Julián Paul Vasquez, instructor and retired dual language teacher
Tuesdays, 11:00 am—Noon at Forks Senior Center. October 6, 13, 20, 27. Class size unlimited.
Hola, me llamo Julián Paul Vasquez. I will be your teacher for the Introduction to Spanish language class this Fall.
I was raised in Albion, graduated high school in 1972, and acquired a teaching degree from Central Michigan University. I traveled to Brazil and learned Portuguese while living in Rio de Janeiro. I worked as a dual language teacher for 31 years prior to retirement. This past year, I taught my first Spanish class at Forks Senior Center, and I am excited to join the AALL family of volunteers and look forward to meeting you in class. Adios and haste pronto.
This AALL/Forks Spanish class is designed to give participants a simple easy-to-follow experience in second language acquisition. Its goal is to provide participants with an appreciation of language within a culture during a limited span of four weeks.
By the end of day one, students will realize they already know over 200 words in Spanish. A list of COGNATES will be distributed to all. These words will be the center of our experience with the Spanish language. Coupled with unique pronunciation of words, consonants and vowels using special techniques, the language learning experience will seem easy and enjoyable.
The class will include the influence that the Spanish language has had in the United States. The music of the mariachi genre along with the folklore dance associated with it will also be highlighted. Furthermore, with respect to music, students will learn the Happy Birthday song of the Latin world; Las Manñanitas.
Latino cuisine, particularly, Mexican food will also be visited and studied. In particular, the popular salsa & chips will be provided and evaluated for taste. If time allows, the class participants will engage in the preparation and cooking of tamales, a popular tasty and delectable dish widely prepared around the fall and winter holidays.