NOTES
TO
PARTICIPANTS
1. This course is designed as an introduction to Spanish for those who have
never before studied the language. In other words, it is for “true beginners.” If
you have already been “exposed” to the language, consider this an
opportunity to expand your skills, to be patient with those who are just
beginning, and to help facilitate the acquisition of basic skills by your fellow
learners.
2. Plan to spend one to two hours daily, including days when class is not in
session, to review class activities and learn verbs and vocabulary.
3. If you plan to continue with Spanish, invest in a good bilingual dictionary
(Collins College Dictionary, English-Spanish/Spanish-English OR
Larousse, or another comparable dictionary) and in the most recent edition of
501 Verbs.
4. Take the learning outcomes seriously and make every attempt to meet them by
the end of the 20 hours of instruction.
5. Read a Spanish-language newspaper published in the Atlanta region. Begin
with the headlines and advertising and gradually attempt to read longer
passages.
6. Watch a Spanish-language television network for a minimum of 30 minutes,
four to five times a week. This will help familiarize you with the sounds and
rhythms of Spanish, which are very different from English. Native speakers
of Spanish are sensitive to pronunciation and rhythm and appreciate your
efforts to overcome the tendency to pronounce every word as if it were an
English word. Over time, watching television will improve your listening
comprehension and your knowledge of the societies and social classes that
make up Spanish America.
7. Keep in mind that Spanish is the official language of countries like Mexico
and Guatemala, but many Latin American countries include indigenous
peoples who do not speak any Spanish, or speak very little Spanish. Many
of these peoples (the Mayas, for example) have immigrated to the U.S. and
you may have some of their children in your class. Culturally and linguistically
they are often quite different from those of European or mixed descent. Be
aware of the huge differences within and among Latin American countries and
their inhabitants.
8. Please help us improve the course by noting your foreign language learning
style—what works and what needs to be eliminated or added.
9. THIS COURSE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE AN
EXERCISE IN MEMORIZATION OF VOCABULARY.
Although you have some grammar explanations and a glossary as study aids, it
is your responsibility to use the activities as a vehicle to help you communicate
a message that will be comprehensible. Take a deep breath and leave English
behind; do not expect to understand everything; do expect to practice
communicating and working cooperatively; do expect to continue learning after
the course ends. ¡Qué se diviertan muchísimo!