Language Study Notes

You may wish to pick up on these points with your child.

ve todo recto

This phrase means “go straight on”. It is relatively straightforward to say. “ve” is the imperative, or command, form of the verb to go. “recto” is the part of the phrase that means “straight”. Practise with Miguel if you are unsure of pronunciation.

gira a la derecha

This literally means “turn to the right”. There is the command form of the verb again here, giving the instruction “turn”. The word for “right” is more straightforward to say than it may look like initially. Again, Miguel will guide you through any initial difficulties with how the phrase should sound.

gira a la izquierda

Your child will notice there is only one word different from the previous phrase, as this one means “turn left”. The word for “left” may seem a little trickier to say than the word for “right”. It’s a lovely sounding word, so don’t be fazed by it! It may be a good idea to break up the word into its syllables and take it slowly with Miguel until you feel certain about how it should sound.

cruza la plaza

This means “cross the square”. Your child may be familiar with the word “plaza” already as there is a square in almost every Spanish town. Remember that the “-z-“ has has “th” sound in Spanish. This is the same for the form of the verb “cruza”, meaning “cross”.

cruza el puente

Pupils should note this phrase, meaning “cross the bridge” has two important differences from the previous phrase. The first is obviously “puente”, meaning “bridge” is different from “plaza” and the second is the gender. Plaza is a feminine word, whereas “el puente” is masculine. If there are any pronunciation difficulties, listen to Miguel as much as you need.

Close-up

This is the first time that Sophie has had the opportunity to use the Spanish that she has learned in conversation with “a real Spanish person” (other than with Miguel and Marina, of course!). It is important to emphasise to your child that, even though they may only think of their knowledge of Spanish as 5 phrases or words at a time, they can use the Spanish they know to be understood and to make sense of what is said to them. They may be amazed to discover just how much they know and can use already. It is really worth reinforcing the need to take every opportunity and chance to speak, listen and use their Spanish whenever they can. A little language can go a long way, and they will never know until they try. The feeling of being understood and understanding what is said back is great and one you never forget!

Cultural points

If you need to find your way in a town, you may think of asking a policeman for directions. In Spain, there is more than one type of police force. The main forces are the local municipal police ( policía municipal/local or guardia urbana) in villages and towns, the national police ( policía nacional) who are found in larger cities and urban areas and the civil guard ( guardia civil), all of whom are armed.