Why is "Comí hace tres horas." correct?

"Who dares to teach must never cease to learn". John Cotton Dana

As a teacher, I think continuing to learn is just as important as teaching. I try to learn something new everyday, either from my students, from my family, from my colleagues, or from myself.

Yesterday in my Spanish 2 class we were going over the Hace + time + que construction.

Briefly:
1. To express how long something has been going on, in Spanish we use the following expression:
HACE + length of time + QUE + verb in the present tense
Hace dos años que vivo aquí. I have been living here for 2 years.

2. When using the preterit and maybe the imperfect, the "Hace + length of time + que" construction translates into ..."ago."
HACE + length of time + QUE + verb in the past tense
Hace dos años que viví aquí. I lived here 2 years ago.

You can read my actual notes here: Hace que... Hace meaning ago.

Anyway, we were going over examples in class from the www.studyspanish.com website. A site that I highly recommend. It's excellent for grammar review, verb conjugation practice, and pronunciation assistance.

We came across this sentence: I ate three hours ago. The site gave this answer: Comí hace tres horas.
as the correct answer. The answer bothered me. I've always been taught that you can not have two conjugated verbs side by side. Something needs to separate these two verbs, whether it was a word or punctuation. Needless to say, since I couldn't explain to my students why the answer was correct, I told them to ignore it and we'll go over it in the next class. I knew that I had to some research to do, I hate saying... "I don't know why it's right, it just is." UGH, that drives me nuts! I looked on the site, in the textbook for the class, in my supplemental grammar books and I couldn't find an explanation on WHY that sentence structure was OK. Just a bunch of "here it is, learn it."

So, I swallowed my pride and asked the experts on http://www.spanishdict.com/  EXCELLENT resource! I'm pretty sure I'll be back on that site again.

Here's what I learned: (Honestly, something I've never knew and I'm BEYOND excited to share this info!!)

IMPERSONAL HACER (never heard of it, did I tell y'all that?)
The impersonal use of the verb "hacer" allows for two distinct possibilities in regards to syntactic function; namely, it can function either as part of an independent clause or as an adverbial expression:

INDEPENTDENT CLAUSE: Hace tres horas que comí. (this is the format we are used to using)
ADVERBIAL EXPRESSION: Comí hace tres horas. (this is the NEW format, that caused me drama)

SN: An independent clause is a clause that can stand by itself, it's also known as a simple sentence. It contains a SUBJECT and a PREDICATE. An adverbial expression (or in our case) phrase is a term for a group of two or more words that perform the same function as an adverb (modifies the verb).

In the sentence: Comí hace tres horas. the verb hacer combines with tres horas to form an adverbial expression. Look at the examples given to me:

1). Comí anoche. → I ate last night.
2). Comí esta tarde. → I ate this afternoon.
3). Comí hace tres horas. → I ate three hours ago.

Notice how anoche, esta tarde, AND hace tres horas answer the same question and performs the same purpose... to tell us when I ate... for this reason "hace" isn't performing as a verb, it's serving in the role as part of an adverb... therefore we don't have 2 verbs side by side!

Doesn't that make sense!!! It did for me and when we go over it in class, I'll have more examples!


Special thanks to Izanoni from http://www.spanishdict.com/ for that extremely helpful answer!

As always if you need me: email me, facebook me, tweet me, or text me.

Ciao,
MLMoore

la semana del 31 de octubre

Happy Halloween Y'all

I hope your weekend was awesome, mine was relaxing and short. Here are the things I need you to pay attention to during the week.

SPA111 Elementary Spanish 1 (both classes)
Review conjugation of present tense verbs
Review Demonstrative Adjectives
Introduce Demonstrative Pronouns
Tener and Tener Expressions

SPA112 Elementary Spanish 2 (both classes)
Working on Artist Projects
Review Preterit -ar verbs: yo forms of -gar, -car, -zar
Introduce Preterit -er and -ir verbs
Introduce Hace + que...

SPA212 Intermediate Spanish 2
Diarios de motocicleta

Verbos y preposicionesEl Futuro

Verbos como gustar
Pronombres usados como complemento directo e indirecto
La a personal
El subjuntivo para expresar duda, negación e incredulidad
El subjuntivo con ciertas conjunciones
El imperfecto de subjuntivo
Condicional



SPA231 Reading and Composition
Por favor, sigue leyendo la muerte de Artemio Cruz. Lee los capítulos 2 y 3. Hay preguntas en Moodle.

El subjuntivo para expresar duda, negación e incredulidadAs always, if you have questions or need me, you can email me, text me, facebook me, or tweet me.
El subjuntivo con ciertas conjuncionesEl imperfecto de subjuntivo
Condicional
El Futuro


Ciao,
MLMoore

la semana de 24 de octubre 2011

Hola clases,

Registration week = CHAOS + FUN :)

SPA111 Elementary Spanish 1 (both classes)
Review conjugation of present tense verbs
Tener and Expressions
Demonstrative Adjectives

SPA112 Elementary Spanish 2 (both classes)
Introduction of the Preterit: -ar verbs
Work on Artist Projects

SPA212 Intermediate Spanish 2
Continue with Hombres armados

SPA231 Reading and Composition
Book Selection
1. Nada por Carmen Laforet
From Bookmarks Magazine


Nada is a novel of Spain—and of the difficult transition to adulthood. Critics agree that it is a remarkable achievement for so young a voice at the time and one of the best novels written during the Franco regime. Mario Vargas Llosa notes in his introduction that Nada never overtly refers to the Fascist victory, yet "politics weighs on the entire story like an ominous silence." Still, Andrea's grim experiences—from navigating the bizarre terrain of her relatives to brokering friendships and sexual relationships—are far from humorless. Brilliant characterizations, poetic prose, and a clear and sophisticated voice ring true in Edith Grossman's excellent translation. The Los Angeles Times sums up general sentiment: "Nada a coming-of-age novel, but it's also a work of genius, small but indelible."

2. La Colmena por Camilo José Cela
Review


Publicada en Buenos Aires a causa de la censura, LA COLMENA irrumpio en 1951 en la anodina escena literaria espanola de la epoca, introduciendo en ella una decidida corriente de critica y renovacion. Como el propio CAMILO JOSe CELA afirma en una nota a la primera edicion, esta novela ""no es otra cosa que [] un trozo de vida narrado paso a paso, sin reticencias, sin extranas tragedias, sin caridad, como la vida discurre"". Ambientada en Madrid en unos pocos dias del mes de diciembre de 1943, la obra refleja la realidad intrahistorica de aquellos dias de incertidumbre de la posguerra a traves de unos personajes inmersos en una insignificancia que ­como afirma GONZALO SOBEJANO en el prologo al volumen­, llevada al extremo de la revelacion, da lugar a uno de los efectos de extranamiento mas poderosos de la novela. Otras obras de C. J. Cela en esta coleccion: ""San Camilo 1936"" (L 5064). --Los editores
 
3. La Muerte de Artemio Cruz por Carlos Fuentes
From Publishers Weekly


First translated into English more than a quarter-century ago, Fuentes's acclaimed novel about modern Mexico has since gone through nearly 30 printings. Despite its popularity, the original English version often was unclear, obscuring Fuentes's language and intent. MacAdam's meticulous new rendering gives the English-reading public a fresh slant on the fictional Cruz, a newspaper owner and land baron. The novel opens with Cruz on his deathbed, and plunges us into his thoughts as he segues from the past to his increasingly disoriented present. Drawn as a tragic figure, Cruz fights bravely during the Mexican Revolution but in the process loses his idealism--and the only woman who ever loved him. He marries the daughter of a hacienda owner and, in the opportunistic, postwar climate, he uses her family connections and money to amass an ever-larger fortune. Cocky, audacious, corrupt, Cruz, on another level, represents the paradoxes of recent Mexican history. Written before Fuentes's masterpieces A Change of Skin and Terra Nostra, this novel, with its freewheeling experimental prose and psychological exploration, anticipates many of the author's later themes.

4. Los rios profundos por Jose Maria Argueda
Review


Jose Maria Arguedas ha sido el punto de partida para las principales teorizaciones sobre una cuestion capital en las letras de la America Latina: la ""transculturacion"". El autor inserta con intensidad y complejidad elementos de la cultura andina dentro de formas culturales occidentales. El propio titulo de ""Los rios profundos"" (de cauce profundo y caudal generoso son los rios de la Sierra peruana) connota la profundidad de las solidas raices ancestrales de la identidad peruana, cabalmente asumida, en contraposicion al caracter sobreimpuesto de una cultura occidental y cosmopolita a espaldas del legado historico milenario del Peru. Ejemplo de vida plena entre el individuo, la sociedad y el cosmos, provechoso de conocer para la humanidad entera. --Los editores
 
As always, if you need me you can ask me a question here, text me, facebook me, tweet me, or email me...
 
Ciao,
MLMoore

Early Spring 2012 Registration

Hola mis estudiantes,

Your advisor can begin keying in your Spring Schedules Monday, 24 October 2011

1. Students who DO NOT receive Financial Aid (you pay out your pocket) will pick up registration forms and PAY fees on Wednesday, 16 NOVEMBER 2011 OR Thursday, 17 NOVEMBER 2011 from 9:00- 1:00pm and 4:00 - 7:00pm.

2. Students who DO receive Financial Aid will pick yo PELL FAST PASSES from the department secretary once their schedule is entered into the computer.

If I'm your advisor... We need to set up an appointment to get your classes for the SPRING!

Here are the classes I'm teaching this spring:

SPA111IHS  Elementary Spanish 1  TTH 930 - 1045am  T205
SPA111ON  Elementary Spanish 1  T  6:00-850pm  N225
SPA112IHS  Elementary Spanish 2  MW 935 - 1050am  T205
SPA112ON  Elementary Spanish 2  TH  6:00-8:50pm  N225
SPA120HB Spanish for the Workplace W  11:00 - 12:15pm N220 1st 8weeks*
SPA141OA Culture & Civilization  MW  12:30-1:45pm W204**
SPA181OW Spanish Lab 1
SPA182OW Spanish Lab 2
SPA221HB Spanish Conversation W 11:00 - 12:15pm N220 2nd 8weeks (SPA212 required)

*SPA120 Spanish for the Workplace has no pre-reqs. If you want to learn Spanish, but not the grammar, then this is the perfect class. I focus on just enough conversation skills for you to do your job successfully. part of the requirement for this class is to bring a list of the most common phrases that you use in your job. You will learn how to ask these questions and how to respond to the answers you may receive.

**SPA141OA Culture and Civilization is by far MY FAVORITE class to teach! The class focuses on finding the answer to one simple question... "Why is Latin America poor?" We'll read literature, we"ll watch movies, I'll give you some facts, some myths, some legends and some "truths" all along challenging you to "think" the entire time. Since the class is open to all students in any program, the class is taught in English, any movie that we"ll watch will have English Subtitles. I hope to see you in class.

If you need to talk to me about your schedule or one of my classes, you can Facebook me, Tweet me, email me or text me.

Ciao,
MLMoore

SPA112 Spanish Artists and the FINAL

Hola clases,

For Spanish 1, you submitted an interview tape in which you talked about yourself all in Spanish. For Spanish 2, I decided to raise the bar a little and have you not only talk about yourself, but also about a famous Hispanic figure.

For the remainder of the semester we will be combining our grammar notes with the information that you find out about your person.

For example, this week we talked about Direct Object Pronouns. Your assignment is to write 5 sentences using D.O.P that will relate to your person.

Here is my 1st podcast using podomatic. DOP podcast

I have Celia Cruz's CD.  =  Celia Cruz's CD is my Direct Object to make it a pronoun I substitute "it"
I have it.  ¿Cómo se dice "CD" en español? el disco, pues "it" is masculine and singular, therefore "lo"
Lo tengo.

I want Salvadora Dali's paintings. Let's use "pinturas = for paintings"
I want them.
Las quiero.

Each week we'll go over important grammar concepts. We will apply that grammar to your projects. Each week you will have an assignment, due to me demonstrating your knowledge of the grammar. You can either email, voki or video your response.

REMEMBER your final is all spoken, so the more you practice recording and sending me your responses, the easier your final will be... just saying

We will finish this week with Stem Change verbs. We've already learned e-ie, o-ue, and e-i will be a piece of cake.

As always, if you need me... facebook me, email me, tweet me, or text me.

Ciao,
MLMoore

La semana de el 17 de octubre

Hola clases,

I hope you had a great weekend!

SPA111 Elementary Spanish 1(both classes)
Starting Los Trabajos de la casa

We'll start the conjugation of er and ir verbs.

SPA112 Elementary Spanish 2(both classes)
Working on Spanish Artists Projects
Direct Object Pronouns
Stem Change Verbs: o-ue; e-i

SPA212 Intermediate Spanish 2 Hombres Armados
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1082798-men_with_guns/trailers/


As always, if you need me text me, email me, facebook me, and/or tweet me!


Ciao,
MLMoore

la semana de 10 de octubre

Hola mis estudiantes!

I hope you had an amazing and refreshing fall break! I had a great break, rested, watched my Steelers WIN, and gained a new family member. (Shaka, the adorable pit bull!)

SPA111 Elementary Spanish I (both sections)
Testing WEEK Finish with Nuestras Clases

SPA112 Elementary Spanish II (both classes)
Famous Artists Project
Stem Change Words
Direct Object Pronouns

SPA211 Intermediate Spanish I
Final Exam

SPA215 Spanish Phonetics and Structure
Final Exam


Starting next week:
SPA212 Intermediate Spanish II
Syllabus
Cinema Vocabulary

SPA231 Reading and Composition
Syllabus
Book Selection


We've survived 8 weeks and only have 8 left. Let's make the next 8 as fabulous as the first!

If you need me, remember you can email me, Facebook me, tweet me, or text me.

Ciao,
MLMoore

Typing Spanish Accents and stuff...

¡Hola mis estudiantes!

I've been asked so many times how do type Spanish accents and I've typed this and demonstrated it so many times, yet for some odd reason can't find my original or any of the other versions. Go figure!

SO, I decided to type it and place in the one place I won't lose it... HERE! It's actually a good thing that I can't find my original, because my computer software has been updated and my old way doesn't work. Isn't that a kick in the head. 

If you're using WINDOWS

• Á  use  Alt + 0193
• É  use  Alt + 0201
• Í    use  Alt + 0205
• Ó  use  Alt + 0211
• Ú  use  Alt + 0218
• Ñ  use  Alt + 0209 or Alt + 165
• Ü  use  Alt + 0220
• á   use  Alt + 0225  or Alt+ 160
• é   use  Alt + 0233  or Alt + 130
• í   use  Alt + 0237  or  Alt + 161
• ó  use  Alt + 0243  or  Alt + 162
• ú  use  Alt + 0250  or Alt + 163
• ñ  use  Alt + 0241  or Alt + 164
• ü  use  Alt + 0252  or  Alt + 129
• ¿  use  Alt + 0191  or Alt + 168
• ¡  use  Alt + 0161  or Alt + 173

If you're using a MAC

• Á hold down Option +E, then type capital A
• É  hold down Option +E, then type capital E
• Í  hold down Option +E, then type capital I
• Ó  hold down Option +E, then type capital O
• Ú  hold down Option +E, then type capital U
• á  hold down Option +E, then type lowercase a
• é  hold down Option +E, then type lowercase e
• í  hold down Option +E, then type lowercase i
• ó  hold down Option +E, then type lowercase o
• ú  hold down Option +E, then type lowercase u
• Ñ  hold down Option +N, then type capital N
• ñ  hold down Option +N, then type lowercase n
• ¿ Shift +Option+?
• ¡  Option +!  

Hope this helps!

As always text me, facebook me, email me, tweet me, or comment here is you need me.

Ciao,
MLMoore

Final Exam Prep

I know it's a little early to start talking about your final exams, but the sooner you come to grips with the fact that your exam is all oral... the better.

SPA111 Elementary Spanish 1
Imagine you are auditioning for your favorite reality TV Show. You are submitting a tape to the producers (Me). Your audition tape has to be in Spanish (that's the catch).

Before you get all out of shape and start panicking... Think about an audition tape. What will you do? Introduce yourself... Hi, my name is Michele. I'm from Pittsburgh. I'm 43yrs old. I'm a teacher and an artist. I love the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Yankees. I like to go to the gym in the mornings. I work everyday. .... blah blah blah

Think about it, we're 1/2 way thru the semester and you can do that and more.  See, no worries..

Here is what you should be focusing on for the 1st 2 Lessons:
Lesson 1:
Introduce yourself, where are you from? How old are you? Likes/dislikes, You should be able to spell your name (just to make sure the producer gets it correct). Friends?

Lesson 2:
What do you do in a typical day? Class schedule, Activities, work schedule? Think about days of the week, specific times of things... maybe things you do with someone...

These are just a few ideas you can add more. The key is that you demonstrate the grammar and vocabulary goals for those chapters. This will get you started.

SPA112 Elementary Spanish 2
You guys did this for me in Spanish 1. The premise is the same, except you're being CALLED BACK for a more advanced and in-depth audition tape.

I'm expecting to here more details, better sentences, and better pronunciation.

Lesson 1:
Introduce yourself like you did in SPA111, this time you need to compare yourself with the main character of your favorite reality show, or with another celebrity. I'm interested in your use of SER and ESTAR, your use of present progressive and any stem-change verbs.

Lesson 2:
If you get selected for the show, you'll have to throw a party. Who are you going to invite? What are you going to serve? What are you going to do at your party? When is your party... date and time?

I hope this gets you started and helps you ease some of that SO UNNECESSARY tension. Come on it's Spanish class, not rocket science! Smile, Relax and Enjoy!

As always, if you need me facebook me, text me, email me or tweet me.

Ciao,
MLMoore

Extra-Credit

I always get questions about Extra-Credit. I try to shy away from it, because if you do your work, you won't need it.

HOWEVER, there are a lot of you and only one of me, so if you are one of the ones who really need more than I can give, then these extra credit options will be of help to you and your Spanish journey.

www.STUDYSPANISH.com
Excellent site for a review of grammar:The first step is to register as a student. Please follow these instructions.

Registering as a Student
1. Go to: http://www.studyspanish.com/
2. Click on the link "Get a Free Membership."
3. Enter your Email address.
4. Click "Become a Member."

Confirming Your Registration
5. Check your Email for message from Studyspanish.com.
6. Write down the password that's in the message.
7. Go to: http://www.studyspanish.com/forms/confirm.htm
8. Enter your Email Address.
9. Enter your Password.
10. Click "Confirm."
11. Enter your First Name.
12. Enter your Last Name.
13. Check the box for newsletters (optional).
14. Enter in my Teacher ID: PUASXXXQ. Without my idea, I can't give you credit!
 15. Click "Activate Your Free Account."

Hola Amigos
Practice exercises from your book. Only do the lessons we've already done. I suggest waiting until we've finished with a chapter, because the quizzes are designed to review before an end of unit test.

Click on the link above.
Click on NAVIGATE by Lección
Click on your Lección
Click on ACE the TEST, you want the Practice TESTS
You probably want to do the GRAMMAR Reviews
Once you've finished, you will see at the bottom of the screen a place to view/save progress, click it. Another box will pop up and will give you the opportunity to Print, Email, Export, or Clear. You want to EMAIL it to me. smoore@mail.sampsoncc.edu

You can always ask post questions or comments HERE for extra credit points also.

If I can think of any more, I'll let you know. LIKE always if you need me, text me, facebook me, tweet me (lol) or email me.

Ciao mis estudiantes,
MLMoore

la semana de 3 de octubre

¡Hola mis clases!

We are quickly approaching FALL BREAK! Whooooo Hooooo!

I'd like to finish chapters so when we get back we can start FRESH with new and exciting topics!

SPA111 Elementary Spanish 1 both classes
Finish up with Lección 2.
Time
Calendar Vocabulary

SPA112 Elementary Spansih 2 both classes
Finish up with Lección 5
Written Exam and Flip Cameras

SPA211 Intermediate Spanish 1
Final Exam

SPA215 Spanish Phonetics and Structure
Final recording
Don't forget to post your assignments on last weeks blog.


If you need me, you know how to find me.... text, email, facebook, or twitter!


Ciao, MLMoore

SPA215 Phonetics and Structures

Hola clase,

Review of syllables and accents:

SYLLABLES

1. If there is a vowel or diphthong at the beginning of a word, followed by a consonant, divide after the vowel or diphthong.

• año  a ño

2. If there is a vowel at the beginning of a word, followed by two consonants, divide between the two consonants.

• alto  al to

3. If there is a consonant and a vowel divide after the vowel.

• pelo  pe  lo

4. If there are two consonants, divide between the consonants.

• banco  ban co

5. If there are three consonants, divide before the last consonant. 

• describir  des cri bir

6. If there are four consonants, divide in the middle. 

• instructor  ins truc tor
  2. If the word ends in any letter other than -n, -s, or a vowel, the NORMAL stress ion the last syllable.
  
  
  
  • ha blar
  • co mer
     
  Why do you need to use a written accent?
  
  •  If an aguda ends in a vowel, or n or s it carries a written accent mark.
  • If a llana ends in a consonant other than n or s it carries a written accent mark.
  • All esdrújula words carry a written accent.
  • If a strong and weak vowel appear together but do not form a syllable, the weak vowel carries a written accent to break the diphthong.
  • In cases of homonyms to distinguish the meaning, or where a pronoun has changed functions.
  • All interrogative /exclamatory pronouns carry a written accent.
  
  
  TAREA
  Here is a paragraph I'm going to underline 20 words. You only need to pick 2 of the words:
  1. divide it into the correct number of syllables
  2. bold or under the line the part of the word that is stressed
  3. label the word as Aguda, Llana (Graves), Esdrújula, Sobreesdrúla
   
  PLEASE post your answers HERE. It will give everyone a chance to compare and hopefully learn. Sharing is a good thing. TRY super hard not to pick the same as any one else. That defeats the purpose of us learning from each other.
   
  Penélope era una hermosa mujer, cuando Ulises salió para la guerra de Troya su casa se le había llenado de pretendientes, que eran ejecutivos importantes, de unos reinos vecinos y no los podían echar porque la hospitalidad en Grecia era cosa seria, éstos le decían a Penélope, con el fin de que se decidiera por uno de ellos, que Ulises había muerto ya que habían pasado diez años después de la guerra y él no regresaba. Ella sospechaba que su marido estaba vivo, y para embolatar a estos pretendientes, les dijo que no los podía atender hasta que no acabara de tejer una mortaja muy trabajosa de hacer para su suegro, el padre de Ulises, Laertes. Y así se la pasaba todo el día, tejiendo, y por la noche al escondido, desbarataba lo que había tejido, y al otro día volvía a empezar.
  
  Example:
  Hermosa
  1. her mo sa
  2. her MO sa or her mo sa
  3. llana
  Text me, FB me, Tweet me, or ask me questions here if you need me!
  
  CIAO,
  MLMoore
  

SYLLABLES and STRESS
1. Aguda = stress on the last syllable ...

• co lor

2. LLana (Graves) = stress on the NEXT to last syllable ...

• ca sa

3. Esdrújula = stress on the 3rd to last syllable ...

• lá pi ces

4. Sobreesdrújula = stress on the 4th or 5th to the last syllable ...

• dí ga me lo

BASIC RULES OF STRESS
1. If a words ends in -n, -s, or a vowel, the NORMAL stress is on the next to last syllable (llana words)

• ma no
• tri bu

la semana de 26 de septiembre 2011

Hola clases!

SPA111 Elementary Spanish 1: both sections
Present Tense -AR verbs
Interrogative and negative sentences

SPA112 Elementary Spanish 2: both sections
Pronouns as Objects of prepositions
Lección 5 examen

SPA211 Intermediate Spanish 1
Unica  mirando al mar
El Futuro

SPA215 Phonetics and Structure
El Aparato Fonador y la fonética

• Organs of Articulation
• Places of Articulation 
• Symbols for consonants
• Symbols for vowels

Ciao,
MLMoore

El 19 de Septiembre 2011

Hola clases,

I won't be on campus Wednesday, 21 Septiembre 11. You can reach me via email or facebook UNTIL 2:30pm, then I'm off air and focusing on Buddha's 1st FOOTBALL game!

SPA111 Elementary Spanish 1 (both classes)
Finish up with Bienvenidos
Begin Nuestras Clases

I'll upload a "Ghetto" Version of the pronunciation within the next few days.

SPA111OA Homework:
Review vocabulary, pages 24-25
Homework pages 26-27
Sections A and B: Send written responses via email to smoore@mail.sampsoncc.edu
Sections C and D: Send VOKI responses via email to smoore@mail.sampsoncc.edu
READ: Present indicative of -ar verbs pages 28-29 will go over this in class el lunes 26 de septiembre


SPA112 Elementary Spanish 2 (both classes)
Comparisons, Superlatives
Pronouns as Prepositions

SPA112OB Homework:
Review Comparisons, Superlatives you can examples from book, pages 113-115
Using the Simpson's Family Tree write 10 sentences in Spanish using comparisons and superlatives
Send to me via email OR via voki to smoore@mail.sampsoncc.edu
READ: Pronouns as Prepositions page 116 will go over it and page 117 in class.





SPA211 Intermediate Spanish 1
Leen el cuento: Única mirando al mar
El Futuro


SPA215 Phonetics and Structure Syllables and accents
Syllables, accents, stress, and rhythm
Here are some interesting sites to play with to practice before class...
Accents
Cool Syllable chart
Possibly a clearer example of syllable division with sound

Ciao,
MLMoore

SPA211

Hola clase,

Recuerdan leer el cuento "Ardiente Paciencia." Es un cuento ficción de cartero de Pablo Neruda, uno de mi favorito poetas. Para tarea, completen secciónes Antes de Leer: B y Después de Leer B.

Vamos a discutir el cuento en clase.

La Estructura
Hace..que
Verbos como gustar
La a personal
Pronombres usados como complemento directo e indirecto


Questions? Email me, Text me, Facebook me

Ciao,
MLMoore

SPA112

Hola Clases!

We have gone over the Present Progressive and Stem Change Verbs (e-ie).

We will continue reviewing them WHILE learning about Comparisons and Superlatives. 

Your homework for the next class is to bring in 2 pictures of 2 people. I think the EASIEST way to understand and conquer Comparisons and Superlatives is to use them on people you know!

Questions? Email, Facebook, Text me.

Ciao,
MLMoore

SPA111

I had to giggle to myself when I realized that I posted YESTERDAY that will update each class later in the week. Hmmm how much later can it be? Today or Tomorrow. No worries. This is just a REMINDER!

SPA111OA: Prueba: Lección 1 is uploaded on Moodle it's worth 50 points. There is a section that is due to me via Voki. I need that section NLT MIDNIGHT Friday, 16 September 11! I would rather you turn in your assignment late, than not at all. If it was me, I WOULDN'T give me a HARDCOPY. just saying


SPA112IHS: Prueba: Lección 1 will be uploaded on Moodle in the morning and I will email a hardcopy to your school, for anyone who needs or prefers it. IF you choose to do the hardcopy, YOU still have to submit the voki NLT MIDNIGHT, Saturday, 17 September 11! Your school's DL Instructor will mail your hardcopies.

It's open-book, open-notes, so there shouldn't be any excuses.

There is an Extra-Credit section: PLEASE pay close attention to the directions. I'd rather see "Spanglish" and "English" than "online translations." If I SUSPECT online assistance, than I won't give you points.

Native Speakers, I doubt that you'll need a translation site, but I will grade your extra-credit section HARDER than others. I've got to challenge you some way.

As always if you have questions for me, email me, text me, or facebook me.

Ciao,
MLMoore

week of 12 septiembre 2011

Hola clases!

I'm going to post a few posts this week, because I have specific things to talk about with each class. This post will be general, expect something more specific tomorrow.

***CONVOCATION***
Wednesday, 14 September 2011 at 11am in the church. ALL classes will be CANCELLED from 11:00am-12:00pm.

This means that my SPA111OA will not have class tomorrow. I'll be there with a hard copy of the Take-Home Quiz/Test but a version will be available online also.

The REST of my classes SPA112OB AND SPA215 we WILL have class! (big kool-aide smile!!)
More later,
MLMoore

Rest of SPA111 podcasts....

MORNING!!!

Here are the rest of the podcasts for class the other day... There is a mixture of lecture and practice... you should be able to do all the things that the students did in class. 

** Warning, there is some giggling too... just saying **

ummmm they're crooked or sideways. Not really sure how that happened, nor am I sure how to fix it. I'll work on it for the next set tho... It's bound to get better... right?

Ciao,
MLMoore

5 septiembre 2011

Hola clases!

I hope you had a safe and fabulous Labor Day weekend. I rested and I'm semi-ready for this wonderfully SHORT week!

SPA111: ELEMENTARY SPANISH I (both classes)
Bienvendios
Grammar:

• Review Gender and Number of Nouns (agreement)
• Review Definite Articles; Introduce Indefinite Articles
• Introduce Subject Pronouns
• Introduce the verb Ser

I have a few more to upload... I'll try to get them to you tomorrow in a separate blog.

SPA112: ELEMENTARY SPANISH II (both classes)
El Menú
Grammar:

• Present Progressive
• Stem Change Verbs (e-ie)
• Present Progressive Video

SPA211: INTERMEDIATE SPANISH I
"Cristina Martínez" de Mujeres de ojos grandes por Ángeles Mastretta
Grammar:

• Pretérito Perfecto
• Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto
• Subjuntivo: verbos de voluntad o deseo, verbos de emoción
• Usos de las preposiciones a, de, y, en
• Mandatos

SPA215: SPANISH PHONETICS and STRUCTURE
Continue with Problemas ortográficos y soluciones practicas
I made links to my favorite Phonetics site... the one with the cool pictures. I'm thinking each time you press on the links below, you'll go to the same page... SO I added the tab so it'll make it easier to find the sounds.
Review:

• fonema /s/       Fricativas tab
• fonema /k/      Oclusivas tab
• fonema /g/      Oclusivas tab

Introduce:

• fonema /x/      Fricativas tab
• fonema /j/       Fricativas tab
• fonema /b/      Oclusivas tab
• fonema /r/       Vibrantes tab
• fonema /h/       Fricativas tab

"MidTerm" Reading... no stress

Ciao,
MLMoore

29 de agosto 2011

Hola clases!

 

I'm hoping y'all faired well during Hurricane Irene. There will be a lot of Voki assignments this week. Here's the link in case you've forgotten. :)  http://www.voki.com/

SPA111 Elementary Spanish 1 (both classes)

Continue with Bienvenidos
GRAMMAR:

• http://www.sampsoncc.edu/staff/mmoore/gender_and_number_nouns.htm
• http://www.sampsoncc.edu/staff/mmoore/definite_articles.htm
• http://www.sampsoncc.edu/staff/mmoore/subject_pronouns.htm

SPA112 Elementary Spanish 2 (both classes)

Leccion 5: El Menu
GRAMMAR:

• http://www.sampsoncc.edu/staff/mmoore/present_progressive.htm
• http://www.sampsoncc.edu/staff/mmoore/stem_changing_verbs.htm

 

SPA211 Intermediate Spanish 1

Leemos "Tiempo Muerto" y "Cristina Martínez: de Mujeres de ojos grandes"
GRAMMAR:

• http://www.sampsoncc.edu/staff/mmoore/preteritoperfecto.htm
• http://www.sampsoncc.edu/staff/mmoore/preteritopluscuamperfecto.htm
• http://www.sampsoncc.edu/staff/mmoore/subjunctive.htm
• http://www.sampsoncc.edu/staff/mmoore/usos_de_las_preposiciones_a.htm
• http://www.sampsoncc.edu/staff/mmoore/mandatos.htm

SPA215 Spanish Phonetics

Spelling Problems and solutions

 

Podcasts for all classes will be posted over the next few days.

Ciao,
MLMoore

Reminder!!

¡Hola estudiantes!

Today is the 10% date! (Wednesday, 24 August 2011 ) If you HAVEN'T completed the SCAVENGER HUNT (SPA211 and SPA215) and/or completed the SYLLABUS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (TODOS) by the end of TODAY...

I have to DROP you! Please for the LOVE of PETE don't make me do this EXTRA paperwork this early in the semester...

Get HUNTING and ACKNOWLEDING... Por favor!

Ciao,
MLMoore

Week 22 agosto 2011

Hola clases,

Week 2! Time is just flying by...

SPA111 Elementary Spanish 1 (both classes)
We will continue with Bienvenidos. I posted my Ghetto vocab and a youtube video to help with pronunciation. I will play with audio software, in case you want to download the sound to practice.

We will also start Grammar (YAY!). I'm attaching links to my notes.
Gender and Number of Nouns
Definite and Indefinite Articles
Subject Pronouns

SPA112 Elementary Spanish 2 (both classes)
We will continue with Survival Spanish. I posted my Ghetto vocab and a youtube video to help with pronunciation for Bienvenidos. I will play with audio software, in case you want to download the sounds to practice. Hopefully by the time class starts I will have posted the video, audio, and notes for the remaining sections in this Module.

We will review SER, and present tense conjugations next week. We will also go over "Los trabajos de la casa" and "Una fiesta de cumpleaños."

SPA111 Grammar Review

SPA211 Intermediate Spanish 1
Vamos a continuar nuestra discusión de Rosamunda. Hablamos de la estructura. También vamos a discutir la tarea.
SPA215 Spanish Phonetics
Please look over GRAFEMAS Y FONEMAS (graphemes and phonemes). Hopefully by the time we meet, I'll have a workstudy and I'll have our webpage updated.

Ciao,

MLMoore

¡Bienvenidos!

It would help if I gave you the link...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-m_9isqovQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Ciao,
MLMoore

SPA111 Lección 1: Podcast vocabulary

¡Bienvenidos!

Here is a podcast for Lección 1. I had help from my children. Use this with the notes posted on Moodle.

Trust me, they'll get better as the semester progresses.

Ciao,
MLMoore

SPA215 Spanish Phonetics

Nola,

Here is the site we looked at in class. It's pretty cool. Have fun with it for now. We'll study it later in the semester.

http://www.uiowa.edu/~acadtech/phonetics/

Ciao,
MLMoore

SPA211 Intermediate Spanish 1

Carmen Laforet
Barcelona 1921 - Madrid 2004

"Si uno es escritor, escribe siempre, aunque no quiera hacerlo, aunque trate de escapar a esa dudosa gloria y a ese sufrimiento real que se merece por seguir una vocación." Carmen Laforet

Pensé que podría estar interesado en estos artículos de la vida de Carmen Laforet.

http://www.carmenlaforet.com/biografia/biografia.htm

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/2004/mar/05/guardianobituaries.booksobituaries

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/13/arts/13iht-idside14.1.5269021.html

Ciao,
MLMoore

Week 1, almost done...

WOW! I'm going to have a great semester! Met all of my students and I'm pretty happy. No knuckleheads, no divas, and no grumps... at least not yet.

This is the format that I'll post all of my class schedules. USUALLY I'll post them on Sunday night or Monday morning... I'm a tad bit late this week.

SPA111 Elementary Spanish 1: Both Sections
Introduction: Syllabus, DON'T FORGET to acknowledge that we went over the syllabus in class. You can print it off from Moodle, if you need a hardcopy. You have to complete this assignment by 24 August 11, or I'll have to drop you from class.

Bienvenidos. Lesson 1, Vocabulary pages 6-7

SPA112 Elementary Spanish 2: Both Sections
Introduction: Syllabus, DON'T FORGET to acknowledge that we went over the syllabus in class. You can print it off from Moodle, if you need a hardcopy. You have to complete this assignment by 24 August 11, or I'll have to drop you from class.

 

Survival Spanish:

1. We reviewed "Bienvenidos" in class and I was pleased with how much y'all retained. Please don't forget to submit your assignment and tell me what you may or may not need help with before we start Module 2.
2. We will go over "Nuestras Clases" in our next class.

 

SPA211 Intermediate Spanish 1

Introduction: Syllabus, DON'T FORGET to acknowledge that we went over the syllabus in class. You can print it off from Moodle, if you need a hardcopy. You have to complete this assignment by 24 August 11, or I'll have to drop you from class.

Rosamunda:

Leímos  las primeras páginas de “Rosamunda” en clase. Su tarea es terminar de leer el cuento. El lunes vamos a hablar del cuento y también vamos a responder a las preguntas del libro.

SPA215 Spanish Phonetics and the Structure of Language
HOLA! We haven't met yet... officially, but I've already had each of you in another class.
 
Introduction: Syllabus, DON'T FORGET to acknowledge that we went over the syllabus in class. You can print it off from Moodle, if you need a hardcopy. You have to complete this assignment by 24 August 11, or I'll have to drop you from class.
 
TEST!! Don't stress... it's not that kind of a test. It'll be fun, trust me. I haven't lied to you yet....
 
Ciao,
MLMoore

New Student Registration and FINALS

Technology is not my friend today! I think I'm pressing buttons too fast because things are freezing up like CRAZY!!

Anyway, I was late posting the SPI114 Final. It's posted in Moodle, listed as "Final". It will be due Wednesday, 27 July 2011 at midnight. I don't think it'll take you guys that long, but I was late so I gave you a little bit of a cushion.

SPI214 Final is also posted in Moodle.

Hopefully by the end of next week, my webpage will be updated for those of you interested in getting a head start on fall or just eager to study grammar.

I really enjoyed this summer and working with each of you! I'm really excited about the fall semester and hopefully working with each of you again.

Ciao,
MLMoore

PS: I registered 2 new students to the Community Spanish Program! WHOOO HOOO!! :)

Ciao,
MLMoore

Fall Classes... Oooops

I can't believe the summer session is almost over...

Here's a head's up on the classes I'll be teaching this fall and the times.

SPA111OA MW 10:30-11:45am T129
SPA111IHS TTH 1:00 - 2:15pm  T205
SPA112OA TTH 10:30 - 11:45am T129
SPA112OB MW 12:30 - 1:45pm W204 (new room for me...)
SPA211HB M 1st 8weeks 2:30 - 3:45pm N226 (this is a CHANGE from original schedule)
SPA215HB W 1st 8weeks 2:30 - 3:45pm N226 (this is a CHANGE from original schedule)
SPA212HB M 2nd 8weeks 2:30 - 3:45pm N226 (this is a CHANGE from original schedule)

**SPA231HB W 2nd 8weeks 2:30 3:45pm N226 (this is a CHANGE from original schedule)

** While I know this wouldn't surprise anyone that has spent ANY time with me, I must admit it shocked me... I have one more small change... SPA231 is listed in your schedule as Spanish Conversation, but it's ACTUALLY Reading and Composition. If this is going present a problem with anyone's schedule, please see me AS SOON AS POSSIBLE so we can work something out ESPECIALLY if this will cause a graduation problem.

“Before beginning a Hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it.” Winnie the Pooh

Ciao,
MLMoore

"Cocolos" bad word?

One of the best things about being a teacher is learning... if you're not learning, then honey you're not teaching!

I was preparing for my Spanish 3 class this fall. (My Spanish 3 classes focus on literature, one of the short stories we'll read is "Tiempo muerto" by Avelino Stanley.) When I came across a word "cocolos" that I had heard before, but this time it had a different tone.  So, I investigated and here is what I found...

TIMEOUT: (The selection we're reading comes from the book, "Tiempo muerto.")


Winner of the Dominican Republic National Award for the best novel in 1997, this book investigates the development of the sugar cane industry in the Dominican Republic during the early 20th century. The industry relied heavily on immigrant labor from black workers in the nearby British Islands. These workers, whose native language was English, were called "Cocolos" (a derogatory term referring to coconuts) by Dominican natives and suffered brutal discrimination. Stanley weaves a vivid and painful story through multiple narratives about the life of el abuelo (the grandfather), an immigrant worker from Nevis who worked on various sugar plantations in San Pedro de Macoris and La Romana in the Dominican Republic from 1932 to 1972. Stanley's descriptions are deeply touching, as when el abuelo describes a small village as "at most eight to ten small houses of old and tired wood." Recommended as a multicultural work for academic and large public libraries. Ketty Rodriguez, Sch. of Lib. and Information Science, Univ. of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
http://www.amazon.com/Tiempo-muerto-Dead-time-Spanish/dp/9768175087

Avelino Stanley, born in La Romana, Dominican Republic in 1959. He has a BA in Economics, a MA in Linguistics, and a postgraduate degree in History of the Afroiberoamericana. (I'd love to study the History of the Afro-Latinoamericana!) Below is an interview, in which you can learn more about Sr.Stanley's life, his childhood, and his writings.
http://vetasdigital.blogspot.com/2007/01/entrevista-al-escritor-dominicano.html

TIME BACK IN:

"Cocolo" was used to refer to "black English-speaking" Caribbean migrants, usually from the West Indies British colonies, who came to the cities of San Pedro de Macoris, Puerto Plata, and other areas to work on the docks and sugar cane plantations in the Dominican Republic at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries.

In the beginning, I can understand why it would or could be considered "negative". Think about it, there are already people working the docks and plantations... black, indian... people of color.  Imagine a group of people, who speak English, who are darker in color, (therefore easier to separate), who have last names like Smith, Jones (because they come from the British colonies), and more importantly they're migrants, therefore they're hungry for jobs, for opportunites, for a better way of life. Sound familiar?

Of course, there may have been animosity between the people... they've come to the DR and take their jobs. We can relate to that feeling, it happened here in the US and is STILL happening. Anyway, through time, fortunately the animosity in the term "cocolo" disappeared.

Now, I feel it's a term to refer to the rich culture, traditions and history of a people who have become an important part of the Dominican Republic history. That being said, I'm sure like with many words that are used to describe a group of people, "cocolo" can be used in a negative way with a nasty tone, just like it can be used in a positive way that expressed the admiration for the great people it represents.

A friend of mine is Puerto Rican and he said "cocolo" is used in PR to refer people who likes Salsa music and is not considered a bad word in PR. It was even used in black poetry of Luis Palés Matos works.

That being said, I'm a "cocola" and I a proud one!

Los Guloyas (refers to the music of the cocolo people):  http://youtu.be/uzXdtbvYgJY  .
Traditional music and dance: http://youtu.be/zRfuRjoZObw
Cocolo Dancing Drama Tradition http://www.unesco.org/culture/intangible-heritage/14lac_uk.htm

Ciao,
MLMoore

SPI114 Analytical Skills... Focus (seriously)

Sometimes I'm amazed at the way my brain works. COMPLETELY sidetracked today, not feeling like working at all, I accidentally stumbled on information that coincides with what I'm supposed to be teaching...

Last week we discussed memorization techniques. Given a list, how do you memorize the information? Flashcards, chunking, visually, anagrams, some you just repeated the information over and over again, either way.. you have a method and it works for you.

We've talked about this before, as interpreters, you'll have to use your memorization skills repeatedly. You'll have to access your short term memory to remember what has been said, process the message into another language, then repeat it. During the process of converting this message you have to access your long term memory for the vocabulary.

One of the things we haven't discussed is "Focus." (that made me laugh too!) As an interpreter, your ability to "tune out" extra noises is almost as important as your memorization skills. Think about it... you're interpreting for someone bleeding excessively from everywhere in the emergency room... You are surrounded by total chaos, yet you have to concentrate on the situation in front of you. Losing track of the conversation because people around you are missing limbs or eyes or bleeding or screaming... could mean the death of your client. 

SINCE we all know that I am "Focus Deficient" I'm going to share a few articles on Improving your Focus.
It seems the easiest way to "test" your "Focus" skills will be to throw some distractions your way next week.

Article 1: 5 ways to Improve your Focus

Article 2: 8 ways to Improve your Focus and Control your Attention

Article 3: 12 Tips to Improve Your Focus

We'll watch 4 videos:
1. 2 in English and 2 in Spanish. I'll try my hardest to keep the videos short.
2. You'll need to relay what you heard in the videos. An opportunity to practice note-taking skills.
3. We'll discuss how much you of the video you were able to understand.
4. We'll discuss the distractions. Could you "tune" them out? Are some distractions easier to block out?
5. Did language have any effect on the experiment?

Ciao,
MLMoore

SPI214 Intro to Translation: Interjections, Expletives, Euphemisms, and Regionalisms

I can't even begin to tell you how many times students have asked me to teach them bad words in class OR how many times students have shared bad words to "learn" what they mean ... really to see my reaction.

Let's get the "teacher" aspect out of the way first...

Interjections and expletives are single words and phrases that are used to express emotional reactions like, fear, excitement, surprise, pain, and anger. Sometimes we use them to add extra force on statements, even though they provide no meaning to sentence. Why are they a problem? Well just like here in the US, many interjections and/or expletives are regionally based... so where Goodnight Louise may be fighting words in one town, it may cause extreme laughter in another. :)

There's so many... I figured we look at this list and discuss it in class.
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Category:Spanish_interjections

You didn't think I was going to post "potty mouth" words here... did you? LOL

Euphemisms are softer or gentler words used to replace more offensive or taboo words. 

For example...
mujer pública... "lady of the evening"
daños colaterales... "civilian casualties (collateral damage)
ver a Juan... "going to the bathroom
el corre que te alcanza... "the runs"
aventura amorosa... "affair"

Have you heard some for going to the bathroom? powder my nose, go to the little girl's/boys room, see a man about a horse, go sit on the throne...

Now, how would you translate those into Spanish? Literal translations? Probably not, but now think about if it was the other way around... What if you read? voy a reglar las plants, voy a tirar los niños a la piscina, hablar con un viejo amigo, quitarse un peso...

As I find more, I'll post them here.  If you have some, please share!

Ciao,
MLMoore

Week of 20 June 2011

Hola clases,

SPI 214 Introduction to Translation
We will discuss Leonor. I'm excited to see your translations and to hear your struggles with this translation. I know it was difficult, the question is why? Would it have been easier if Leonor was a 4yr old girl from the US and you had to translate from English to Spanish? Did you change the register of the text? Did you translate word for word? Why? Why not?

SPI 113 Analytical Skills
"Quizzes" on our Friendly Dictators. The 1st quiz will be matching Match the dictator with his country. (This may actually come in 2 different versions.) The 2nd will be matching, but this time you'll have to Match the dictator with something he did. After the "quizzes" we'll talk about how you studied. What memorization technique did you use? Did you study the same for both quizzes? Why? Why not?

Gotta love questions!!

Ciao,
MLMoore

WARNING Freerice.com is addictive...

Hola Clase,

I created a group on http://www.freerice.com/ it's called SCC Equipo de Arroz. I would love for you guys to register and join the SCC team. As you practice your Spanish and build your vocabulary, grains of rice will be donated to those in need.

Caution, I know that you guys are geeks like me, so I'm warning you now ... it's fun AND it's addictive.

Imagine the good we can do...

Ciao,
MLMoore

SPI 214 Adjectives...

An adjective is a word that describes a noun or pronoun, while there are different kinds of adjectives; the adjective that tends to cause the most problems is the DESCRIPTIVE ADJECTIVE.
 
In English, a descriptive adjective does not change … The red school, the red car, the red shirts, the red birds
In Spanish, the descriptive adjective must agree in number and in gender with the noun, it modifies, but we know this, so there’s no need to talk about it right now.
 
Usually in Spanish adjectives that describe qualities come AFTER the noun it modifies. I like to tell my Beginning Spanish students that here in the US we tend to highlight the description, make things seem better, bigger, faster, more expensive … than they really are. For example, I want a candy-apple red, 1967, Mustang convertible with black interior. Whereas in the rest of the world, in this case Spanish the most important thing is the car, all of those excessive words to describe the car are extra.
 
 
The general rule of thumb for placement of descriptive adjective is the more essential and informative the adjective is to the meaning of the sentence, the more likely it should go AFTER the noun.
 
Colors: La casa blanca

Shapes: la mesa redonda

Adjectives indicating membership or classification: (including adjectives of nationality) Una profesora mexicana, la iglesia católica

Adjectives modified by an adverb or phrase: una taza llena de agua.

Multiple adjectives: la casa grande y cara

 

Adjectives that come before the noun:

Adjectives of appreciation: By placing an adjective before the noun, you can sometimes indicate a certain amount of appreciation for that quality and/or a certain amount of emphasis.

For example: Ella es una maestra buena… she’s a good teacher.  Or Ella es una buena maestra. She’s a really, good teacher

Reinforcing adjectives: Adjectives that "go with" the noun are placed before the noun, these adjectives are “decorative” they can be omitted from the sentence, and the information would still be relayed. Los altos picos de los Andes, el horrible monstruo, una oscura noche

Quantitative or non-descriptive adjectives: pocos libros, raras veces, tres perros

Words that express subjective judgment: bueno, malo, mejor, peor, grande, maldito, condenando, mero

Keyboard Keys....

Print the chart on the right and tape to you monitor.  It can be used as a handy guide to type Spanish characters in ANY program.
1. Be sure your NUM LOCK light on your keyboard is on (the NUM LOCK key is on your keypad)
2. Hold down the ALT key
3. Type the number shown on the chart with your KEYPAD
4. Release the ALT key
Your special character will appear.
  
 
 
Yes, this is not the EASIEST method ...
but it works for ANY program.)
Use the Alt key and the KEYPAD to create these characters.
Spanish
á........ 160
é........ 130
í........ 161
ó....... 162
ú....... 163
 
Á......0193
É....... 144
Í...... 0205
Ó..... 0211
Ú..... 0218
 
ñ....... 164
Ñ....... 165
 
¿........ 168
¡........ 173
 
 
Other
ö....... 148
Ö....... 153
ü........ 129
Ü....... 154
 
Math
¢........ 155
¼....... 172
½....... 171
¾..... 0190
÷........ 246
°........ 248
 
 

http://www.irvingisd.net/districtweekly/flyers/typing_in_spanish.htm
 

SPI214 Intro to Translation: Un Chiste

One of the hardest things to translate from one language to another is a joke. Here's a joke in Spanish.
1. See if you understand it
2. Translate it into English. (literally...word for word) Is it still funny? Does it make sense?
3. Translate it into English. (meaning... focus on tone, sentiment, ideas...) Is it still funny?

Chiste
Celerino Pérez, un hombre muy bueno y muy pobre, muere y va al cielo. San Pedro examina su currículum vitae: "No cabe duda de que Ud. sse merece el cielo: pobre toda la vida, sufrimientos incontables, honradez y sacrificio desde la infancia, nunca levantó la voz a nadie... Señor mío, se ha ganado la vida enterna. Bienvenido al cielo."

Pero el hombre no parece satisfecho. Con los ojos bañados en lágrimas, le suplica a San Pedro: "Por favor, señor San Pedro, se lo ruego: ¡Mándame al infierno! Aquí en el cielo hace un frío espantoso y yo he pasado frío toda mi vida. Quiero ir al infierno, que allí se está calentito."

San Pedro se queda pasmado, pero no puede negarle nada, así que le escribe una nota a Lucifer y manda a don Celerino al infierno. Unos siglso más tarde, San Pedro va a hacerle una visita de cortesía a Lucifer. Llama a la puerta del infierno, sale Lucifer a abrirle y se ponen a charlar: "¡Hombre, Pedrito, cuántos siglos! ¿Qué hay de tu vida?" "Ya sabes, lo de siempre. Pasaba por aquí y quería saludarte."

En ese momento sale un GRITO del fondo del infierno, la voz de son Celerino: "¡Cierra esa puerte! Que hay corriente."

jajajaja

Ciao,
MLMoore

Middle of the Week Post

It seems that as we get deeper into the summer the more relaxed and slack, I become with getting my posts out on time. No worries... if I'M not stressed, then you shouldn't be stressed.

SPI214 Intro to Translation
I gave you Leonor and we won't talk about her until the 21st. Remember that class will be from 2:45-3:45, hopefully in OUR classroom, WITH air... just saying.

Below you'll find my "podcast" and the key information from my notes. I'll upload my transcript to Moodle. As I create more grammar podcasts, I'll share them here, Facebook, twitter, and Moodle.

Translation Notes Part 1

1. Algo de ejercicios o algún ejercicio

Algo

In general, in statements it means something, and in interrogative and conditional sentences, anything.

As an adverb, it means a little or somewhat.

·         Estoy algo cansado (I am a bit tired)

·         Se queja algo, pero está mejor (He complains a little, but he is better)

·         Estoy algo más tranquilo (I am a bit more calmed)

Also, as a pronoun and followed by de, its meaning is similar to the adverb: it indicates 'a bit', 'part of', 'something'... referring to just a (small) fraction of a whole.

·         Algo de comer (something to eat --> not necessarily a full meal)

·         Algo de carne (a bit of meat)

·         Algo de ruido (a bit of noise)

Algún is just the short form of Alguno

As an adjective, it modifies the noun it precedes, when you don't refer to anyone or anything in particular among several possible options, like 'some? for statements or 'any? for questions and conditional sentences.

·         algunas veces (sometimes)

·         alguna película (any movie)

Used after a noun it means whatsoever, (not) at all, or simply none.

·         Sin motivo alguno (for no reason at all)

·         No hay problema alguno (There is no problem at all)

Algunos/as can be translated as several.

·         Me comí algunas manzanas (I eat up several apples)

As a pronoun, it is like the adjective before the noun, but the noun is intended from the context.

·         Han venido algunos (Some of them came)

·         Algunas son más caras que otras (Some are more expensive than others)

What does this mean to us?

algo de ejercicio = a bit of exercise  and    algunos ejercicios  = some exercises

2. Ir de compras/ Estar de compras/ Hacer compras

Ir de compras = to go shopping …. implies fun things, clothes, jewelry, things you WANT not NEED

Estar de compras = to be shopping…  shopping in general, not looking for or buying anything specific

Hacer compras = to do the shopping … implies grocery shopping

Next podcast will be about placement of adjectives...

SPI114 Analytical Skills

Note taking...

It seems that you either have a system that you're comfortable with or you don't. One thing we didn't discuss in class is that taking notes in my class is probably VERY different than taking notes in let's say a History class. In a history class you have to know exact dates, exact names, key information, in my class I want you to grasp the knowledge and use it the best way that it's relevant to you and you're real world. With this in mind taking notes in an academic setting will be very different than taking notes in a court room and/or doctor's office. 

Here's my question... Taking in consideration all of the different settings that you as an interpreter may need to take notes, is it realistic to create a "standard" note taking format? Can you be flexible with your note taking techniques?

Probably should have been a forum question, BUT those of you that know me, know that when the question hits me... I ask it or it's gone...

Ciao, 

MLMoore