B1.40: Language barrier

Barrera del idioma

Explore key Spanish expressions like "romper barreras" (break barriers) and the versatile uses of "se," while discovering Spain's rich linguistic diversity with multiple languages and accents.

Listening and reading

Start this class by listening to the audio and completing the corresponding exercises.

B1.40.1 Cuento corto

Expresiones que rompen barreras

Expressions that Break Barriers


B1.40.2 Cultura

España: Un país, muchos idiomas y acentos

Spain: One country, many languages and accents


Vocabulary (10)

 La explicación: The Explanation (Spanish)

La explicación

Show

The explanation Show

 El chiste: The joke (Spanish)

El chiste

Show

The joke Show

 Callado: Quiet (Spanish)

Callado

Show

Quiet Show

 Gritar (to shout) - Verb conjugation and exercises

Gritar

Show

To shout Show

 Explicar (to explain) - Verb conjugation and exercises

Explicar

Show

To explain Show

 Corregir (to correct) - Verb conjugation and exercises

Corregir

Show

To correct Show

 La diferencia: The difference (Spanish)

La diferencia

Show

The difference Show

 El tema: The topic (Spanish)

El tema

Show

The topic Show

 La palabra: The word (Spanish)

La palabra

Show

The word Show

 La frase: The phrase (Spanish)

La frase

Show

The phrase Show

Exercises

These exercises can be done together during conversation lessons or as homework.

Exercise 1: Usos del "se" en español

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Grammar: Uses of "se" in Spanish

Show translation Show answers

se lava, Se corrigen, se da cuenta, Se me olvidó, se grita, se prepara, se queda, Se le cayó

1.
Maria ... las manos antes de comer.
(Maria washes her hands before eating.)
2.
Ana ... fuerte cuando practica la pronunciación.
(Ana shouts loudly when practising pronunciation.)
3.
Luis ... para explicar el tema en clase.
(Luis prepares to explain the topic in class.)
4.
Ana ... callada cuando no entiende la explicación.
(Ana stays quiet when she does not understand the explanation.)
5.
... una palabra importante en la noticia.
(I forgot an important word in the news.)
6.
Juan ... de la diferencia entre dos palabras.
(Juan realises the difference between two words.)
7.
... la ficha en medio de la presentación.
(He realised the point halfway through the presentation.)
8.
... las frases del resumen.
(The sentences in the summary are corrected.)

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Breaking the Language Barrier: Essential Spanish Expressions

This lesson focuses on practical Spanish expressions that help overcome common communication barriers, especially useful for B1 level learners seeking more fluency and cultural insight. You will explore meaningful phrases and their usage that facilitate smoother conversations in everyday interactions.

Spain: A Country of Many Languages and Accents

Spain is linguistically diverse, featuring several regional languages and distinct accents which shape how Spanish is spoken across the country. Understanding this variety helps learners appreciate the cultural richness and adapt their listening and speaking skills accordingly.

The Uses of "se" in Spanish

An important grammatical element in Spanish is the pronoun se, which has multiple uses that can be challenging for English speakers. This lesson covers key functions such as:

  • Reflexive actions: Expressing actions done to oneself ("Ella se lava las manos.")
  • Passive voice: Indicating actions without specifying the subject ("Se habla español aquí.")
  • Impersonal expressions: General statements or instructions ("Aquí se trabaja mucho.")

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

Familiarize yourself with useful expressions such as "romper barreras" (to break barriers), "acento" (accent), and verbs commonly paired with se. These will enhance your conversational skills and comprehension.

Important Differences Between English and Spanish

Unlike English, Spanish uses the pronoun se extensively to convey reflexive, passive, and impersonal meanings. English typically relies on word order and auxiliary verbs instead. For example, the Spanish sentence "Se vende pan" translates to "Bread is sold here," using se for the passive voice, which is less explicitly marked in English.

Useful phrases to note:

  • » ¿Cómo se dice...?" – "How do you say...?"
  • » Se necesita ayuda" – "Help is needed"
  • » Se puede entrar" – "One can enter / Entry allowed"

Mastering the functions of se and recognizing regional variations will significantly improve your communication in Spanish.

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