Product Description

This whimsical collection of colloquialisms entertains intermediate students while providing insight into Spanish-language idioms, customs, and humor. Grouped according to theme--from Nuestros amigos los animales to Hablando del cuerpo to Algo en que pensar--the idioms are illustrated with humorous cartoons that provide a key to understanding the literal and real meanings.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #288953 in Books
• Published on: 1995-05-01
• Original language: English, Spanish
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

From the Publisher
HUMOROUSLY ILLUSTRATED TO SUGGEST BOTH THE LITERAL AND ACTUAL MEANING OF THE EXPRESSION; LITERAL AND IDIOMATIC TRANSLATIONS PROVIDED; EXPRESSIONS GROUPED ACCORDING TO THEME; DIALOGUES OF BRIEF NARRATIVES PROVIDE A COMMUNICATIVE CONTEXT FOR THE

Customer Reviews

One of the most rewarding additions I have made to my Spanish-learning collection
Having put in many hours trying to grasp the basics of Spanish through the use of fairly boring teach-yourself books, tapes, cd's etc, I bought this book in the hope that, as a learning tool, it might be interesting, entertaining or useful. It's all of those things, and more!

The format is simple. Each idiom gets one page and is introduced by an amusing cartoon depicting a typical circumstance of the expression's usage, using a visually literal interpretation of the actual words.

For instance, the English "to walk on thin ice" becomes in Spanish "to walk stepping on eggs" >> "andar pisando huevos". "To put all your eggs in one basket" becomes "to put all the meat on the spit" >> "poner toda la carne en el asador". The `walking on eggs' and the `meat on the spit' are the subjects of the cartoons. And so on.

Each page is rounded off by a brief (about 10 lines) essay or anecdote, in everyday Spanish, showing the expression in typical use. An English translation of each sketch is given at the back of the book.

Where does it score?

Well, the expressions are amusing and useful; the treatment is light and inviting, and the illustrations entertainingly explanatory of the metaphors involved. But for me the real bonus is that the little essays or sketches are written in wonderfully relevant, conversational-style Spanish, full of different examples of the language in normal use. That, for me, has been the most helpful aspect of the book. By reading and coming to an understanding of the language in action in these written pieces the door to conversational Spanish was opened a little bit more to me. In this regard in particular I cannot recommend this book highly enough to the early intermediate level student (of all ages).

It is one of the most rewarding additions I have made to my Spanish-learning collection.

Very useful!
This little book is what I have been waiting for to explain idioms to my students! Idioms give you an insight into a culture, and students should be encouraged to learn them and use them. Create your own 'Idiom of the Week' chart with this book!