Spanish Idioms in Practice: Understanding Language and Culture

Spanish Idioms in Practice: Understanding Language and Culture by Javier Muñoz-Basols, Yolanda Pérez Sinusía, Marianne David

Idiomatic expressions are the ‘salt and pepper’ of any language and in Spanish notably they give it its colour and imagery, its richness and variety.

From set phrases and idioms to metaphorical expressions and proverbs, these essential components allow users to add humour and spice to their language, vividly embodying Hispanic culture while naturalizing their language to more closely resemble that of native speakers.

Spanish Idioms in Practice presents a selection of the most widely used idioms from Spain and Latin America. Classified into semantic categories to facilitate learning, each idiom is illustrated by means of clear and comprehensive examples. Similarities between English and Spanish idiomatic usage are highlighted and both literal and equivalent translations are given where possible.

Unlike other sources of idioms Spanish Idioms in Practice also provides a wealth of specially designed exercises which allow students to make better connections and associations with the new material. Through these practical exercises learners gain an in-depth understanding, greater proficiency, and crucially, confidence in the usage of idiomatic Spanish.

Practical, informative and highly entertaining, this is the ideal text for all intermediate and advanced learners of Spanish.

Spanish Idioms in Practice: Understanding Language and Culture - Contents

Introduction. Capítulo 1. Expresiones idiomáticas con comidas, animales, árboles y plantas, y otros elementos de la naturaleza. Capítulo 2. Expresiones idiomáticas con las partes del cuerpo. Capítulo 3. Expresiones idiomáticas con partes de la casa, objetos, ropa y colores. Capítulo 4. Expresiones idiomáticas con lugares, personajes de la historia y de la literatura, nacionalidades y tradiciones culturales. Capítulo 5. Expresiones introducidas por preposiciones. Capítulo 6. Refranes populares. Answer Key. Index.

Spanish Idioms in Practice: Understanding Language and Culture - About the Authors

Javier Muñoz-Basols is an Instructor in Spanish at the University of Oxford where he teaches advanced grammar, translation, writing and oral skills to undergraduates in the Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages. He is currently our Spanish List Advisor and the Series Editor of our Speed Up Your Language Skills Series.

Yolanda Pérez Sinusía is currently teaching at the Official School of Languages of Madrid where she co-ordinates all of the Spanish language modules and at the Universidad Carlos III in Madrid.

Marianne David has been teaching Spanish and French at Trinity School in New York for 28 years.