Para mis estudiantes de bloque A – contestan las siguientes preguntas:

 Hablamos hoy de la historia de España.  

¿Cómo y cuándo llegan a España los árabes?

Qué piensa, ¿por qué avanza tan rápidamente su conquista?

Un tebeo famoso - Mafalda por el argentino Joaquin Salvador Lavado (Quino)

Thomas Jefferson and The Importance of Spanish Language Learning

Today in the United States, over 30 states have passed English Only Laws.  These laws require that business matters for cities and towns be conducted in English only.   Other legislation favors English as the nation's official language.   There has even been a movement to ban second language learning from the classroom.  

Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States and one of the premiere authors of the Declaration of Independence, did not underestimate the importance of foreign language learning.  In fact, he provided his children with both French and Spanish tutors and reportedly, taught himself to read in Spanish.   He maintained that learning Spanish was a vital and important tool for citizens of the United States.  "With respect to modern languages, French, as I have before observed, is indispensable.  Next to this the Spanish is most important to an American."  

Why did one of the most influential men in American History believe that learning another language was critical?  In his opinion, maintaining our political connection with Spain was vital and the ability to do so in multiple languages was essential. 

In today's global society, as in the past, a multilingual workforce has a critical role in enhancing political relationships with other countries.   One of this nation’s' Founding Fathers believed that Spanish proficiency was "a valuable acquisition".   I say, “Why argue with him?” In Support of Multi-lingualism

Study Abroad – Good News, Bad News

The Language Educator recently reported on January 19, 2011 that First Lady Michelle Obama urged college students to study abroad.  Speaking to a group at Howard University, she stated that studying abroad was more than just an opportunity to improve job prospects, but rather “...every friendship you make and every bond of trust you establish, you are shaping an image of America...”

Indeed, every student who participates in an exchange program is like an unofficial ambassador for the United States.  Unfortunately, The Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange states that for the first time in 25 years, there was a slight drop in the number of students studying abroad for credit in the 2008-2009 school year.  Most American students tend to study abroad in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and France.  For each of those countries, the number of exchange students showed a decrease.  However, U.S. students studying in less traditional destinations such as China, Argentina, Chile and Peru, among others, showed an increase in numbers.

For more information, please see the link that I have provided. Fewer Students Study Abroad: More Go to Non-Traditional Destinations 

DiCaprio compra un Dalí por más de un millón de doláres

DiCaprio compra una pintura de Dalí

Anything and everything about Spanish

Welcome.  Bienvenido to my blog.  It's my first attempt, so bear with me.  If I find anything of interest to me, or to anyone that I think might be mildly interested in this bilingual blog, so be it - I'll post it!  Happy reading.

¡Ciao!