Learning Spanish in Andalucía offers a rich cultural immersion alongside high-quality instruction. Cities like Seville, Granada, and Málaga host numerous Cervantes Institute-accredited schools. While the Andalusian accent can be fast and distinct, schools generally teach standard Spanish, providing a solid linguistic foundation.
There is undoubtedly a wonderful lifestyle to be had in Southern Spain. The Costa del Sol, being primarily a holiday resort, has a transient population with many visitors who are obviously unable to speak Spanish.
Many people living in Andalucia and especially the Costa del Sol, say that they have little opportunity to practice their Spanish! This is due to the presence of so English speaking residents and visitors, as well as bars, restaurants and shops where no Spanish is needed to get through the day.
Thousands of British and other English speaking people live or spend a lot of time in Andalucia. When first setting up home, the temptation is to make friends with fellow English speakers, rather than make an effort with the Spanish language. This is understandable, but studying Spanish is ultimately the best way forward.
In The Garlic - a translation of the Spanish idiom 'in the know' - is a quirky vibrant book packed with helpful information, insights, anecdotes, stories, jokes and fascinating nuggets that illuminate the mysteries of everyday life in Spain.
First published in 1998, the Instants have established themselves as the best-selling range of language titles from teach yourself. When published as part of the teach yourself relaunch in May 2003, they were given a new cover, internal text re-design and availability on CD
Amongst the many ways that you can learn Spanish, an option taken up by many people, is by an old time-tested system of the 'intercambio' or exchange. Back in school days, a pupil from France, Germany or Spain would come and stay with the family, giving them the chance to exchange the favour. The resulting friendship often lasted for many years and normally more of the spoken foreign language was learnt in a short visit that in the rest of your educational career.
Spanish contains a vast vocabulary that can be challenging for learners and even native speakers to fully grasp. This is where glossaries of Spanish words become invaluable tools. The Glossaries include Horse riding, Geographical terms, Semana Santa, Carnival, Seville Feria, Weddings, Flamenco and Skiing.
Granada offers a great location for Spanish immersion, with so much to offer the international student or business person. As one of the most famous cultural cities in Spain there is no shortage of excursion opportunities to practice. So whatever your learning style and objective there is sure to be a school to meet your wants needs in Granada.
A phrase book by Liz Parry, together with an insight into Spanish customs. Do you know how to establish your turn in the queue to buy a loaf of bread? Or what to say when you answer the phone? Can you order coffee exactly the way you like it?
"Speak the Culture: Spain" picks at the surface to uncover the key events, themes and people that have shaped the nation, from green Galicia to dusty Andalucia.
The choice of educational books, Audio & Apps available is vast. While the styles vary from publisher to publisher, the general format nowadays is much more interesting than the sort of schoolbooks you may remember.
Both travel and life in Spain are maximised when you can speak the language, interact with locals, obtain “local prices” and really immerse yourself in this country’s culture. Interactive language learning software has been developed by Rosetta Stone to mimic the experience of genuine immersion in the Spanish language. It is an extremely fast, fun way to learn Spanish in a natural manner, just as you did when you were a child learning your first language.
