Spanish Discussion Groups - a rich source of authentic Spanish …

A Superhighway into the heart of Spanish, Hispanic culture

Online Spanish Discussion Groups are truly a superhighway into the heart of Spanish, Hispanic culture. They give us instant access to an authentic Spanish world that is difficult for a learner to find easily elsewhere. And, all for free! Make the most of this opportunity.

Tips to get you off to a flying start with this great resource

1. Search for Spanish discussion groups that deals with topic that interests you.
   
   For, example, you can chat to your heart's content, in Spanish, with Spaniards, about Football at the Spanish Football site at http://www.futvol.com/ (This lively website always makes me regret that I'm not a football fan!). Football fans could visit this terrific site regularly and learn loads of Spanish - for free and painlessly. We show you how below



2. Is there a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)? This will give you guidance on rules etc for the group. It will almost certainly give you some of the vocabulary, the lingo of the group - this is a help, too. Copy out and study.



3. Check out any rules. If you have to introduce yourself, use your Spanish Course Book to get started.



4. Take your time. Absorb the atmosphere. Read other members contributions for as long as you like (the jargon for this is 'lurking'. Be patient. No rush really. You are learning great, authentic, everyday Spanish, both vocabulary and grammar every time you visit from your very first visit. Ideally, you will find topics that actually interest YOU



5. An absolute no - no: please do not start off by writing to a General Discussion Group to say that you are only lurking there because you want to learn Spanish on the web or to improve your Spanish .. . Folk really are not all that interested in YOUR situation. And, some might even get very annoyed. You would not want to find yourself the object of the dreaded 'flames', or torrents of abuse that can sometimes be hurled at e-miscreants! Don't waste a valuable language /culture learning opportunity by assuming the 'exotic little foreigner' guise. It's too tedious.



6. Don't write to a General Spanish speaking Discussion Group looking for a Pen-Pal (or, more correctly, a Key-Pal



7. Note new words, phrases etc. Copy them into your notebook. Check them out in your favourite dictionary. This is a powerful way to widen your vocabulary, to develop useful vocabulary that fills YOUR needs. You cannot find this in any off-the-shelf book so you should build your own.



8. Copy out phrases that express the kind of idea that interests YOU. Dip into this store when you come to make your first posting. Use the right 'lingo' for your group. You will also be learning loads of great useful Spanish language. Prepare your contribution carefully.
   
   Use your dictionary and grammar to push the boundaries of your expression that bit further.



9. Remember all the time your goal: you are here to learn Spanish on the web.



10. Online Discussion Groups, gold-mines for you if you want to learn Spanish on the web.



11. Success at any Bulletin Boards and Internet Fora in Spanish (or in any language) depends on your awareness of cultural and generic mores. You should work within and/or with them. Watch out for topics, issues that cause annoyance. Avoid them like the plague. Steer clear of trouble-makers etc. Well, you would do that anyhow, wouldn't you? Netiquette is just about old fashioned good manners. The only thing to remember is that in a global environment, there can be additional cultural and historic sensitivities to which we need to sensitize ourselves.



12. When YOUR message, expressed in YOUR Spanish, is responded to, maybe even discussed, I assure you, you will be as proud as punch! You will learn more Spanish on the web than you ever imagined.
    
    And, best of all, you will enjoy it.

Here is how you can find Spanish Discussion Groups

Discuss Spanish food, cooking and gastronomy If you are a Web Enthusiast, why not find out what is happening in this area in Spain? You can join in a discussion about web-building, HTML, scripts, design etc at Maestros del Web

Maybe, modern music, rock music, videoclips, bands; interviews etc is more your thing? No problem. At Rocketaria you can join in with fellow enthusiasts.



If none of these are to your taste, don't blame me! How could I know what you like?

So, here is what you should do: just tip along to

Yahoo in Spanish - book mark this useful site
Type in in foro de discussion and whatever other topic interests you, click on Buscar and hey presto you're off!

Enjoy your virtual adventures in linguistic and cultural Hispanic world. Make the very most of Spanish Discussion Boards, a unique opportunity to communicate on the same terms as native Spanish speakers.

Good Luck! Spanish penpals are a great way to learn Spanish on the web