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ABOUT SPANISHSpanish Characters Media Materials in Spanish How long does it take? Spanish Conversation Spanish Schools Abroad Additional Resources SPELL CHECK You can check spelling in Spanish if you use one of the latest versions of Microsoft Word, which have the Spanish language already installed. Go to "Tools," click on "Language," then on "Set Language," uncheck the "Detect Language Automatically" box, select "Spanish (Spain - Modern Sort)," and click "OK." Now you are ready to check spelling in Spanish, use the thesaurus, etc. If you use a version that does not include the Spanish language and you do not want to install new software, you can use the sites below—just change the language to Spanish/Español. www.thesolutioncafe.com www.orangoo.com SPANISH CHARACTERS The Spanish language has characters like 'ñ', 'á', 'ü', É, etc., not included in the English keyboard. The easiest way to access them is by installing the US-International keyboard; the instructions to do this can be found here. MEDIA On the Web There are countless media sites on the Web, including the following directories of newspapers, radio stations and podcasts from Spanish-speaking countries. Local Media (Portland, OR) The most popular newspapers in Spanish are: El Hispanic News, Noticias Latinas, El Latino de Hoy and Cancha. You can also buy newspapers and magazines from Spanish-speaking countries at Rich's, in Downtown Portland. (At your request, they can make special orders.) There are also several radio stations with programs in Spanish: KWIP 880, "La Campeona" - Portland KWBY 940, "La Pantera" KSZN 1010 - Milwaukie KXPD 1040, "La X" - Tigard KXMG 1150, "Magia" - Portland KMUZ 1230, "La Bonita" - Gresham KGDD 1520, "La Gran D" - Oregon City KBOO 90.7 FM - Portland KPCN 96.3 FM, "Radio Movimiento" (PCUN's radio station) - Woodburn KTRO 93 FM, "El Rey" - Portland MATERIALS IN SPANISH The Multnomah County Public Library has thousands of books, magazines, DVD's, videos, CD's, cassettes, software, etc., in Spanish. These are some of the best or most popular movies, books, books on tape and music available there. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? There are several variables to consider when determining how long it will take to learn Spanish:
. Your motivation. . Your initial level. Obviously, it takes longer if you are an absolute beginner than if you already are at an intermediate level. . Frequency of lessons. Of course, you will advance faster if you take classes twice a week instead of once. . Involvement in after-class activities. Joining a Spanish conversation group, watching movies, listening to radio and songs, reading newspapers, etc., are all vital to improve your skills. You do not have to spend many hours doing this; more important is to do it on a regular basis. . Experience with foreign languages. Even one as distant as Thai helps, because you are already aware of the parts of speech, can predict the areas you will find most challenging, and know what techniques and activities work best for you. . Your educational level. . Travel to Spanish-speaking countries. The key point is how much interaction with locals you have: a month spent in an exclusive resort where virtually all guests are non-Spanish speakers and the staff is mostly bilingual will not be of much help; a month traveling on your own outside the "gringo circuit" might notably improve your Spanish. SPANISH CONVERSATION Click here to learn about conversation groups, volunteer opportunities, and how to meet native Spanish speakers to talk one on one. SPANISH SCHOOLS ABROAD Click here to learn about Spanish schools abroad recommended by my students. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Click here for information about Spanish learning series, electronic dictionaries, Internet resources, etc. Home | Teaching Method | About the Instructors | Spanish Courses | Additional Group Activities Location | Fee Structure | Contact | Testimonials | About Spanish |