Biography of Spanish Playwright and Poet Lope de Vega
Lope de Vega is one of the most recognized and famous Spanish writers of all time. Cervantes might be the only other Spanish writer who has upstaged Lope de Vega, and that’s no small feat. Lope de Vega was a well-known poet, playwright, dramatist, and novelist. He wrote several works of art in the 17th century that people still love today. In his famous essay, Arte Nuevo de...Read More
The Origin and History of the Term ‘Chapín’ in Guatemala
The word chapín in Guatemala is the proud slang term used by the majority of the population who identify as Guatemaltecos. Similar to how people from El Salvador call themselves cheros, or people from Nicaragua call themselves nicas, you’ll find people from Guatemala call themselves chapínes. These slang nicknames and identifiers are well-known and have transformed a word like...Read More
10 Poems by Antonio Machado: the Poet of the People
Antonio Machado is one of the greatest Spanish poets of all time and, as such, an important figure to learn about when studying Spanish. Learning a new language doesn’t only mean learning grammar rules, vocabulary, and spelling. The Spanish language (like all languages) is an expression of the culture that produced it. By studying these cultural expressions, you better understand the...Read More
10 Significant Works of 21st Century Spanish Literature
If you’re a Spanish literature enthusiast, then you’ve probably heard of authors like Gabriel García Márquez and Isabel Allende. While these famous Spanish authors wrote their names into history in the 20th century, up-and-coming writers continue to create modern new works. With a plethora of current Spanish literature at your fingertips online, it’s time to dive into some of the...Read More
How to Use Mass Media in Spanish to Learn the Language
You can easily achieve even your toughest language goals with just a few simple doses of mass media in Spanish every day. Simply put, mass media is technology that’s intended to reach a mass audience. It’s the way that the majority of the public gets their entertainment, news, and information. From grazing on Spanish magazines to watching your first telenovela, enjoy and succeed in every...Read More
How to Use Inclusive Spanish Alternatives
Have you ever written or spoken a word or phrase using inclusive Spanish? Do you know what inclusive Spanish is and what it entails? In this post, I’ll discuss a topic that’s a little bit controversial: inclusive Spanish. I’ll approach it with an open mind and a sincere interest in understanding the different positions regarding inclusive language. In the following...Read More
The One and Only Spanish Speaking Country in Africa
Did you know Equatorial Guinea is the only Spanish speaking country in Africa? With plenty of history, this country has amazed the world thanks to its resilience and resourcefulness. Today, you’ll learn about the history of Equatorial Guinea and how it turned out to be the only Spanish speaking country in Africa. Ready to discover interesting facts that will amaze you? ...Read More
The Historical Importance of Corn in Spanish-Speaking Countries
Before it became the world’s most-produced crop, corn in Spanish-speaking countries started out as just another wild seed. It looked nothing like the modern corn you see today! We’re going to take a dive into Mesoamerican history to uncover the real origin of this popular crop and discover why it’s so important. The Many Uses of Corn Today You probably eat corn multiple...Read More
The Surprisingly Complicated History of Cuba
The history of Cuba, as well as the history of most of Latin America, is messy and complicated. You may know a little bit about Cuba—mostly what the media and the school system teach—which, in reality, is just the tip of the iceberg of its history. Some people think the history of Cuba began the moment the Spanish “discovered” the island, but that’s really far from the truth. Cuba’s...Read More