Spanish Language Classes?
 

I hear from a number of people in this town and in the surrounding areas that the Ayuntamientos have free Spanish language classes for Brits.
I've been in Spain nearly two years now and I've never had a Spanish lesson in my life......and I wouldn't go to one even if I had the time. Which I don't. Me and classroom environments just don't get on I'm afraid.
However....one consistent factor with all of these classes I've heard about is the same. And frankly I'm baffled by it!
And that's the fact that none of these Spanish language teachers can speak English.
So how can they possibly teach Spanish? It makes no sense to me whatsoever!
And I've seen the results of people attending these sessions for a long period of time....they seem to know hundreds of irrelevant words they'll never use, yet are totally incapable of doing anything with the language.
Last week I had one of them ask me to ring up Telefonica for him to tell them he had no ADSL. Seems he knew the words for every obscure animal and kitchen utensil on the planet, but yet couldn't conduct a simple conversation.
Anybody had experience with these type of classes where the teacher speaks no English? Cos I'd be interested to know how exactly they manage to teach......sign language? Matchstick men on blackboards? Cartoons? :lol:

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Is it not just reverse psychology, we think we are there to learn Spanish but really its a clever trick to get us to teach them ENGLISH!!!!

Ha, you have to get up early to catch me out!

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

You could be onto something there K!:)

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

I have brought this up before in other threads, but it appears to be usual.
Also peolpe from the UK teach English to classes in France, Italy etc with no local language knowledge, I can`t remember the name of the alleged certification of it.
Like you say, it must just be picture stuff similar to showing a young child a first reding book.

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Well we started classes on Monday and go again today. Our teacher is Dutch and can speak Dutch, German, English and Spanish. My husband really didn't want to go because he was worried about picking anything up but to be honest he was better than me. We have a course book and a homework book and have paid for classes until the end of January. Will let you know how we got on after that time!!!!!!;)


P.S. Certainly were not free though!! I had heard that the courses were also free but are paying €32 each month as we are on padron - €42 if not on padron

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Is the 32 euros each or for you as a couple? Also how did you find out about the classes?

Rosemary

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

ours are free and start next week it is a PC based course so no need for the teacher to speak english

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Afraid not €32 each. You would be very proud of me rang the Council and asked in very hesitant Spanish did they have anyone who spoke English and was then transferred. Told to just come to the class on Monday at 9 with our padron. Needless to say was there at 8.45 (good girl!) and then waited around until 12.45 which was our lesson time but all good fun.:D

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Well dont keep it to yourself! If your getting free lessons computer based or not SHARE the DETAILS, How, when, where, I WANT ONE!!!

Otherwise its deemed as just BRAGGING!!!

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Is this organised by the town hall? Unfortunately our town hall is not providing any classes and have not been able to tell us where we might be able to go for lessons. We desperately need classes in order to gain practice.

Rosemary

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

They do them here in Oliva as well, start every October, but they are hugely subscribed to with 60ish to a class.

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

How can there be no need for the teacher to speak English?

How do you ask questions or clear up points of confusion?

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

We are learning spanish on D V D.Its a course by a guy called Micheal Thomas.We find it excellent as it involves NO books or writing.You can also play it as musac in the background an its amazing how you pick things up without realising it.It is published by a company called Hodder and Stoughton.We are travelling over to spain tomorrow(calpe) and will be learning as we drive.:D

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

I went to a language school where the teachers did not speak English in class. The class size was never over 6 people, and the level was intermediate. At first I felt like you, how can they clarify any confusion or misunderstanding, but it did work. If you don't understand a word or phrase, then it is put to you in a way that you do understand, with words that you do understand. Also we used a book that was completely in Spanish, but with the use of examples, pictures, cartoons explained everything, including all of the grammar. We were allowed to use dictionaries, however the teacher did not really like this and preferred us to ask, at which point he encouraged the other students to explain, or he would if they couldn't. I learnt a lot on this course (it was quite expensive though) and it really filled me with confidence. I learnt a lot of conversational skills, how people in Spain actually talk, which is not how I was taught back in the UK (by Spanish teachers who always reverted to English).

The teacher told us that they also use this method with beginners, presumably the text book would have more use of pictures. I spoke to some of the beginners and they said they'd learnt loads and felt really confident.

So for me this method works, more so than reverting to English for explanations etc, it makes you think about how you can get your point across without having all of the vocabulary.

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

First time I listened to that I fell asleep to the drone of his voice. ;-))

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

He points to a button and you keep pressing it till you learn it, lol

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

I think that Michel Thomas is excellent as a confidence builder when first learning Spanish but is very limiting.

Rosemary

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

That's fine on a fairly basic level of word association.....but how do you learn the rules of the language? For example......structuring sentences containing different tenses within it? Or when you want an explanation on certain aspects of irregular verbs, and why they are irregular? Or you require an explanation of how the subjunctive is used? What happens then?

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

By providing lots of examples and topics of discussion based around the subject. The use of the subjunctive was explained and everyone in the class grasped it - whether we all use it out of class is another matter! If we were unsure of tenses we referred to our verb books or dictionaries - you learn a lot about your own language by learning another language. You need to understand the grammar of your own language first. So yes the teacher only spoke spanish, but between us the students referring to grammar books and dictionaries and also the text book provided by the college we got there - I'm not saying that at no point did we (students) speak english during the classes, we did but not very frequently.

This is a much better method to lessons I had back in the UK - where I had classes with other students and also private.

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

I'm not disputing what you say Zoe, and if it works for you that's good.
But I just can't get my head round the fact that if they don't speak English, how do they manage to explain something like the subjunctive?

And did you hear about the Brit who was lost in the desert in Almeria for days.
When he was finally found, and in quite a bad state, they said....."What do you need? Food? Water? Shelter?"
He replied..."F@ck that shite....just get me an interpreter!" :lol:

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Yes I found that too - excellent for confidence and you think you have learned a great deal, but I am still waiting for the opportunity to ask my neighbour what he thinks of the economic and political situation in Spain today :unsure:

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

as soon as i have been i will tell you
it is very self explanitary there are english translations and the words are spoken to you through head sets and you reply, We are a small village of about 10 Brits and a couple of Germans and we all know each other and wil help each other out a few of us have a some understanding and can hold a conversation So it should be OK and the teacher well she is a friend and I do understand most of what she says.

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

yes it is Rosemary it is the first time I think, and some Brits have lived here for 5 years or more, but my German friend asked about some classes and my friend is the course leader in the school for elders LOL its called the school of old people, and she knew we all needed some help so it looks like it is going to be good, ill post after the first one "Valle"

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

It is the first time that I read that there are spanish teachers of the english language that they don't know how to speak english, something that I find truly illogical

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Michael Thomas is good but dont you find sucking his false teeth constantly irritating!

He obviously favours the female student to the male, he is a cleaver guy though he is apparently fluent in several languages.

He teaches a lot of famous people as well, but the sucking of the teeth does put me off, I find spanish bars/shop/supermarkets help my Spanish vocab, just limit your English connection and make yourself do it.

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Could you explain 'subjunctive' please and in future can we have subtext to explain it to us thickies. Does this mean i will have to learn English proplee b4 i kan spk Spanish, oh God there is no hope for me then!!!!

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Thats favoritism, but good luck anyway. Thanks for getting back to me.

Hope you learn a lot, whatever you learn try it out on me on here and you can pass on your knowledge and teach us all the language.

Communal Learning' AAHHH there could be something in that!!! - brits helping other brits out here LOL

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Stranger things have happened.

Some English actually learn to speak spanish when living in Murcia - well i say some that is stretching the truth a little, I heard there maybe two or three Brits have tried to learn Spanish in Murcia, trouble is, you make it far too easy for the English down there everyone speaks ENGLISH!!!!

In fact when i visit Murcia i speak Spanish to the English just to remind them where they are!!!

Its really disorientating

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

We have to learn to Speak Spanish now we're here:blink:? Why? :p

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

I reckon its also why half the loser's go back, ive seen many Documentary on Spain and the many English who are so ignorant, cant and dont want to speak Spainsh but are happy to mug people off in there own businesse's which then fail and some who lose houses due to various reason's. For me it serves them right.

I remember one family opened a Nightclub in Malaga, couldnt get no custom, couldnt speak the language, didnt know what music to play, they was asked about speaking Spanish before they left, gave it the large and went bust, now back in the UK.

If you have retired there and you are self sufficient for the rest of your life then that I find no problem, but I think as in the UK if you want something out the system one of the requirements should be to learn to speak the language.

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Anybody got that goddam subjunctive cartoon handy? :lol:

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

I don't imagine living in United Kingdom and not to know nor drop of english. I believe that to know something more (in this case, a language) makes you a superior step to the other, because allows to understand the other culture, to have friends of the other language, to be able to opt for another work, to be able to leave and to know the country...Are many things. I already tell you that I don't imagine living in your country without knowing how to speak English, I believe that it would be a very insipid life

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Well
we have to constantly try to speak Spanish there are only 10 or so forigners in our village of 10.000 so if we didnt try to understand the language we would have no friends. I can hold a conversation and understand a lot more that I can say. but I am looking forward to the classes as I know that learning together will speed up my aim to be fluent.
I was a teacher in the UK, I will add an art teacher, before some one tells me about my spelling and grammer, I did teach for a number of years both GCSE, AS and A level and I lectured in Uni. So if they need to be kept on the straight and narrow I will apply my teachers voice to the class............as my OH calls it.
Sharon

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

I think on the whole you say how I feel, I would never ever go to a country with an attiude like the English do in Spain, for me thats becuase mainly I am motivated by money and I would be without money in Spain without the Langauge.

Little things like Ryanair, I can get away with not paying for extra baggage, I get free priortiy tickets, In Spain I get treated so much better in restaurants, bar's, shops just by being cheeky with the language, you have to try, my life is revolved around fine negotiation, and I find Spain is the place where you can barter well in any situation, unless of course they have allready made their mind up, then your stuffed.

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

The view from a Teacher is different to many, Its possible I could do a intensive course on Spanish which im cosindering to finalise my needs, but classes in general for me is not a way of learning, its different for many people, some need Class'es and discipline, some can just get on with it better wihout.

I would never advise classes as a good way to learn anything, especially if you try to learn in the UK before you come, it will be a complete waste

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Here! Here! I agree learning the language is a must out of pure courtesy if nothing else. My parents have lived in Spain almost 5 years - well i say Spain its a golf complex so really its Britain in SPAIN - and like every typical brit abroad that repulses me ( I JUST KNOW I WILL GET SLATED FOR THIS PROBABLY SENT TO COVENTRY OR DENOUNCED!!!) they dont speak Spanish they just talk SLOWER, LOUDER and do exaggerated hand motions and shake their heads in disbelief when they are not understood, "THEY ARE SPANISH NOT DEAF & DUMB"

It really infuriates me, ok they are older, ok they dont learn as quick then move to the Isle of Man or Australia dont go to a foreign country and expect everyone to speak ENGLISH!!! Did we rush out to learn URDU when we were invaded!!!! NO! so at least learn the language or pay for an interpreter...

OUCH!!!! ....Ok who kick my soap box away?

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

I wanted to be as forceful as that, but thought id get slated and have before, It is one massive thing that bug's me but I accept english people's attitudes even if I dont agree with them.

The way I see it is at the end of the day most are going for a better life in Spain

Some of the people I know there (well off or not) - well I know my life will be so much better than the life they currently have knowing the language or at least trying. I see can see from many post's here people who have so many problems, be it internet problem, bus timetables :curse: or where do I get a a certain type of fish !!! Those problems would be gone with out a language barrier.

I was waiting for someone to bite but Im happy to read your post :thumbup:

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Well I agree on the language front, although I do struggle I am managing to make myself understood in basic Spanish ...... just cant understand what people say back to me yet :D

However I do have to say that some people want to come over here, live in their own cocoon and go down the local bar. Not my view of life in Spain, but I have to say live and let live .... if thats what pushes their buttons then as long as they dont effect my life then good luck to them. I'm a great believer that the Spanish will see me for what I am (leave off Xtreme:lol:). I try to speak the language and I do my best to respect the Spanish culture.

I did find myself speaking Spanish to a german in the local pool shop earlier today though and that ended in total confusion

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Unfortunately, it would be a very lonely life to a point. You will get girls all over you because of your accent, you will get lads jealous of you because your different and educated, I should be proud of my roots in the UK but I AM NOT.

I would scream DONT GO, Spain is far nicer, more pleasant, I wish i had moved here years ago & brought up our children here. It is so refreshing to see little girls of 12 still wearing frills, boys at 12 still playing out with friends, back in the UK if you can tear them away from the TV or mobile phone they maybe infront of the latest XBOX or similar worse case senario is your 12/13yr old daughter is sleeping with the 18yr old down the street after getting drunk on alcopops or your 12/13yr old son is scoring drugs.

Of course there are exceptions and there still are some really beautiful places left in England, there are still some nice people left in England but i doubt very much if they will speak Spanish to make you feel comfortable. They dont learn the language when they move here!!!

On the news tonight in the UK 2 x 14yr old boys were sentences to 12yrs each for an unprovoked attack on a blind disabled man, who later died, amongst his injuries were 11 broken ribs, the chances are they may serve half their sentence, then they are free to walk amongst us that cant be right?

I DONT LIKE THE UK

Re: Spanish Language Classes?
 

Karmen, if you want to do a search on crime in the Costas I feel you will find many bad things also

The UK is a beautiful country, often spoiled by the few for the majority. Having just been back there for a month it makes me appreciate the wonderful countryside and village life.