What’s in a Name? The Origin and Meaning of Spanish Surnames
Have you ever wondered why Spanish names are so long? As you may have noticed, the names of people in Spanish-speaking countries consist of a first name and two surnames. Traditionally, you will see the first surname of the father followed by the first of the mother. Presently, laws have changed on gender equality and now allow any order, but we normally see the original order. People...Read More
Spanish Body Parts: Vocabulary, Idioms, and Culture
Your body is so much more than just parts. Did you know that you communicate 90% of your thoughts and feelings nonverbally, through your body language? That’s quite a lot to say without saying anything! If you plan on taking a trip to a Spanish-speaking country, you don’t want to get caught saying something silently that you really don’t mean. In this blog post,...Read More
September 15: a Day of Collective Independence
September in Central America is as colorful as any other holiday should be. Weeks before the 15th, the streets, markets, houses, and cars become adorned with hundreds of flags. Cities are dressed in patriotic colors by their citizens. Schools start practicing for the parades and concerts, marching bands can be heard all around town getting ready for the big day when festivities will take...Read More
Building Rapport with Total Strangers in Spanish
Building rapport with colleagues and customers in Spanish is one of the most important components of being successful at your job. Let’s face it, we want to do business with people we like and trust – therefore you need to be likable and trustworthy! So how do you build confidence with others and get people to enjoy doing business with you in Spanish? Start with a...Read More
Perks of Being Bilingual
Discovering joy in non-materialistic ways is all the rage. Many people are tired of being bombarded by material things and are encouraged to make memories instead – these are more fulfilling than buying the latest iPhone or Gucci bag. The memories that you gain through travel, hiking to ancient ruins learning about new cultures, or building strong relationships with family and friends...Read More
Chanin
Okay. Before we start today, have a look at this awesome video! After I watched the video, I tried to snap my fingers to chanin-chanin! It didn’t quite work and it made me remember how many years ago, my best friend spent a crazy amount of time trying to get me to do it “right.” Despite her efforts and 25 years of being Guatemalan, I still can’t make the snapping sound. Now the important...Read More
Travel Spanish Guide: Get it Done in 5 Months
The food: chuchitos, caldos, pupusas, every kind of taco, and a rainbow of colorful tortillas. ¡Qué rico! The scenery: mountains, beaches, and famous ruins with mangrove rivers leading jungle. Beautiful. The wildlife: viscous jaguars and scorpions, sweet llamas, and flying squirrels. Alive. We. Love. Latin America. So, obviously we want you to come and visit us, but not only...Read More
Spanish-Speaking Countries in South America
Extraordinary landscapes. Fascinating cultures and peoples. Jaw-dropping snowy mountain peaks. Salt flats that transform into mirrors of the night sky. Given these points, it’s no wonder that South America is a top destination for travelers, explorers, and students the world over. If you are learning to speak Spanish, practice your skills by visiting some (or all!) of the nine...Read More
Spanish Dances: The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Spanish dances have withstood the hands of time, remaining surprisingly consistent and fixed in their unique choreography. Despite centuries of external pressure from evolving migrant caravans, zealous political figures, and major changes in Spanish society itself, the tradition of dancing persists. Spain is only about twice the size of Oregon, but it packs quite a punch of cultural...Read More