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Winter 2008 - Tenth Edition
Breaking the Barrier Quarterly
The Gift of Getting Back to Basics
We have a new president-elect. We have a new economic order. We have a newfound urgency to reach across the aisle or the ocean in the spirit of cooperation. The essence of these new realities, echoed by many voices from many corners of the world, is that this is a time for crystal clear communication and a return to basics. At Breaking the Barrier we're dedicated to creating materials that foster communication - simple, straightforward materials that are always timely and up-to-date. We wish you a happy holiday - one filled with the kind of clear, correct and honest communication so needed in our fragile world.
John Conner and Cindy Beams
THE OASIS - in Spanish and French - The Ultimate Stocking Stuffer
Instead of dreaming of a white Christmas, this year you may find yourself dreaming of far away places. Although your pocketbook may confirm your current status as "armchair traveler," that's no reason to curtail the dream of foreign adventure!
Looking for the ultimate stocking stuffer? Look no further! The OASIS - in Spanish and French - is the ultimate travel phrase book. Whether your plans lead you to the open road or to the coziness of a roaring fire at home, The OASIS will whet your appetite for adventure in Hispanic and Francophone lands and cultures. Reasonably priced, The OASIS is a simple gift for friends and family. Imagine a back to basics holiday gathered together in practice - asking directions, navigating roundabouts in a rented car, ordering meals, checking into hotels and making light conversation. It matters not whether your trip is in fact or fantasy. The OASIS is always timely and right on the money!
I think that literature is one of the great gifts of language study. Emily Dickinson's famous
phrase, "there is no frigate like a book to take you lands away," has even more resonance when applied to another language. I cannot think of a better window into a different culture than reading its literature. And by "literature" I mean far more than Don Quijote or Les Trois Mousquetaires in the original. My definition of "literature" includes a multitude of formats - journalistic readings, plays, essays, short stories, novels and more.
In STEP FIVE of The Ideal Lesson Plan, I share my thoughts on giving your students the essential gift of literature. When dealing with the best things in life, remember that many of them are free and it's never too early to begin sharing them. Is your library card up-to-date?
STEP FIVE: Literature STEP FIVE: Executive Summary
'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free. That's just what we're giving our readers for the holidays - EIGHT CHAPTERS OF FREE ONLINE EXERCISES! Simple to use, they will round out your study and practice of Spanish and French. Use them in your classroon in Groups of Two, use them with family and friends, or use them in solitude when not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse! Free Exercises Online~ Chapters 1 - 8
Each month I write a column for Think Spanish magazine. This terrific publication has timely, high-interest articles on the Hispanic world for students of Spanish. During my recent trip to Orlando, Florida, for ACTFL's annual conference, I was reminded of the broad appeal Think Spanish holds for students at the beginner through advanced levels of study, for language enthusiasts pursuing their interests independently or at school, and for native and foreign language speakers who share an insatiable curiosity about the Hispanic world.
There's an irony to scaling back on holiday gifts during uncertain economic times. Less can actually mean more. Fewer possibilities remind us of the many blessings we already have - blessings possibly overlooked during moments of economic growth and largesse. But to everything there is a season. During this year's holidays, I'm going to practice gratitude. In my article, Using "Gustar" with Gusto, I bring you back to basics. Join me in the practice of good old-fashioned gratitude for simple gifts.
Using "Gustar" with Gusto Think Spanish
My holiday wish list contains a single entry this year. A simple request of mega-chef Mario Batali for an autographed copy of
his new cookbook, Spain...A Culinary Road Trip.The reason? Well...there's just something about Mario. For starters, he celebrates Italian cuisine with unparalleled gusto, and orange is his favorite color. I'll throw my own weight behind anyone who has designated flourescent orange crocs his signature footwear!
Thank goodness the ever expansive Mario is not one to cling too tenaciously to his Italian roots! He has created a new cookbook and companion DVD series on the delights of Spanish food and culture. With a little help from his friends, Gwyneth Paltrow and minimalist chef, Mark Bittman, Mario is on a mission to teach us that Spanish cuisine is every bit as delicious and varied as its more famous first cousin, la cucina italiana.
If you ask me, a cookbook such as this is a bona fide piece of literature. Imagine the richness of a Spanish language edition! Meanwhile, muchas gracias, Mario.
Spain: A Culinary Road Trip Spain...On the Road Again
Postscript: A Picture Perfect Present
Fanny Viacava and Cindy Beams joined John Conner at the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Language annual conference, this year held in Orlando. Fanny is the voice of "Elisa" on the "Las Aventuras de Rafael, Elisa y El Tigre," featured in Breaking the Spanish Barrier. A native of Peru, Fanny now teaches Spanish at Lawrence Academy. She has worked in radio and television, and is also a champion dancer of "Marinera," the exquisite regional dance from Peru.
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We are awaiting pictures from you showing a copy of the Spanish or French Oasis in any interesting place, either in the USA or abroad. We would love to post the best picture in the next issue of the Quarterly. We are offering a 50 dollar prize or ten free copies of the Oasis! Send us your Oasis Picture
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phone: 866-862-7325
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~ WE MAKE GRAMMAR FUN! SERIOUSLY. ~ |
