A Word About Idioms from Mark Frobose

[Mark_Frobose]

Queridos alumnos = Dear Students

Please bear in mind that languages cannot be translated word for word.  Here are some examples to illustrate this point:

1. 'Dar un paseo' is an idiom.  It literally means 'to give a stroll' but the actual meaning is

'to take a walk'.

You may avoid this idiom by simply saying 'caminar'.  Voy a caminar.  I'm going to walk.

2. Sacar buenas notas is also an idiiom. In the whole it means to get good grades.  One cannot translate idioms word-for-word.

For example ....  Imagine you are teaching a Spanish speaker how to speak English.  The student asks you what 'I'd just as soon' means.  You try to explain that is has nothing to do with the word 'soon', or 'just'.  Together the meaning of 'just as soon' is 'prefer'.

I'd just as soon go to the store = I'd rather go to the store

The same rule applies to Spanish.  Idioms cannot be translated word for word, but must instead but seen as having an entirely new meaning when these seemingly disparate words are used together.

I hope this helps.

Happy language learning.

Mark Frobose

[Bonnie_C]

I will have to admit that when I heard these 2 phrases on the CD I was "thrown for a loop".  Now I know this is just one of those things you have to accept. 

I guess that is another benefit of listening to Spanish programs on the radio and TV.  You will be introduced to the more natural language as opposed to a text book.

Thank you Mark for "clearing things up".

Bonnie

[Mark_Frobose]

Hola Bonnie,

Estoy de acuerdo contigo Bonnie - I agree with you Bonnie.

Thanks for the feedback.

It is so important to hear and read the language in context so that you can experience how the words are put together first hand.

Con ese fin en mente, vamos a seguir escribiendo a todos en español.  ¿De acuerdo"

With that end, in mind,  let's keep writing to everyone in Spanish.  Alright?

Hasta pronto - Until soon

Mark Frobose

[Bonnie_C]

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Mark_Frobose wrote:

Hola Bonnie,

Estoy de acuerdo contigo Bonnie - I agree with you Bonnie.

Thanks for the feedback.

It is so important to hear and read the language in context so that you can experience how the words are put together first hand.

Con ese fin en mente, vamos a seguir escribiendo a todos en español.  ¿De acuerdo"

With that end, in mind,  let's keep writing to everyone in Spanish.  Alright?

Hasta pronto - Until soon

Mark Frobose

Hola Mark,

Tiene razón.  Necesito hablar y escribir en español.  Me gusta aprender y estudiar español contigo.

Gracias.

Bonnie

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[Mark_Frobose]

Hola Bonnie,

A mí también me gusta. 

Eres una alumna excelente.

Abrazos,

Mark

[HungerGamesPer…]

Hola!