Hola mis amigos! I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! and Happy Hearth's Warming! I hope that your holidays are full of joy, love, and very special moments with your loved ones! Do you and your loved ones share any special traditions or Spanish traditions in particular for the holidays? Please feel free to share below!

Utilizo Duolingo y tengo lecciones de mi profesor de español, pero sí, hay lecciones en Youtube para ayudarte a aprender español. I Use Duolingo And I Have Lessons From My Spanish Teacher But Yes There Is Lessons On Youtube To Help You Learn Spanish

¿Quién es tu princesa favorita respondiendo esta encuesta?

Vaya no lo sabia muy genial

Tortilla Española / Spanish Omelette Tortilla in Spain Spanish (or Castillian Spanish) it means "Omelette". There's two kind of basic "Tortillas" in Spain. Tortilla Española / Spanish Omelette and Tortilla Francesa / French Omelette. Tortilla Francesa or French Omelette is NOT a tapas. It's an Omelette made only with egg. Sometimes we can add milk or cheese. Tortilla Española or Spanish Omelette can be made as TAPAS (It can also be used as a part on a sandwich, for example.) It's made with eggs and potatoes. There's a big discusion if it the taste is better with some Onion or without it. I personally love Tortilla Española With Onion. Theres a lot of regional varieties that add more ingredients. The best I tasted is Tortilla Española with rabbit livers in Pamplona.

Patatas Bravas / "Bold Potatoes" Very common Tapa. Fried potatoes but cut in a cube like shape. The best one's are the potatoes that are hand cut by the cookers one hours before open the bar. The sauce can be "Salsa Brava" / "Bold Sauce" which is a bit spicy and reddish. In Barcelona, sometimes there's this sauce we call in our regional language "Alioli" that means "Garlic and Oil". It's self explicative. Very strong flavour and it's just made with olive oil and garlic. It's yellow/white color sauce.

Food is an important part of the culture and one of the most Spanish food is the "Tapas"! In this lesson we are going to learn about Tapas. *Disclaimer: this topic probably will make you hungry! Remember that Tapas are regional snacks and for that reason can be VERY different from one place to another and it's impossible cover all of it in a forum! Tapas are appetizers or snacks, hot or cold, that can be given free along a cup of beer or wine: like olives or peanuts. Tapas can be Combined to make a full meal. So if you want to eat with family and/or friends different dishes, a good way to enjoy them is combine some Tapas for lunch or supper. There's one rule or Etiquette when eating tapas. It's called "El Último Trozo de la Vergüenza" or "The Last Piece of Shame". Since it's a social oriented meal when the rule is sharing the food, it's considered rude to eat the last piece of the Tapas without asking the other diners. Always offer the last piece to the other diners, and if they refuse, then you can eat it. I'm from Barcelona, so I'm going to show you the more common Tapas in my neighborhood. Jamón con pan y tomate / Spanish Ham with bread and tomato This is a very common way in Barcelona to enjoy Spanish Ham. Spanish Ham is a very refined way of eating ham. The pigs that make the best ham are the "Iberian" race and they are not raised "enclosed" in a building eating... Who knows what. Instead, the best Spanish Ham is made with pig's that are raised "Outdoors" in the fields, full of Acorns. So the idea is that the the pigs can move free in the fields (doing exercise) and eat from the land, specifically a lot of acorns at their disposal. The other thing that changes the taste of the Spanish Ham is the "cut". The way you cut the ham have influence in the taste. The bread is usually one called in the regional language "Pà de Pagés" or "Farmer's bread" It's a big toasted loaf of bread. But can also be not toasted. Then, since the toasted loaf has more "hard" surface, we rub the tomato against the bread to cover the bread with the tomato juices. (If you like spicy, before the tomato and only if the bread is toasted, rub a clove of garlic along the surface). Add some salt and olive oil and Voilà! Enjoy the bread and the ham as you like. Chipirones / Fried Baby Squid Rejos / Fried Squid Tentacles Chocos / Fried pieces of Cuttlefish Those are self explanatory. We add a bit of lemon juice to give a more fresh flavor. Croquetas / Croquettes Croquetas are fried rolls, basically made with Bechamel+mushrooms or Ham, seafood... Typically leftovers. Then the Bechamel paste is mixed and then rolled, covered with egg and breadcrumbs, then fried. In my family we can make like 40 of those, but that is uncommon. Normally you pay by unit or a portion of 4-6 Croquettes. Theres a LOT more Tapas, but the post will be gigantic. I will post more Tapas here. Do you know or have tasted more tapas?

Spanish: Cabe destacar que el gesto de enfatizar también puede ser utilizado de manera positiva. Piensen en Pacha, de Las Locuras del Emperador, jejeje. English: It's worth mentioning that the emphasising gesture can also be used in a positive manner. Think of Pacha, from Emperor's New Groove, hehehe.

I found a Youtube video that explains the hand gestures better than me. There's always a Youtube video when you need it that explains in a better way than me.

SURNAMES: Spanish people (usually) have TWO surnames. The first Surname is the first surname of your Father. Your second Surname is the first surname of your Mother. (By the way, when married, a woman don't change her surname by one of the partner. Just stay the same). Imagine this fictional Family... Father surname is: Heredia Mother Surname is: García So, the sons and daughters will be called: "name" Heredia García Disclaimer: If the family of the mother is more "Stronger" economically, the surname is famous and/or she's the last one in the family and there's no more males, someone can inherit first the surname of the Mother Family instead of the Father. ¿Did you know? When you want to address someone elderly and in a very formal way, you say "Don (Surname)" if it's a Man or "Doña" (Surname) if it's a Woman. NAMES: Translating your name it's considered rude. Spanish mentality is that your name is yours and in the language you're given, and if you address someone remember well his/her name! Be aware that as everything in life, some people don't fall into this category. Like me. My name in our regional language (Josep) is very difficult to pronounce in Italian so I told Italians they can call me Giuseppe. Some people will be called by his or her surname (who tend to be more respectful and formal). I'm usually called by my surname, since my name is very common. ¿Did you know? The only exception about translating names is royalty: we translate the names of kings, queens, princesses... (If possible). There's a lot of older people in Spain that have 3 names! It's a old Catholic tradition that I have no idea where started, but today is very uncommon. And some of those names are composed by two names... For privacy, I'm not going to tell my Father full name. It has 7 words, but iv'e seen more complex! It's uncommon to be called your full name and surnames, don't worry, normally only very close people know your full name and surnames...

¡Bienvenid@s Amig@s! / Welcome Friends! Somepony is a bit curious about the Spanish Hand Gestures "Language" so I want to make some lessons about that. I'm going to be sincere: Hand Gestures are a language by Itself. It's VERY useful! The gestures I will post in the next replies are the ones more common in Spain. BUT They work fine in Central and South America, Portugal, Italy and Turkey (I think Greece too, but I'm not sure since I've never been there). There some differences but the basics I think are the same... Sometimes, in Italy, I understood hand gestures that I've never seen before! I would appreciate to reply if you're interested in this topic. I'm going to put a LOT of Photo's and some videos in this week. I Don't know if that's a problem too.

*Old Pony mode ON* I was one of the first people to use "@" in a Private Computer School of my town and... Oh... I've already told that? Back then I was considered very "inclusive" person and.... I told you the time I was struck by a lightning? *Old Pony mode OFF*

Buenas maneras en España/ Good manners in Spain I feel inspired and I decided to make an Etiquette Spanish Lesson. Or how to not be Rude in Spain. Bear in mind that I just only know that this Etiquette works fine in all Southern Europe Countries I’ve been to. I’ve never traveled to Central America or Southern America so I don’t know if this etiquette is 100% the same. I saw this Disney Movie about a mexican family (COCO) and I felt more closer than any Disney movie I’ve seen before, so I think probably it can work there. Remember that everybody is unique, this is just a “guide” and in my opinion when conflict appears, 90% of the times is ‘cause some cultural shock or misunderstanding. There’s people that want to be rude at you on purpose, sure… but in Spain if someone want to insult you they (usually) will do that in a VERY direct style. Also, keep in mind that if this is the first time you’re learning Etiquette from another culture, the amount of information may be overwhelming at first! That feeling is common, don’t be afraid. You’re not going to know all what I’m writing here and that’s perfectly fine: Spanish people in general tend to be welcoming and they won’t expect you to know all the Etiquette, but they are going to be very glad you to know some of it. This Etiquette is NOT suited for business and I can’t help you with dating (just be yourself with that person are you interested). Feel free to comment if you find something wrong or you want to write your opinion about this kind of Etiquette! I would love to see your point of view. What do you think about Spanish Etiquette? If you have some questions, I can try to give my view! SALUDOS / GREETINGS: Spanish people greet each other in this way. Female to Female, two cheek kisses (first the left cheek and then the Right cheek). Female to Male, two cheek kisses (first the left cheek and then the Right cheek). Male to Male, handshake. Hug if they know each other and are very good friends. Male to Male two cheek kisses exist. It means they’re VERY close friends and/or they’re family close related (like Father and son, brothers...) Cheek kisses from adults to children aren't uncommon. But I ALWAYS ask the parents and then, the child, if I can greet like that. I think it's the best way. Hugging is a sign of being very close friends. If you greet a Spanish person you don't know with a hug it feel very... Intimate. DISCLAIMER: -If you’re going to feel uncomfortable with the kisses thingy, feel free to say that you aren’t comfortable with kissing in advance when you meet other people; offer your hand for a handshake and SMILE. Or just offer your hand for a handshake first and SMILE. A sincere Smile is the best way to solve cultural shocks. -If you're a Female and there's a lot of people to meet (like you arrive to a great launch) It's common to kiss only your close friends/family and make a sign to the other people like you're "trowing kisses at them". ELDERLY PEOPLE: Be VERY polite with elderly Spanish people by default, even if you don’t speak spanish or don’t know Spanish etiquette, they will notice that you’re being polite. If they show you and give permission to be informal (like they hug you, kiss you if it’s a Lady or they give you a handshake with two hands if it’s male and they specifically tell you to be “informal”) then they expect you to be informal. And sometimes, if you refuse that invitation to be informal it’s considered very rude. (If a Granny make’s you some food; always say that is delicious and the best food you’ve eaten, the chances are that this statement is true ;D). ETIQUETA BASICA / BASIC ETIQUETTE -When you enter into a church, restaurant, bar or home, (building) take off your hat or cap: and never put it on the table. That can be disgusting (specially for older people). -When you enter some store, bar or restaurant that is not “Classy and expensive” expect to be treated in a friendly and informal way. Treat them in the same informal way. If they’re being formal, be formal as well. It’s very common in Spain to speak with a customer in a shop like that person is you’re friend. -Hand gestures are a thing, like it’s own language. -It’s common for to pay compliments and use terms of endearment to express friendliness. -If you’re invited to a home, at a certain hour: don’t arrive earlier! Be on time or just 15 minutes later for safety. Bring something as a gift; like some food, chocolate or a little present. There’s a Spanish Saying “Mi casa es tu casa” / My home is your home, so generally we tend to be hospitable. -Spanish people traditionally eat 4-5 meals everyday. Desayuno/Breakfast between 7-10 in the morning. Just a Croissant, coffee, a Doughnut… something very “light” just for start the day. Almuerzo/Elevenses between 10:30am and 11:30am. Maybe a sandwich, some snack, maybe a soda… (If the breakfast was “Heavy” like bacon with some beans, 2 fried eggs and french fries, all at the same time, I recommend you to Skip “almuerzo”). Comida/Lunch starts between 1-3pm. Merienda/Tea Time at 5-6pm. Cena/Supper between 8-11pm. -Generally, Spanish people want to socialize in a bar or restaurant instead of home. When you enter a bar or restaurant, and there’s people near your assigned table and they are eating, it’s very polite to wish them “Enjoy your meal” / Buen Provecho. -Don’t start eating until everybody has food ready in their plates (unless they specifically told you to enjoy your meal ‘cause the food will turn cold). -Spanish people often share food. The famous “Tapas” are a good example (fried potatoes, calamari, ham, cheese...). The last piece of food in a shared tapa is called “Patata, calamar, etc… De la Vergüenza” / Potato chip, calamari, etc… of Shame. You should offer to the other person the last piece, and if they’re refuse, then you can eat it. Eating it without asking before is considered rude. If you don’t like to share your food feel free to tell them before they order some “sharing food”. -Spanish people lunch between 1pm and 3pm and Supper between 8-11. The lunch is a break to enjoy conversation. It’s called “Sobremesa” (¿Overtable?) and sometimes can go from 1 hour to 2 hours of conversation, drinking coffee… If your friends have kids, expect the children be with them all the time in the “sobremesa”. Spanish people are “family” centered and sometimes you can see children sleeping in a restaurant while this “sobremesa” last until 11pm or 12pm!

Adoro esto uso do sinal “@”. Mi profesor de español hacía lo mismo en sus escritos One of my Spanish Professor's used to use the "@" sign in the same way, as like a way to indicate something's both masc and fem/gender neutral. Never saw anyone else do that until now, so cool! Gracias por los consejos.

Hola Arrlong! Thank you for posting this! These are very important and great considerations to be aware of especially when you are learning a new language and increasing your knowledge of them. Here are some YouTube channels that I would personally recommend for everyone to check out: Butterfly Spanish, Dreaming Spanish, Spanish After Hours, Español con Juan, and the Language Tutor. There are tons more out there, but all these channels have videos ranging from beginning to advanced that are informative and/or immersive for learners of all levels. Please check them out when you have the chance. Lastly, I would like to apologize to everyone since I have not posted much in this club as of recent. I had a few things happen in real life recently and my current focus is prioritizing the completion of my final semester at university. Thank you for understanding.

Hola Chic@s! Sorry I didn't post more lessons about Spanish but I found that... There's a lot Spanish Lessons on Youtube, that you can use to learn a bit of Spanish and see if you like and feel comfortable learning the language. They are better prepared, and more professional than me. But as a person who has two native languages and studied more than 3 languages abroad (from very different cultures) I want to give my points in a more "efficient" way to learn a language, and how to minimize your negative experiences. Remember, those advice are just my opinion based on my personal experience and are the things I liked to know before I started to learn languages. 1. Choose the "right" Spanish for you. There's two main Spanish "dialects". Spain Spanish (or Castillian Spanish) and Latin Spanish. (I'm a native Castillian Spanish) If you want to learn Spanish to travel and visit Spanish Speaking Countries: my recommendation is Learn first the Latin Spanish dialect. You can use it all over the world, and then you can adapt or learn the other variations of Spanish. If you want to travel, live or are interested Specifically in Spain: then Castillian Spanish is better suited for you because you will have more "prestige". Same happens with other languages. If I live in China but I don't learn Chinese I will be just "The foreigner". If I know how to speak Chinese, now I'm "Arrlong, the foreigner" witch is a totally different. And if you know how to speak Chinese, and you can also learn and speak a regional language or dialect (like, let's say, Taiwanese) you will get a lot of respect, but only between those group of speakers. ( In this case, Taiwanese Speakers). 2. When you start to learn a new language find a Teacher that is native and had the same culture like you! That means (for example) if you're English and you want to learn Spanish, find an English Teacher of Spanish language. If you're from China, find a Chinese Teacher of Spanish Language. (the closest to your region and culture!) Why? They know exactly what you're going through in terms of grammar, phonetics and culture: and can give you the most efficient ways to learn that language based on your native language and culture. So you don't have to repeat the same cultural shocks, mistakes and difficulties they did. You will be learning faster and will be more "safe". (If you're acquiring a certain experience, then you can change to a native teacher of Spanish, or the language of your choice you're learning) 3. Every language has his own mindset, way of thinking and CULTURE. Be careful. The same Phrase and words in another language can transmit totally different information. The sensitivities on topics, the etiquette, the way to be dressed, the food... You're going to make MISTAKES. If you don't want to make any mistake, my advice is just don't learn a language. Some will be funny, some will be harsh, some gill get you into troubles, some can get you into make friends, lovers... and sometimes they simply wont understand you and that's it. For Example: I told a joke that is very common to told in front of children's in Spain, but it turned out to be VERY harsh for my French and British colleagues. Where I live, when you see someone you know, you're friends with them but you don't have time to stop and speak with them you just say "Bye!". It turns out that this behavior in France is a very offensive insult and in South Africa, weird. Those things WILL happen. Be prepared in advance: have a plan. 4. Speak and be surrounded by natives or speakers of that language. The best way to learn a language fast is to be surrounded by natives of that language. Just remember what I wrote in the advice number 3. It's going to be Hard. And remember, every culture has things that you're going to like, and things that you will not like. If you have more advice or you think I'm wrong, please leave a comment. Probably I sound very negative... But if I knew all those things before I would have approached learning a language in a totally different way. Not one that destroyed my mind and made me a disabled person... Something I don't want to happen to any of you.

Hola! Welcome to the club! Bienvenido al club!

Hola Come Estas Epero Bueno

Hola, Come Estas Espero Bueno

Hola, buenas noches a mi también me gusta escribir! puedo saber sobre que escribes?

Buenos días! Me llamo Dylan. Ya he tomado clases de español en la universidad. Pero no recuerdo mucho. Me gusta escribir, la música, el fútbol americano, la aviación, entre otros. Escribir esto casi me hace de menos clase de español.

Hola a todos, me pueden llamar Nopal o Cactoide, el español es mi lengua natal, me gusta dibujar, leer y el la música alegre. sera un gusto que practiquen su español conmigo, espero llevarme bien con todos ustedes

Thanks Count for starting this, I appreciate it! I've been meaning to make one of these for both of the clubs I'm the owner of, but I keep getting sidetracked XD ---------------------- Hola todos! Me llamo Estrella! Soy un alicornio de los cosmos. Me encanta la musica clasica, rock, y jazz. Yo creo que la musica en general esta bonita. Yo puedo hablar y leer espanol tambien, pero todavia estoy tratando mejorar mis habilidades.

¡Muchas gracias profesor! Es muy amable de tu parte.

Cool! This is a very good idea! ------------------- ¡Hola! Me llamo Power Chord. Soy un poni terrestre rockero. Me encanta la música (especialmente el Rock Duro) y tocar la guitarra. ¡Yo ya sé Español, pero os ayudaré a aprenderlo!