Introduction to Spanish 

Introductory Spanish classes are open to all current LCS members. Membership must be active to enroll and must remain active for the duration of each class. Classes are designed for individuals without any Spanish language background. The instructor will introduce learners to Spanish pronunciation, some vocabulary and social protocols. Class sizes are kept to a maximum of 12 students with a minimum of four students.

When:

First three Tuesdays of each month

Time:

12:30 noon - 2:00 p.m. in the Wilkes Education Center

Cost:

$380 MXN (includes IVA) per month

Registration:

Register and pay on-line (Click blue button) or in the LCS Service Office

Materials:

The instructor will provide handouts

Spanish A La Carta

This is a new online program from LCS for its members, learners and practitioners of Spanish. Our offerings include sessions to improve spanish pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and conversation skills. Each program will consist of 2 or more ZOOM sessions of about 80 minutes each. For some classes, material will be sent over email prior to the class for you to read so that your participation is smooth and you can get the most out of it.

Class size is limited to 10 persons. Spanish A La Carta classes are open to all current LCS members
Membership must be active to enroll and must remain active for the duration of each class.Students may enroll on-line and pay the tuition using a bankcard.

2022 Spanish A La Carta Sessions Via ZOOM

• Indigenous Linguistic Heritage in Mexican Spanish
  When the Spaniards arrived in what is now Mexico, they encountered a myriad of new realities that they did not know how to name. Most of them kept their original names and spread all over the world, others found different names but also coming from some original language. This legacy is important for Mexican culture, and we want to share it with you in this short course where we will study the origin of some commonly used words and others that vary from region to region.
  May 4, 11
  From 10:00 to 11:20 am.
  $240
• Conversation Advanced
  What is conversation and what is it for? It is not only learning and practicing new vocabulary but also facing simulations of real situations where we use the language, for specific purposes, and adhere to the cultural rituals of communication. Let's take a relaxed moment and use these topics as an excuse to practice our Spanish.
  May 4, 11
  From 12:00 to 1:20 pm.
  $240
• Where to Emphasize Words
  Although in Spanish there are words that carry a written accent, it may seem difficult to pronounce a word that you have never seen before. To get to this in a fluent way, it is necessary to know and practice some rules of accentuation and the division of syllables in Spanish: in this course you will learn step by step how to identify the tonic syllable of a word, that is, the syllable of emphasis.
  May 25, June 1
  From 10:00 to 11:15 am.
  $240
• Nouns in Spanish
  Do words have gender, why, and is there a problem if I say "la baño"? For beginners, the topic of gendered nouns is very important: as time goes by, it is more difficult to unlearn what has already been learned. Let's review the basic rules and practice with simple sentences (even everyday sentences), and get to know some examples where the meaning changes if it is a masculine or feminine word.
  May 25, June 1
  From 12:00 to 1:15 pm.
  $240
• Numbers, Dates and the Time
  Numbers are part of our everyday life: money, telephone numbers, measurements, time, date... In this course we will practice with numbers in different situations, as well as some expressions to ask the price of something, ask for the bill, make an appointment, and some math.
  June 8, 16
  From 10:00 to 11:15 am.
  $240
• Aquí, ahí, allí, este, ese, aquel
  Distance is also learned in another language: for Spanish, there are three levels of proximity and this is always calculated from the perspective of the speaker. For this class, we are going to broaden our perspective of space and practice in a fun way the uses of these demonstratives.
  June 8, 16
  From 12:00 to 1:15 pm.
  $240
• Por vs para.
  Prepositions help us to connect words in our language and, in addition, they complete the meaning of what we say. It is important to keep in mind that not all prepositions in Spanish have the same functions as prepositions in English, so it is very important to practice the uses. In these two classes we will practice with two problematic prepositions: POR and PARA. Through exercises and games you will be able to identify their functions and use them appropriately in a sentence.
  2-session class.
  June 22, 26
  From 10:00 to 11:15 am.
  $240
  
• Improve Your Pronunciation, the Two Sounds of /r/
  Although there are many differences in pronunciation between English and Spanish, this does not have to be an obstacle for students of Spanish as a foreign language. It is true that we would all like to speak like a native, and it is possible if we first learn to listen and to relate to these sounds as if they were new to us. In these sessions, we will practice the pronunciation of Spanish consonant sounds and their graphic representations.
  June 22, 26
  From 12:00 to 1:15 pm.
  $240
• Prepositions: en vs a, de vs desde
  Prepositions help us to connect words in our language and, in addition, they complete the meaning of what we say. It is important to keep in mind that not all prepositions in Spanish have the same functions as prepositions in English, so it is very important to practice the uses. In these two classes, through exercises and games, you will be able to identify their functions and use them appropriately in a sentence.
  July 6, 13
  From 10:00 to 11:15 am.
  $240
• The (Many) Different Uses of /ya/
  The most important thing to learn a language is to consider the context. Surely you have seen advertisements in the streets that contain this word and always in different contexts. In this course, we are going to study and practice these uses, because regardless of how we translate "ya", we should think about how Mexicans use it.
  July 6, 13
  From 12:00 to 1:15 pm.
  $240
• The magic and mystery of /ahorita/
  If a Mexican tells you "ahorita vengo", you better find a comfortable seat and relax because it might take more than twenty minutes, or I might not come back at all. Time works differently in Mexico, and this is because other matters such as politeness and, simply, customs are involved. There are many everyday expressions that refer to the time, and in this course we are going to practice with them and review the uses they have.
  July 20, 27
  From 10:00 to 11:15 am.
  $240
• Delicious Mexican Expressions
  We cannot disconnect language from culture, so it is not surprising that the culinary tradition has found its way into everyday speech. When we learn idiomatic expressions, we have an opportunity to navigate the worldview of native speakers. Join us in this class to learn these phrases that are certain to whet your appetite.
  July 20, 27
  From 12:00 to 1:15 pm.
  $240
• A Doctor Appointment
  One of the most important communication situations is talking about health. Although there are many bilingual doctors in the area, we must be prepared to be able to talk about our symptoms and illnesses, as well as follow the doctor's advice. In this class we will review vocabulary and phrases for talking about our health.
  August 3, 10
  From 10:00 to 11:15 am.
  $240
• -ito, -ita: more than just a little or a small something
  Diminutives are in all Mexican Spanish words, but does it mean that everything in Mexico is small? You will be surprised to learn about the extensive use of diminutives and their relationship to culture, politeness and their connection to indigenous languages.
  August 3, 10
  From 12:00 to 1:15 pm.
  $240
• Giving Advice and Suggestions in Spanish
  A key part of communication is not only knowing what to say, but how to say it. When sharing our point of view, we must be attentive to social and cultural norms, and this can be done by using certain grammatical structures. We will learn how to give advice and suggestions in a friendly, polite and considerate way, through different examples and exercises.
  August 17, 24
  From 10:00 to 11:15 am.
  $240
• Giving Instructions in the Kitchen
  In this class, we are going to practice with some Mexican cooking recipes: we will review the vocabulary of utensils, foods and some useful verbs for cooking.
  August 17, 24
  From 12:00 to 1:15 pm.
  $240
• Expressing Opinions
  A key part of communication is not only knowing what to say, but how to say it. When expressing our opinion, we must be attentive to social and cultural norms, and this can be done by using certain grammatical structures. We will learn how to express our opinion in a friendly, polite and considerate way, through different examples and exercises.
  August 31, September 7
  From 10:00 to 11:15 am.
  $240
• ¿Sabía o supe? Verbs that Change Their Meaning in Preterit or Imperfect Tense
  In Spanish there are two simple past tenses: the preterite and the imperfect. Why? Because we understand the past with two different perspectives, and therefore, there are some verbs that can represent different ideas about the same action: was it completed? was there an action taken anyway? Let's compare their meanings and practice with simple examples.
  August 31, September 7
  From 12:00 to 1:15 pm.
  $240
• Where to Emphasize Words
  Although in Spanish there are words that carry a written accent, it may seem difficult to pronounce a word that you have never seen before. To get to this in a fluent way, it is necessary to know and practice some rules of accentuation and the division of syllables in Spanish: in this course you will learn step by step how to identify the tonic syllable of a word, that is, the syllable of emphasis.
  September 14, 21
  From 10:00 to 11:15 am.
  $240
• Mexican Politeness: Giving Orders, Asking for Favors, Refusing Invitations and Canceling Appointments in a Roundabout Way
  Mexicans do not know how to say no. We don't like to commit ourselves to do something we don't want to do, but we don't like to disappoint our acquaintances either. Perhaps the "proper" thing to do is simply to say what you think, but in this culture full of polite words there is no room for being direct. Instead of trying to understand, better immerse yourself in the Mexican way of being and learn to identify when a yes is really a never.
  September 14, 21
  From 12:00 to 1:15 pm.
  $240
• Que le vaya bien and Other Spanish Good Wishes
  There is nothing like creating bonds of friendship in a new country. Often, they become so strong that these people come to consider us part of their family and make us part of their lives. Learn how to communicate your best wishes in birthday cards, in beautiful text messages and orally to your Mexican friends.
  September 28, October 5
  From 10:00 to 1:15 am.
  $240
• Por vs para
  Prepositions help us to connect words in our language and, in addition, they complete the meaning of what we say. It is important to keep in mind that not all prepositions in Spanish have the same functions as prepositions in English, so it is very important to practice the uses. In these two classes we will practice with two problematic prepositions: POR and PARA. Through exercises and games you will be able to identify their functions and use them appropriately in a sentence.
  2-session class.
  September 28, October 5
  From 12:00 to 1:15 pm.
  $240
  
• Numbers, Dates and the Time
  Numbers are part of our everyday life: money, telephone numbers, measurements, time, date... In this course we will practice with numbers in different situations, as well as some expressions to ask the price of something, ask for the bill, make an appointment, and some math.
  October 12, 19
  From 10:00 to 11:15 am.
  $240
• The (Many) Different Uses of /ya/
  The most important thing to learn a language is to consider the context. Surely you have seen advertisements in the streets that contain this word and always in different contexts. In this course, we are going to study and practice these uses, because regardless of how we translate "ya", we should think about how Mexicans use it.
  October 12, 19
  From 12:00 to 1:15 pm.
  $240
• Conversation Beginners: Why Do You Live in Ajijic?
  What is conversation and what is it for? It is not only learning and practicing new vocabulary but also facing simulations of real situations where we use the language, for specific purposes, and adhere to the cultural rituals of communication. Let's take a relaxed moment and use these topics as an excuse to practice our Spanish.
  November 9, 16
  From 10:00 to 11:15 am.
  $240
• Conversation Intermediate - Advanced: Mexican Legends and Myths
  What is conversation and what is it for? It is not only learning and practicing new vocabulary but also facing simulations of real situations where we use the language, for specific purposes, and adhere to the cultural rituals of communication. Let's take a relaxed moment and use these topics as an excuse to practice our Spanish.
  November 9, 16
  From 12:00 to 1:15 pm.
  $240
• Improve Your Pronunciation, the Two Sounds of /r/
  Although there are many differences in pronunciation between English and Spanish, this does not have to be an obstacle for students of Spanish as a foreign language. It is true that we would all like to speak like a native, and it is possible if we first learn to listen and to relate to these sounds as if they were new to us. In these sessions, we will practice the pronunciation of Spanish consonant sounds and their graphic representations.
  November 23, 30
  From 10:00 to 11:15 am.
  $240
• Nouns in Spanish
  Do words have gender, why, and is there a problem if I say "la baño"? For beginners, the topic of gendered nouns is very important: as time goes by, it is more difficult to unlearn what has already been learned. Let's review the basic rules and practice with simple sentences (even everyday sentences), and get to know some examples where the meaning changes if it is a masculine or feminine word.
  November 23, 30
  From 12:00 to 1:15 pm.
  $240

Spanish Program Offices
The Wilkes Education Center (WEC)
Galeana 18, Ajijic

Hours
Monday to Saturday
Class times vary throughout the day

Contact Us
Phone:  (376) 766-1140
Email:  spanishprogram@lakechapalasociety.com