Both Spanish and English have beautiful words to describe winter! These unique words go beyond some of the more commonly known terms to conjure up the feeling of the season. Spanish winter words: carámbano – icicle rompope – eggnog duende – elf, fairy, goblin copo de nieve – snowflake hoguera – bonfire granizo – hailContinue reading “Winter Words”
Category Archives: Idiomas/Languages
The Arabic Roots of Spanish
When Arabic-speaking Muslims from North Africa invaded the Iberian Peninsula in 711, they introduced unique architecture, philosophy, and social norms to the territory. The Arabic language deeply influenced the local vernacular Latin dialect, which eventually became Spanish. In the 15th century, this territory was now the Spanish kingdom and was presided over by King FerdinandContinue reading “The Arabic Roots of Spanish”
Talking New Mexico
My husband and I were fortunate to spend most of our summer in New Mexico this year. We stayed in Santa Fe, Taos and the Albuquerque area, where my husband’s family lives. We also drove far north, which we usually don’t have the time to do, visiting the picturesque mountain town of Chama and theContinue reading “Talking New Mexico”
“My School Needs a Translator!”
Schools and school districts need translators and interpreters to work with students and families throughout the year. In fact, this is a requirement according to U.S. state and federal laws. That’s why we hear teachers and administrators say: “My school needs a translator!” As a former classroom teacher in K-12 schools and, more recently, forContinue reading ““My School Needs a Translator!””
Tocayo
Last year I wrote about one of my favorite Spanish words, estrenar. Another favorite is tocayo: Tocayo: Namesake I don’t feel that the English translation of this word really does justice to the Spanish meaning or sentiment. In Spanish-speaking countries, and especially in Mexico, tocayo is a heartfelt word to refer to someone who sharesContinue reading “Tocayo”
2020 By the Numbers…and Hello 2021
Well, a very Happy New Year to you! I’m looking forward to what 2021 will bring. 2020 taught us that changes, questions and uncertainty are here to stay. At the same time, growth, new experiences and opportunities we didn’t see coming can also be part of our reality. One of Brené Brown’s recent podcast episodesContinue reading “2020 By the Numbers…and Hello 2021”