¡Hola!

¡Hola, estimados lectores! Aquí Jorge, de Mero Spanish, listo para compartir otro día de aprendizaje y descubrimiento.

Hoy estoy muy contento porque en esta edición del boletín estrenamos dos elementos:

1. el archivo de audio de Life in Two Languages, leído por mí.

2. el referral program. Más información al final.

Also, there's a small survey at the end of the newsletter. Please feel free to fill it out. ¡Gracias!

Let’s do this! In today’s email:

• Feature Article: What Comes After Duolingo?

• Spanish Toolbox: "qué" vs. "cuál": When to use each.

• Life in Two Languages: Memorias y menús de medianoche.

💡 FEATURE ARTICLE

What Comes After Duolingo?

Duolingo and other apps are great platforms to kickstart your Spanish journey, but it's just the beginning.

According to Duolingo's metrics, if you reach level 25, you should be at Level B2 by now. That's commendable!

Now, you might be asking yourself, and now what?

Here is what you can do to keep learning Spanish and strengthen your knowledge.

1. Set Clear Goals

Always always always: define your purpose. Is it travel, fluent conversation, or Spanish literature? Your goal will determine your learning focus. For example, emphasize conversational skills if you are learning because you want to travel.

2. Engage in Real Conversations

Nothing beats the authenticity and learning curve of real-time conversation. Platforms like Tandem and HelloTalk connect learners with native speakers for language exchange. Practice your Spanish while helping them with your native language.

3. Spanish Reading Materials

Increase your vocabulary and comprehension by reading Spanish books. Start with beginner-friendly materials like children's books and gradually venture into novels and newspapers.

4. Take Structured Courses

Duolingo -or any other app- gives a foundation, but structured courses give the benefit of nuanced grammar and vocabulary. Websites like Coursera and edX offer courses from reputable institutions. For immersive experiences, consider enrolling in classes at a local college. Here is a list of free online courses from The Open University.

5. Watch and Listen

Spanish audio in movies or series enhances listening skills. Indulge in Spanish music or podcasts. Platforms like Spotify cater to every proficiency level.

6. Advanced Grammar Study

At B2, you have a solid foundation. Delve into advanced grammar topics like the subjunctive mood, idiomatic expressions, and more nuanced uses of verb tenses.

7. Join a Spanish Book Club

This can help you both with reading comprehension and verbal communication, especially when discussing intricate plot points or character development in Spanish.

Every individual's learning journey is distinct. Use the resources as tools to aid you, but remember, your unique path is for you to design. Stay passionate, and soon, Spanish will feel like a second home. ¡Buena suerte!

🧰 SPANISH TOOLBOX

"Qué” and “cuál”: When to Use Each

In my time teaching the Spanish language, there are common errors I've seen countless students make when distinguishing between "qué" and "cuál."

Both can be translated to "what" in English but are not always interchangeable in Spanish. Let's get into this.

Uses of "Qué"

General Inquiries 

Used to ask about definitions or explanations.

¿Qué es esto?

When you use 'qué' this way, you ask about what things really are.

Before Nouns

To inquire about a choice among a known quantity.

¿Qué libro prefieres?

Here, you have many similar items, and you want to pick one of them. Use It when the choices are known.

Uses of "Cuál"

Specific Selection

When asking about a choice among several objects of the same kind.

¿Cuál prefieres?

It implies a choice among a known or limited set of options.

For instance, imagine you are showing someone two shirts, one blue and one red, and you want to ask which one they prefer. You could say, "¿Cuál prefieres?" after presenting the two options. The listener knows you are asking them to choose between the two shirts.

Before Verbs

It is commonly used before the verb "ser" when not looking for a definition.

¿Cuál es tu nombre?

Common Pitfalls & Solutions

Avoid these two common mistakes:

1. Interchanging them: Remember, "qué" is for definitions and used before nouns. "Cuál" is about a choice among many or before verbs.

2. Not matching when plural: Always match with the antecedent. For example, if talking about several items, use "cuáles."

Actionable Advice

1. que is more common than cuál. Generally, it is better to use que unless you are sure that cuál is required.

2. If you are unsure which word to use, try using que. It is less likely to cause a mistake.

3. Always revisit your sentences to ensure that "cuál" or "cuáles" agrees with the plural of the antecedent.

4. Ensure you understand the context of your conversation. This can often guide you in choosing the correct term.

In the journey of Spanish language learning, nuances like these can seem trivial but are essential for effective communication. Keep practicing, focus, and the distinction will become second nature over time.

 💬 LIFE IN TWO LANGUAGES

Memorias y menús de medianoche

Welcome back to our bilingual section! Our goal here is to enhance your grasp on Spanish by immersing you in scenarios that resonate with real-life experiences in both Spanish and English.

In this edition, we'll follow our main guy as he gets some dinner. We're focusing on "qué" and "cuál". Can you spot when he uses each one? Give it a try and see how you do!

Read while listening!

Memorias y menús de medianoche - Nivel B1 

Era tarde y había estado programando durante horas. Decidí dar un paseo para despejar mi mente. 

Caminando sin rumbo, descubrí un camión de comida estacionado en una calle tranquila. 

Una pequeña multitud estaba reunida alrededor, cada persona compartiendo historias con la cocinera.

Memories and Midnight Menus - Level B1

It was late, and I had been programming for hours. I decided to take a walk to clear my mind.

Wandering aimlessly, I discovered a food truck parked on a quiet street.

A small crowd had gathered around, each person sharing stories with the cook.

Me acerqué, curioso, y miré el menú. No tenía listas de comidas, solo decía: "Dime una historia, y te daré un plato". 

¿Qué era este lugar? 

Me intrigó la idea, así que esperé mi turno.

I approached, curious, and looked at the menu. It didn't list any dishes; it just said: "Tell me a story, and I'll give you a dish."

What was this place?

The idea intrigued me, so I waited my turn.

Cuando llegó mi momento, la cocinera me miró con ojos amables y me preguntó: 

—¿Cuál es tu recuerdo más preciado? —me preguntó la señora mirándome fijamente.

Respiré hondo y compartí un recuerdo de mi abuela: cómo solíamos cocinar juntos en su vieja cocina y el olor del guiso que preparaba.

When it was my turn, the cook looked at me with kind eyes and asked:

"What is your most cherished memory?" the lady asked, staring intently at me.

I took a deep breath and shared a memory of my grandmother: how we used to cook together in her old kitchen and the smell of the stew she would make.

Después de escuchar mi historia, la cocinera se puso a trabajar. Pocos minutos después, me entregó un plato humeante. 

Al darle el primer bocado, fue como si hubiera retrocedido en el tiempo. El sabor me recordó exactamente a los días con mi abuela. 

—¿Qué ingredientes usaste? —le pregunté asombrado.
 
—No lo sé —contestó sonriendo-. Pregúntale a tu abuela

After hearing my story, the cook got to work. A few minutes later, she handed me a steaming dish.

Taking the first bite, it was as if I had traveled back in time. The taste reminded me exactly of the days with my grandmother.

"What ingredients did you use?" I asked in astonishment.

"I don't know," she replied with a smile. "Ask your grandmother."

Salí de allí con el estómago y el corazón llenos. 

Esa noche, no solo descubrí un camión de comida, sino también el poder de las historias y cómo pueden conectarnos con nuestro pasado y las personas que amamos.

I left there with both my stomach and heart full.

That night, I not only discovered a food truck but also the power of stories and how they can connect us with our past and the people we love.

Did you identify the three instances of 'qué' and 'cuál'? Do you know the reason why each one is used?