Spanish

How can I start a conversation in Spanish with a stranger? Is it appropriate to do so?
Q. I'd really like to practice my spoken spanish, and I know that the people that I already speak it with "dumb down" their spanish for me. Would it be considered strange or rude to speak to a stranger in Spanish (assuming I've already determined that they speak Spanish!) What if they've already addressed me in English? The only place I feel comfortable responding in spanish right now is the Mexican restaurant, and I'm starting to get sick of enchiladas! I know there's much more to the Spanish-speaking world than cheap taquerias!!! How can i be more confident to approach people in Spanish? I don't want to be viewed as rude or patronizing... Sigh...I should know by now that wanting to be fluent in a second language instantly flags me as… [cont.]
Asked by mthompson828 - Sun May 14 18:02:56 2006 - - 15 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Yes, it is appropriate to start a conversation with a stranger in Spanish-speaking culture. In a business with Spanish-speaking workers, in order for people to address you in Spanish, you can indicate your willingness by following a simple cultural custom. It is customary in Mexico for a customer to greet the workers in a place of business as soon as he/she walks in the door. For example, if you go into a convenience store or a clothing store, you immediately greet the person behind the counter before looking around in the store. The beauty of following this custom for you is that you have the first word, so you can establish that the language of conversation will be Spanish as soon as you walk in the door. Something as simple as a "bu [cont.]
Answered by drshorty - Mon May 15 15:07:34 2006

What are some awesome spanish dessert recipes?
Q. Hey everyone! I am having a spanish fiesta tommorrow and i need a great and easy recipe for any spanish cakes or desserts. I'm not an amazing cook so an easy one would be lovely! Can anyone recomend me some great recipes? Thanks! ALso, it would be great if you can recomend something other than flan, wedding cookies, or churros!
Asked by I love cashews. - Wed Mar 31 17:37:37 2010 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Polvorones Recipe - Spanish Almond Cookies Rich, crumbly "polvorones" or "Dusty" Almond Cookies are a delicious cookie, especially popular in Spain during the Christmas season. This traditional recipe is softer and more crumbly than the other polvorones version we have on our site. In fact, this cookie just about melts in your mouth! Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Ingredients: * 1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour * 3/4 cup almonds (raw) * 5 oz. butter or margarine * 3/4 cup granulated sugar * 1/2 tsp cinnamon Preparation: This polvorones or Spanish almond cookie recipe makes approximately 16 (2-inch round) cookies. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Measure and pour flour out onto a cookie sheet. Place in… [cont.]
Answered by Setting Sun - Wed Mar 31 18:01:55 2010

What is the best way to teach toddlers Spanish?
Q. I have two sons, turning 2 and 4 in less than a month. They understand a few words in Spanish and use them when they have to. I am bilingual and never made a really good habit of speaking Spanish exclusively in our home =( I really want them to learn it, and be fluent. What are the best ways to teach children the language, besides speaking to them, and making them speak back in Spanish? Thank you!
Asked by ~ - Sat May 15 11:55:44 2010 - - 8 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Have them listen to a lot of Spanish, whether through the radio, television programs, etc. This will help the brain to become acclimated to the language, and if they want to learn it academically, they will have an easy time picking it up. It's kind of like when pregnant women make their babies listen to French in the womb. My dad really did this well by recording tapes of basic Spanish and making me listen to them in my mind-free, hands-busy moments; such as when I was drawing or playing. Talk to them in Spanish. Maybe have a few handy terms that you can use all the time. Like when you're going to say, "Let's go." or "We're going to the park." You could say them in Spanish instead.
Answered by Torbellina - Sat May 15 12:23:19 2010