Recent Content

Tasting Kaiken with the Winemakers in Mendoza

Submitted by Nikki on

Wednesday night is winemaker's night at The Vines of Mendoza in Argentina. For less than $7, the two hour interactive presentation showcases a particular winery, which in last night's case was Kaiken. The winemaker and head of exporting for the winery both presented information about the winery and the specific wines it produces, while we tasted Kaiken wines and snacked on cheese and bread in a lovely courtyard patio.

Topics: 
Vinos - Wines
Tags: 
Argentina

Suggestopedia method of Language Learning

Submitted by Nikki on

This method emerged in 1960 by Bulgarian Georgi Lozanov, and is based on the the science of suggestion. One of the main goals of this method is to decrease anxiety related to learning a new language, so that students can naturally and calmly produce the language. The atmosphere is this language learning method is extremely important as a tool to make the environment conducive to language learning. One of the techniques taken from suggestology across many educational disciplines is the use of background music in the classroom.

The Silent Way approach to Language Learning

Submitted by Nikki on

In the 1960s, Caleb Gattegno introduced the Silent Way method of language learning. The Silent Way is based on the theory that individuals should be at the center of their own learning, and that the teacher should largely be silent and subtly provide feedback while the students explore their own abilities. Teachers provide feedback through the use of colors, cuisenaire rods, and word charts. The method somewhat tries to mimic how we learn our native language, through independent exploration.

Where to get mojitos en Denver? Cuba Cuba!

Submitted by Nikki on

In the Golden Triangle neighborhood lies an adorable house, painted green with yellow trimming and iron sculpture of a palm tree out front, which is, my friends, restaurant Cuba Cuba. The Cuban eatery chicly transports you to the Caribbean island with its soft green walls, palm leaf fans, twinkly lights, and salsa meets bossa nova music. The food is good, but slightly pricey, so I often prefer to stop by for a few drinks in the cozy bar (which offers a brief happy hour).

Topics: 
consejos
Tags: 
restaurant

Audio-Lingual Method of language learning

Submitted by Nikki on

The Audio-Lingual method started in the 1940s as language training for World War II troops, who needed quick training for basic communication. The technique was broadened and popularized in the 50s and 60s and is still used today, mostly in combination with other methods. Drawing on the theories of American linguists Leonard Bloomfield and Charles Fries, the method is based on behaviorism, or giving a stimulus and response which immediately conveys positive or negative feedback. In the case of language learning, the teacher makes a statement that students repeat.

Tags: 
language theory

A blog about Buenos Aires in Spanish

Submitted by Nikki on

Written by 3 Argentines, andaBA, is a great blog about a great city: Buenos Aires. With a demonstrated knowledge and passion for history, the bloggers provide information about Buenos Aires with a new witty twist.

AndaBA ofrece postales de Buenos Aires tanto para aquellos que habitan la urbe como para quienes están de paso. Es una mirada caprichosa, injusta, improcedente, de facciones de la metrópoli que se nos antoja retratar.

Topics: 
consejos
Tags: 
Argentina

Spanish classes through Berlitz

Submitted by Nikki on

One of the most well known names in language classes, Berlitz offers Spanish (among other language) classes in Denver in Cherry Creek north. As discussed in the theories of language teaching section, the Berlitz method is very focused on listening and speaking through language immersion. Classes focus on practicing interactions that will be useful in the real world. The worldwide chain offers many different classroom styles and provides classes for all ages.

Topics: 
Other Providers

Volver (Coming Back): Pedro Almodóvar film with Penélope Cruz

Submitted by Nikki on

Title: Volver (Coming Back)
Released: 2006

Ask any American about Spanish actress Penélope Cruz and they'll say: "she's beautiful". But is she a good actress? Hollywood films like Blow don't do a very good job of showcasing Cruz's talents as an actress; instead, they focus on her beauty and 'exoticness'. Enter Pedro Almodóvar, one of the most well-known Spanish directors, who also happens to know how talented Cruz is. Working together for the first time since Todo sobre mi madre, Volver is a fantastic film and Cruz is a worthy main character.

Topics: 
Cine - Movies
Tags: 
Spain
Almodóvar

Business in Denver helping Latinos gain access to benefits: Futuro Sólido U.S.A.

Submitted by Nikki on

When I first started working, benefits meetings about 401k and medical insurance were pretty confusing, and it took a while for me to start taking advantage of my benefits. Add in being from another country and perhaps just learning English and benefits just got more complicated. Futuro Sólido U.S.A., a Denver-based business, works with companies that hire Spanish-speakers to make sure employees know the resources they have access to. This recent Denver Post article highlights some of the work Futuro Sólido U.S.A.

Topics: 
consejos

Pages

more