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Learning Spanish is Great for The Brain

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Learning Spanish as a second language has numerous cognitive, academic, and personal benefits that positively impact brain function. Here are several ways in which learning Spanish can be good for the brain: Cognitive Benefits: Improved Memory: Learning a second language involves memorizing vocabulary, verb conjugations, and sentence structures, which can enhance overall memory skills. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Language learners often develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills as they navigate the complexities of grammar and language rules. Increased Brain Gray Matter: Research has shown that individuals who learn a second language experience an increase in gray matter in the brain, particularly in areas associated with language processing and executive function. Better Multitasking Abilities: Language learners often develop better multitasking abilities and enhanced attention control. Switching between languages requires mental flexibility, which can translate into

Word Navigation or WORDNAV

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 Action learning is a method that we have developed at Salamanca House to help build and consolidate your vocabulary. To start with we are going to use this learning method to build vocabulary associated with your living space. This program runs parallel and independently to your weekly classes; it is an activity that you can take at your own pace, there is no rush! You are going to build your vocabulary by undertaking and completing simple, everyday actions around the house. In a nutshell you will become your own SATNAV and use words to guide yourself as you carry out these actions. For example tidying the sitting room or making a meal in the kitchen.   To start with, you will need to remember the names of as many objects around the house as you can. To help you do this, we have prepared a set of labels for you. Cut them out and stick them around your home. This will help you remember the words. LABELLING OBJECTS IS NOT ENOUGH; if only life was that easy!  We have also prepared a lis

Five reasons for learning Spanish

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  Reasons For Learning Spanish   There are many reasons for learning Spanish and I would like to list the five that I believe are the most important: First, having a second language such as Spanish helps you feel good about yourself; like any life-skill, it enhances your self-confidence and sense of purpose. I think that is probably what the Emperor Charlemagne meant when he said, “Having a second language is to possess a second soul”. It is a life changing skill! Second, learning Spanish will enable you to converse and build relationships with people from many different countries and cultures.   Spanish is the most widely spoken European language [apart from English] and is spoken in 35 countries and by about 450 million people. Third, the cognitive processes involved in learning Spanish provide plenty of mental exercise.   This is really beneficial for anyone [working or retired] who enjoys activities that challenge the mind and wants to keep the grey matter in shape.

How to set up a Spanish keyboard in windows 10

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Just a quick blog to show you how to set up the Spanish keyboard on your pc or lap top, in case you are not sure. This is required if you wish to add accents to vowels or the "ñ" without hassle. This is very important, not just so that you can score amazingly high marks in the home vocabulary challenge, but also because... a)  It is the correct way to do things. The accent is part of the spelling b) Learning to spell words with accents will help your phonetics which includes  both the sound and the intonation/stress I can´t over stress the importance of this [ha ha!] This video will show you how to set up  a Spanish keyboard on windows 10 [probably earlier versions too] https://youtu.be/UaJT3gdoubg Not sure how to do it on mac On a phone or tablet  all you have to do is hold the letter that you wish to accentuate down for a couple of seconds and a pop up will appear  

How good is your Spanish?

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A quick way to determine your level of Spanish is to have a go at our online, DELE test. DELE stands for Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjero. This multiple choice test will give you a rough idea of your level within the Common European Framework Reference for Languages which ranges from A1 to C2.  To do the test you will need to supply your email address. We will only use this email address to supply you the results of the test. The test should take you about 20 minutes DELE TEST Please note the test is approximate, it tests your understanding of Spanish Grammar not your ability to speak or listen to Spanish     If after completing the test, you would like to sign up for some classes with Salamanca House, or if you have any questions please contact us on:     07950 100 069

What is DELE?

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  CONTENTS 1.What is DELE? 2.Exam Format 3.Lexical requirement 4. Take our DELE test What is DELE? DELE stands for Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera. It is a world-renowned indicator of Spanish proficiency and includes 6 levels following the Common European Framework Reference which are A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. The FORMAT for each exam level is listed below along with a brief description of the expected abilities of a student who has reached that level. At Salamanca House we currently teach up to level B2. This is a considerably high standard and pupils who attain this level can comfortably defend themselves, from a linguistic view point, in Spanish speaking countries. Level A1 is a very reasonable level. If you liken learning a language to taking off in a plane, by far the most difficult phase is getting the plane into the air. It has to make a huge effort, taxing along t

Spanish With SH

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  Hi Everyone Welcome to  NUESTRAS NOTICIAS  blog !   Salamanca House is a  SMALL   online  Spanish academy with a  BIG heart for its pupils. Our amazing tutors are friendly, encouraging and well-qualified. Using our advanced bespoke teaching platform, they will get you speaking Spanish and keep you speaking Spanish, lesson by lesson so that you gradually grow in confidence in a relaxed non-threatening environment. You will be supplied with workbooks [FOR FREE] to accompany your lessons and you will also have FREE 24/7 access to our pupil zone where you can practice and revise what you have learned in class. We offer three types of classes: one to one, one to two or mini groups [of three to four pupils]. These last for one hour and are available to adults of all ages from absolute beginners to advanced and to young learners from KS3 to GCSE Spanish to A Level Spanish.   To find out more about learning Spanish with us, our teaching methodology, and what we have on please