Basic Spanish Words

By Noah M. Benjamin

Did you know that to get by in most Spanish-speaking countries all you need to know are basic Spanish words? The thing is: this is true for just about any country! Most languages focus on a core set of about 200 to 300 words for the majority of the language, and Spanish is no exception.

Of course, before learning basic Spanish words, I highly recommend learning the basics of Spanish grammar. Not to worry -- if you focus, this could take you only about two weeks. Where English grammar is very difficult, Spanish grammar is actually very easy. English grammar has hundreds of strange, arbitrary rules, but Spanish grammar is very linear and very rarely strays from its basics. So don't sweat learning Spanish grammar!

Once you know Spanish grammar, you can move on to learning essential vocabulary.

The Top 20 Most Common Words in Spanish

The following are the top 20 most commonly used words in Spanish.

1. el / la (the)

2. de (of)

3. que (that / what)

4. y (and)

5. a (to)

6. en (in)

7. un (a)

8. ser (to be)

9. se (pronoun, himself / herself)

10. no (no)

11. haber (to have)

12. por (for)

13. con (with)

14. su (his / hers / theirs)

15. para (for)

16. como (like / as)

17. estar (to be)

18. tener (to have)

19. le (pronoun)

20. lo (pronoun, it)

These form the core of Spanish. Learn the next 80 most common words and you'll be able to engage in basic Spanish conversations. Learn the next 100 after that and you'll be somewhat conversational.

But most importantly, get out there and just practice speaking these words!

If you really want to accelerate learning these words, I would recommend using Spanish learning software that would help you practice vocabulary. Using the right software and the right techniques, you can learn the essential 200 or 300 words in Spanish in just a few weeks.

Just think about it: there are about 200 or 300 basic Spanish words that are separating you from knowing very little to being conversational in Spanish. Get to learning!

You can teach yourself Spanish quickly and easily, with the right resources. Find out for FREE what the top language students use to quickly pick up new languages.

Basic Spanish Phrases

By Noah M. Benjamin

It is completely possible to travel around Spanish-speaking countries with only very basic Spanish phrases in mind. I have spent a few months traveling through Central and South America and, although I speak very good Spanish by now, I would say 80% of my interactions involve only basic Spanish phrases!

Saying Hello

Most people in Latin American countries are very friendly. I often find myself greeting -- and being greeted by -- almost every person I pass by! Here are the most common phrases we exchange:

Hola - hello

Buenos dias - good morning

Buen dia - good morning (to just one person)

Como estas? - how are you

Bien, y tu? - good, and you?

Saying Good Bye

When you enter stores in Latin America, there are a surprisingly large amount of things you can say to mean "good bye". Here are those that I used most commonly:

Adios - good bye (universal)

Ciao - good bye (Central America)

Hasta luego - until later / see you later

If you are going to be traveling, I recommend just walking into a store or two and seeing what they say as you leave.

Study Your Spanish First

I do NOT recommend just blindly learning these phrases and no other Spanish at all. The reason for this is that you will not only sound very strange to Spanish speaking people, but you will likely not be able to retain these words without knowing SOME Spanish.

The easiest way to fit in some basic Spanish lessons is through audio learning in your car. Get a Spanish instruction CD, pop it in while you're driving around in your car, and you will build a very good base in Spanish in just about two weeks. How much time do you spend in your car - 10, 12 hours a week, more? Take advantage of that time!

These are basic Spanish phrases that I use most commonly in Latin America. There are more than that, but this is a good base. Build a base in Spanish and you will excel when speaking these phrases!

You can teach yourself Spanish quickly and easily, with the right resources. Find out for FREE what the top language students use to quickly pick up new languages.

Why it is Stupid Not to Buy Spanish Language Software to Learn Spanish

By Derren George

Language courses are things of the past. Welcome to a new century of technology where software can TOTALLY replace your language teacher (or at least 90% of it). Why?

If you plan to learn Spanish, I can't overemphasize the importance of getting a Spanish language software. Maybe you are afraid, after all, of trying this new method of learning. This is understandable. Please read what I'm about to tell you.

Modern Spanish software tools incorporate advanced technologies like speech recognition, progress tracking and so on. It's like having a personal tutor in front of you telling you exactly what's your progress, where you're at now and where you're heading for.

Also, the methods taught by language learning programs are VERY interactive. It's like having a conversation between you and the computer. You take action, he responds and so forth.

Some Spanish learning applications act like a virtual classroom. You're totally immersed in the language and you don't even know about it.

So, you probably realized that personalization is the key of language learning (and in learning in general). If you're not sure this is true, tell me this: is it better to sit in a classroom with 30 students and a teacher or in a classroom with a teacher and a student alone?

Unfortunately, having a private tutor is often very expensive. Actually, that's the primary reason why Spanish language applications gained such popularity among people. They are 5 times cheaper and as much as effective.

I want you to realize the potential of learning with the help of technology. In case you're on a course, you might want to add some software as "add-on" to your studying. If you're planning to start learning Spanish, great, you can take a look at this Spanish Language Software website to see reviews of some of the best applications available.

I can't imagine what future holds for us. Artificial intelligence solutions that are 100% personalized to your language-learning needs...who knows! Improve your Spanish, use technology. Good luck!

Derren is an enthusiast in the fields of learning and mastering Spanish, helping others make the best of their time in any language, learning easily, fun and as simple as possible.

What is International English?

By Cindy King

English is today's lingua franca. Just as Latin was in the Middle Ages. A large number of countries speak English. But the majority of the English speakers come from non-native English speaking countries.

Just as there are many different English dialects within the native English speaking countries, there is also an unofficial International English that develops naturally when native English speakers mix with non-native English speakers.

In non-native English countries with a variety of ethnic groups, such as India or Malaysia, the English seems to take on a specific local dialect.

But in Europe businesses have evolved into what seems to be an International English. This International English cannot easily be associated with one specific country.

Picking Up An International English

In fact, after a few years European businessmen with international exposure usually pick up this International English without realizing it.

How does this happen?

Everyone has different language skill levels. These differences are greater in non-native English speakers.

Quite simply, if you want to communicate in an international environment, you need to speak to be understood. And over time, you also want to speak to be easily understood by everyone.

So guess what happens...

Smaller Vocabulary

The vocabulary you use seems to get smaller and smaller.

In some ways this might seem like you are talking to a child. Your sentences get shorter.

But, it is not quite like talking to a child. There are some subtle differences.

Easy Words For Everyone To Understand

As you become more familiar with cross-cultural communication, you learn which words to avoid because some non-native English speakers may not understand them immediate.

And you learn to use the words everyone usually understands. With experience you know the frustrations other cultures have with the English language.

As a copywriter I write with simple high-school level English. The verb "get" is simple enough.

But as a cross-cultural marketer I know how little verbs like "get" can slow down comprehension for many non-native English speakers. Only a very skilled English speaker understands these immediately: "get to", "get from", "get over", "get under", "get through", "get by", "get going".

Explanations

You also learn to explain things more.

You learn to know when different cultures will have difficulties grasping certain concepts.

Clarity Throughout Your Communication

You learn to speak with clarity.

Sensitivity To Different Cultures

And finally, with experience, you also learn how to speak in a polite way to different cultures. This is the hardest part to learn.

Different cultures have different ways of being polite and expressing politeness. There are some differences in politeness within the native-English speaking countries. There are more differences in other cultures.

Global Communication

Look at the characteristics of International English above.

• Do you have a website targeting a global market?
  
  
• Is it in English?
  
  
• How does your English match with International English?

Would you like an analysis of your website?

• To see what you need to improve your communication with a wide international audience?

Are you committed to speeding up your international sales cycles? Learn how to combine cross-cultural marketing tools and international sales strategies for faster sales. Join us on the International Sales Road Map. Would you like to develop your international business? Are you a beginner at international sales and marketing? Read the Beginners Guide Discover Your International Business. Cindy King is a Cross-Cultural eMarketer & International Sales Specialist, aligning businesses with different cultures. She has over 25 years field experience in international business development and helps mid-sized business owners create international business development strategies that shorten time to profitability.

Learning Spanish in Spain

By Dinah Leabeau

It's equally astonishing and heartwarming to know that one-third of the world is able to fluently communicate in Spanish. But the experience of learning Spanish will have more positive effects and will be more satisfying if you travel to its birthplace, Spain.

Learning Spanish is fun and simple when you consider the persons and places that make up the Spanish culture. Of course, you can read all about these persons and places in the English language but still, the best way to learn Spanish is to experience the Spanish people together with their culture with all your five senses.

Famous People

If you Learn Spanish now, you get to enjoy the works of celebrated directors and artists in the Spanish language, all without the need for imperfect subtitles that do nothing to express the full range of emotions expressed by the films.

You have Academy Award winner Pedro Aldomovar as a prime model of Spanish passion and temperament transformed into film. If you watch his Entre Tinieblas and Habla con Ella in their original language, you'll realize what a great work you have done for going through the trouble of learning Spanish. Include the excellent acting talents of Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz and you'll be brought to another world.

Remember the suave and romanticism of father-and-son balladeers Julio and Enrique Iglesias? You might have to wonder what a wonderful feeling it would be to sing and dance to their tunes in Spanish and to understand every lyric of their melodies. In this scenario, learning Spanish will literally make you capable of listening to their songs with all your heart and mind.

Where You Need to Be When in Spain

Travelling to Spain lets you see the beauty of the country, its people, and its language.

Take for instance the party capital, Ibiza. There, you can party like never before, having to dance to international disco music and to take part in foam and water parties. Lest you believe that partying is everything Ibiza has to offer, then you may visit the World Heritage Sites, too!

If you are into architecture, then Cordoba, with its multitude of ancient ruins of Roman and Islamic history, religious buildings such as the Mezquita, and civil and military building like the Palace of Viana, is perfect for you. You may also check out Barcelona and Madrid, among other historical places, for their magnificent architecture and equally generous people.

While it is perfectly acceptable to visit these places and not know a number of Spanish words or phrases, you wouldn't want to be classified among the ordinary people right? So step up from the ordinary people and learn Spanish. Otherwise, you'll just be adding to the population of those who go to Spain not prepared with Spanish phrases.

Need we also outline the numerous holidays in Spain? There you can pamper yourself with your epicurean tastes for Spanish wine and food, surround yourself with good Spaniards who'll teach you the nuances of their culture, and have a good time while you learn Spanish. So, you still think learning Spanish is difficult? Not when you're in Spain!

Before going to Spain, how about learning Spanish first at LearnSpanishReviews.com and get the Free 3 eBooks MiniCourse to Learn Spanish? You will have one of the best resources to learn Spanish before actually traveling to Spain where you can learn Spanish in all its glory! Visit LearnSpanishReviews.com now!

Learning a Language - The Incredible Benefits That You Cannot Deny

By Chris Stapleton

Learning a language might seem tough but it is definitely worth it. In this article, I want to impress on you what you're missing out on if you're not already learning a language.

The Obvious

OK, there's the obvious benefit that you'll be able to talk to people in other countries. The thing is, many people already speak English right? Well, that's true for a great many countries although there are always those where people don't speak much else apart from their own language.

But really, this is one of the least good benefits about learning a language. There are far great ones below.

Access To The Culture

A language is like a key to a country's culture. You can never truly understand another country and it's culture until you learn at least a few words of the language.

This is difficult to describe to a monolinguist but you can ask and bilingual person and they will agree with me.

What you'll find is that even learning a few basic words opens your eyes to this and will fascinate you and spur you on to know and learn more.

Better Communication In Your Own Language

Growing up as you did and automatically learning your native tongue, you take many things for granted.

When you learn another language, you become able to better communicate in your own language. You see things differently and you know how to better present yourself.

This is an invaluable life skill to possess and be able to develop further.

Mobility

If you learn another language then you open up doors to live in many other countries. Take French or Spanish for example, these languages are spoken in tens of different countries around the world.

Achieving a good level in your chosen language opens up immigration doors and you'll find that immigration departments around the world are extremely receptive to those who have chosen to learn a fair amount of the language before moving.

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Is My Level of French Language Enough?

By Bruno Fajou

If you are preparing yourself for a trip abroad, be aware that even if you know only a few words like "s'il vous plait", "merci beaucoup" and "bonjour", "comment allez-vous" the locals appreciate that you do this effort. However, while "knowing just a few words" is a beginning, it is not the ideal. Speaking as a baby in a foreign culture can charm at the beginning, but if you want to explain for example your allergy to antibiotics to a local doctor, by speaking as a baby you will probably be frustrated and you will frustrate the doctor himself. So if you learn to communicate in a foreign language, your goal should be to understand and be understood in most situations likely.

So, how do I know what is enough?

When you feel that you can talk easily about things you normally talk about them with your friends, you probably have enough vocabulary. So don't be satisfied with a small level but have a sufficient level of language helps you communicate in a foreign country. It doesn't mind that you need a language major to succeed in making people understand what you say. unless, you have a natural aptitude for languages, you can use that talent to open up careers in international trade and politics, or in helping other language communities in your area to receive full access to services and opportunities.

But, the important is to get a level of language enough that helps you to make people understand what you need while you travel abroad.

Do you want to Learn French online? Bruno Fajou is a French native speaker who teach others. Visit his website today at http://www.learnfrenchexpert.com/

Finding the Right Foreign Language Dictionary

By Bruno Fajou

When you start to learn a new language, you might be tempted to buy a large dictionary abroad. Yet all that you really need fits in your pocket.

A pocket dictionary is about the size of a paperback, or even smaller. The advantage of these dictionaries is that they contain the most frequently used words in the language, therefore approximately 95% of words that you're likely to hear will be there. In addition, you can take it with you and look for words that are part of your daily life. Imagine that you try to describe where you live and what you do to a person who speaks the language you want to learn, and look for words you need. It is a little game to enrich your vocabulary and learn to use the simplest words.

Some people say that because pocket dictionaries are very, very limited in scope and don't give learners the information they need to use language effectively; we don't recommend them. I don't agree with what they say. But I say that pocket dictionaries have many advantages. Pocket dictionaries offer distinct advantages plus their low cost. At cheap prices, they frequently offer many help when you turn to them for assistance.

But, if you need a language reference for only for a limited period of travel, you might consider a phrase book for travelers. They are typically larger, but much more useful than a pocket-sized dictionary. They include common phrases and sentences as well as vocabulary words that are specific to travel-related situations, like eating in a restaurant, making hotel reservations, shopping, exchanging money, and using public transportation. What's more, the usages in travel phrase books show cultural sensitivity and ensure that the traveler is using the right phrases with the right people in the right situations.

Do you want to Learn French online? Bruno Fajou is a French native speaker who teach others. Visit his website today at http://www.learnfrenchexpert.com/

Grammar - A Start

By Azari Masili

Learning a Second Language especially in mastering the Parts of Speech is not as easy as it seem because it takes a lot of efforts especially in term of attention from the second language learners. First and foremost learners need to generate interest towards the target language as a good kick- start in the language learning process and only from that the on going learning process will determine the progress of the whole second language learning. Grasping basic English grammar is one thing that learners should deeply considered because grammar is the important gist of English second language learning. Students always stuck in the middle of grammar learning process because they found out that grammar learning hours are the most boring moment of their entire life. That is why in the second sentence of this article first paragraph I mentioned about deep interest because only interest towards the target language will definitely beat the time consuming hours of grammar lesson in order to succeed.

According to Nilon Nandy (2002) "Grammar is the study of how putting words together correctly to make sense. It is a study of a part that each word plays in a sentence so that we can understand it and use it correctly in communication." Beside that, Nandy also mentioned that "a sound knowledge of grammar is important when learning a second or foreign language like English because it helps us to develop greater awareness of meaningful language and skill in using it completely."

It is very clear that English grammar is totally different from our mother tongue grammar and it is very important for us to adapt to the correct usage of the languages when necessary. As learning is a long life process, learning second language for example the grammar shouldn't be an exceptional.

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The Secret Behind Speaking English Well

By Amy Nutt

In an ideal world, nobody would have problems learning a new language. After all, the different languages of the world indicate the rich cultural history that the human beings of Earth have created over the years and being able to experience a new culture through its own language is one of the greatest experiences a person could ask for. Unfortunately, most of us do have problems learning new languages and in the case of people that are trying to learn English this can really hamper their progress in terms of making a career for themselves in the global community.

Whether you like it or not, English is the language that the global community has adopted. It is the language that is spoken in the most powerful countries of the world and it is the language that is spoken primarily at all of the different international organizations that exist. For this reason, if you want to go anywhere in the world, you are going to need to learn how to speak English well. While there is no specific secret behind speaking English well, there are some tips and tricks that will certainly make the road ahead of you a lot easier to traverse.

Dedication

The single most important faculty that you need when learning a new language is dedication. Unlike a card game or a computer game, learning a language is a multi-step process that really takes everything that you can hurl at it. You need to learn the vocabulary, the syntax and all of the idiomatic ways of saying things that the different dialects of that language might have. For this reason, you need to dedicate a lot of time to learning how to speak English and you need to make it the primary activity in your life. This is the only way to truly ensure that you will learn fluent English, because any distractions from that goal might result in you missing a couple of classes that would have taught you vital information.

Resource Use

Another thing that you should do when learning how to speak English is to make sure that you use all of the different resources you have at your disposal. While many people take classes in English, they are ignoring the internet. The internet is in fact the single greatest resource for learning languages that has ever existed. Not only are there websites that you can practice your reading skills on, but there are also downloadable audio files as well as online exercises at many websites that you can do to help yourself learn how to speak the language. Resource use is a very important part of learning a new language and if you want to make the learning process easier, using the online learning tools at your disposal is definitely a very good idea.

Optimism

As with anything else in life, attitude does play a large part in the final result of any activity that you take on. You surely know people in the different walks of life that can't seem to get anything done. Every time they try to take on a new activity, they eventually end up giving up and it gets relegated to a dusty corner of their closet. These people do not have the attitude for success and because they are mentally trying to guard themselves against defeat, they end up making defeat a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Make sure that you are not one of these people. Resolve right now that you are going to learn how to speak English perfectly. Once you have that resolve in you, go out and make it a reality. That's the only way to do it.

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