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”
Tag Archives: España
Translation for the Wine Industry
It’s harvest time in California wine country! In fact, the 2021 grape harvest began early this year. I live in Sonoma County, and harvest time can be exciting. As fall colors begin to change and the air turns crisp, we see truckloads of grapes making their way down winding country roads. Floodlights light up vineyardsContinue reading “Translation for the Wine Industry”
The Price of Forgetting
What is the price of forgetting? “The Silence of Others” tells us that, for many parts of history, the price of “forgetting” is too high. “Es simplemente un olvido. Una amnistía de todos para todos. Un olvido de todos para todos. Una ley puede establecer el olvido, pero ese olvido ha de bajar a todaContinue reading “The Price of Forgetting”
Ferdinand
A confession: For years when I taught Spanish I would read El cuento de Ferdinando aloud to my students. For some reason I always thought the original was written by a Spanish author and only recently discovered that Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson are not the translators but the original American authors of this famous children’s book.Continue reading “Ferdinand”
Primavera
After some much-needed rain here in Northern California, spring has sprung. This has been a challenging month for me so the springtime blooms and sunnier days are especially welcome. As for celebrating, I would love to take part in one of these springtime festivals one day… Las Fallas in Valencia, Spain. Semana Santa inContinue reading “Primavera”