle.

• For the aw vowel (as in awful and slaw ), your lips are slightly rounded and open into a wider circle than the circle they make for the oh vowel.

• For the ah vowel (as in father and gaga ), your lips are slightly rounded but without the protrusion that they made for the oh or aw.

For all the back vowels, the tip of the tongue continues to touch the bottom front teeth. If the back of your tongue feels tight when you make the back vowels, you’re pushing up the tongue rather than raising it. To fix this problem, allow the space in the back of your mouth and throat to release; then you can raise the back of your tongue without having to tighten the muscles. You’ll feel some movement in the muscles as you arch your tongue, but that basic movement is different from tension.

This is an exercise that I usually give my students to feel the difference of the slight lift. As this particular student slid up to the higher tone, she could feel the tongue trying to retract again.  So we made an adjustment. She placed the relaxed tip of her tongue between her lips. (Think of it as a hum position with tongue showing.) Now we could really see when her tongue was trying to help her change the pitch.  It took some practice, but she finally made it through the exercise without the tongue retracting.

Since this session, this singer has made tremendous improvements.  She easily glides through her registers, rarely cracks, and has increased her range.  Most importantly, however, is the newfound confidence she feels.

How about you?  Do you feel heaviness while you sing? Are you tired or sore after? Are you able to complete the exercises mentioned above without tongue interference?  If so, don’t worry! This is quite common. Just give the previous exercise a try. And depending on where you are on your vocal journey, you may want to investigate starting voice lessons.  There are many great teachers out there. Find one in your area and get started.

Interested in taking lessons? Book here!

Until next time, Happy Singing!

Techniques to Assess the Foreign Language Level of Adult Student

Techniques to Assess the Foreign Language Level of Adult Students

Navigating the realm of foreign language teaching can be like charting an intricate maze – each turn introduces a new challenge or discovery. The essence of mastering this journey, especially with adult learners, is rooted in understanding their individual competencies, aspirations, and backgrounds. Given the myriad life experiences they bring, an instructor's approach must be both informed and adaptive.

Why Assessing Foreign Language Proficiency Matters

Step into the shoes of a learner for a moment. Picture yourself in a room, where the instruction either goes way over your head or seems trivially basic. It's not just discomfort you'd feel but sheer frustration. For adult learners, each learning session is more than just an hour spent; it's an investment. They're not just seeking knowledge; they crave an optimized, impactful learning journey. Assessing their proficiency, thus, is a pivotal step that ensures the pedagogical experience aligns seamlessly with their unique needs.

A couple of years back, I taught Pedro, a business professional from Brazil. Casual conversations would have you believe he was near-native. He confidently discussed Brazilian travel, art, and culture. However, gaps emerged when we started exploring more technical subjects or idiomatic phrases. The lesson? Surface-level interactions can be deceptive. True assessment goes deeper.

Mapping the Journey: Techniques to Decipher Language Skills

1. Initial Insights - Understanding Previous Experiences:

   Every learning journey begins with a step, often, a question. Delving into the past experiences of your learners can offer a treasure trove of insights.

   • Structured Questioning: Craft questions that delve into their history with the language. Queries like:

     • Who here has attended formal foreign language classes?

     • Any experiences living or working where this language predominates?

     • Describe your most immersive experience using this language?

   These questions not only uncover their linguistic background but also highlight aspects of comfort, exposure, and even cultural nuances they might be familiar with.

2. Observing & Analyzing – Monitoring Their Responses:

   Language, like music, is best understood in its flow. Observing your learners in active conversation, structured exercises, or even spontaneous interactions can be revealing.

   • Evaluate Pronunciation & Diction: These often indicate the depth of their exposure.

   • Analyze Sentence Construction: This provides insights into their grasp on grammar.

   • Comprehension Tests: Modulate your speaking speed, use varied sentence structures, and watch their reactions.

   Crafting situational questions can be particularly insightful. Pose scenarios like, “If you had a choice last weekend, would you have gone to a beach or explored a museum?” Such queries gauge their grasp of tenses and their vocabulary range.

3. A Continuous Spectrum – Regular Monitoring:

   Language is dynamic, and so is learning. An initial assessment, while vital, is just the beginning. The real understanding evolves over time, as learners display facets of their proficiency, vocabulary depth, and comfort level.

   An adaptive tracking system is crucial. Consider creating a detailed matrix or chart that captures ongoing performance across various linguistic dimensions. For instance:

   Such a matrix, updated regularly, serves as a valuable reference, helping tailor instruction more effectively.

Proficiency Assessment Matrix

Student	Speaking	Reading	Writing	Listening	Cultural Nuances
Alex	Good	Excellent	Fair	Good	Familiar with colloquialisms
Linda	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Average	Struggles with idioms

Building Bridges with Personalized Instruction:

In the grand tapestry of foreign language teaching, understanding is the thread that binds the educator and the learner. Once you've gauged proficiency levels, the next step is to weave lessons that resonate, challenge, and inspire.

• Cultural Incorporation: Integrate elements of the student's native culture, drawing parallels, highlighting differences, or exploring interesting intersections.

• Real-world Scenarios: Base lessons on real-life situations or current events. This not only boosts engagement but also makes the learning process more relatable and practical.

• Feedback Loops: Regularly solicit feedback. Understand what's working, what's not, and where they're facing challenges.

In Conclusion:

The path to mastering foreign language teaching, especially with adult learners, demands a balance of empathy, skill, and adaptability. Understanding where each student stands, their strengths, their areas of improvement, and their aspirations form the pillars of effective instruction.

Elevate your teaching prowess. For those committed to refining their teaching techniques and understanding the depths of student engagement, consider booking a Language Teacher Training session at Rosita Ruiz's classes. Dive deeper into the art and science of language education, and empower your students to embrace the world of foreign languages with confidence and passion.

Beginning 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:

1. Conjugate the verb in the yo form. (Hablar becomes hablo, tener becomes tengo, decir becomes digo.)

2. 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.

’

’

To tell someone to not do something.use the following sentences structure

No + verbo (presente del subjuntivo) + complemento.
"Don't" + verb (present subjunctive) + complement.

And here are some common “ER and IR” verbs

To tell someone to not do something.

No + verbo (presente del subjuntivo) + complemento.
"Don't" + verb (present subjunctive) + complement.

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.

Note: With these verbs, as with regular verbs, add -e, -en to -ar verbs and add -a, -an to -er and -ir 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. _________________________