2.  Over 425 million people who live in Spain, 18 Latin American countries, Puerto Rico, Equatorial Guinea, the Philippines, and the United States speak Spanish.  It is the 2 nd most common language in the U.S. and the 4 th most common language in the world.  We study Spanish to understand the culture, to better understand English, and to expand our career opportunities.

4.  Rodeo, hasta la vista, tacos, armadillo, sombrero, piñata, mesa, and tango…just to name a few.  Use your knowledge of English to help you figure out new words such as “comunicación,”  “delicioso,” “limón,” and “oficina.”  You‘ll find Spanish is easier if you use what you already know.

5.  You don’t need to understand everything. As you hear or read Spanish, you’ll come across words or expressions you don’t know. Try to figure out what the meaning might be. You’ll be surprised how much you can understand without knowing every word.  Make flashcards! Create a picture of the word on an index card and write the Spanish word on the back. Use the card to study by looking at the picture and guessing the Spanish word.

6.  Spanish is mainly memorization. Memorize Spanish words and their English definitions.  Write out the Spanish words and their definitions to help you learn the words better.  Study a little each night so that you’re not overwhelmed with information the night before a quiz or a test.  Practice speaking Spanish! Don’t worry about making mistakes. Just start talking, and you’ll get better and better! The longer you practice, the more improvement you’ll see.

9.  Spanish originated in Spain, a country on the Iberian Peninsula in southern Europe.  Spain shares the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal, the country where Portuguese originated.

10.  Madrid is the capital of Spain.  There are 41 million people who live in Spain compared to the 300 million people who live in the United States.  Spanish is the official language and their main religion is Roman Catholic.  The currency is the “euro” compared to the “dollar” of the United States.

11.  1469—The marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella unites the kingdoms of Aragon and Castille.  1492—Spain is created after Granada, a Muslim-occupied city in southern Spain, falls to Ferdinand and Isabella.  1492—Queen Isabella finances Christopher Columbus’s first voyage to the Americas.  1493-1580—Spain explores and colonizes throughout the Americas (Mexico, Central America, South America).

12.  Spanish conquistadors sailed to the Americas and colonized land for Spain. Since Spanish was their language, all of the land conquered by Spain became Spanish-speaking, as well.

13.  In 1588, the British defeated the Spanish Armada (Army), beginning the decline of Spain’s hold on large parts of the world.  By 1826, all of the Spanish colonies in the Americas have won their independence. (When did the United States gain their independence and from which country? HINT: Why do we speak English in the U.S.?)  1898—The Spanish-American War marks the end of the Spanish Empire. (We gained control of Puerto Rico during this year.)

14.  Spain becomes a monarchy in 1947 which means it is ruled by a king or queen, like in England.  1975—Juan Carlos I de Borbón becomes King and is STILL King of Spain.

15.  A whole bunch of people in the world speak Spanish…many of them are our neighbors.  Why NOT learn to speak another language? Knowing another language makes you seem smarter. People admire other people who can speak two or more languages. Don’t you always want me to speak really fast in Spanish just so you can hear me?? Aren’t you a tad jealous? Well, guess what? YOU can speak it, too. Pay attention and study and YOU can go out and show off your Spanish-speaking skills to someone like I can

16.  Spain started out as one of the world’s first SUPERPOWERS.  Spanish conquistadors conquered land all over North and South America which is why those countries speak SPANISH.  In the 1800s, those countries rebelled and fought for their freedom from Spain just like the colonists did in America (we fought England and won our independence).  We still speak English even though we’re our own country now. People in Mexico, Central America, and in South America still speak Spanish even though they are THEIR own countries now. So, see, they fought for their freedom just like we did!

17.  That’s all for this powerpoint, folks!  Welcome to Spanish Class! I hope you enjoy the year!