Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Talking About Family and Friends

The first module introduces Spanish grammar and pronunciation and you will begin to build your Spanish vocabulary. By the end of the module, you’ll be able to talk about yourself and your family and will be able to count to 10 in Spanish. We’ll also discuss and practice the “ar” verbs and the useful verb tener. By the end of the module you will have started laying the foundations of your vocabulary.

Module 2: Talking About the Body

In module 2, you’ll continue to build your Spanish vocabulary and will be able to talk about the body and physical sensations using the verb estar. Building on the vocabulary you learned in the first module, you will also able to count to 100. Throughout the module, we’ll practice conjugating the “ar,” “er” and “ir” verbs in the present tense.

Module 3: Talking About Places and Weather

In this module you’ll continue to build your Spanish vocabulary as we discuss the topics of places and weather. We’ll continue to practice the “ar,” “er” and “ir” verbs, and we’ll introduce some irregular verbs. By the end of the module, you’ll also be able to make comparisons using possessive adjectives. You’ll engage with a native of Mexico and explore her native city.

Course Peer Review Activity

In the final assignment for this course, you will write a brief introduction about yourself in Spanish (approximately 100-200 words) to tell your peers a little about yourself. You will then record and upload a video of you reading this introduction to the class. Click on the Peer Review activity link below to learn more about this assignment.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces basic Spanish grammar and vocabulary, making it suitable for beginners

Provides an interactive and engaging learning experience through videos and activities

Covers the basics of Spanish language, such as grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation

Reviews summary

Fluent vocabulary: conversational skills

learners say this course is a largely positive and engaging introduction to basic Spanish vocabulary. Covering topics like family, health, and travel, the well structured course helps advance beginners with clear lessons by Professor Dr. Robert Blake. While the course is generally well received, students with no prior exposure to Spanish may find it challenging. However, learners familiar with some Spanish or romance languages often find this course to be a great opportunity to build on their skills with more challenging assignments.

The course is a great introduction to Spanish vocabulary for beginners, providing a solid foundation for further learning.

"This course is suitable for those who already know some Spanish."

"It is a great lesson! But i hope there are more instructions to help us memorize the vocabularies."

"This course was very interesting for me."

"Hola! Mi nombre es Allan."

"I appreciate the way the course has been designed."

The course is well-organized with clear lessons that make it easy for learners to follow and understand the material.

"This is a very well structured course for beginners,"

"I have been trying to learn Spanish for a while now but I have never found such a complete and interactive material."

"I appreciate the way the course has been designed."

"The explanations are also very detailed."

The course includes a variety of engaging assignments such as quizzes, writing, and videos that help learners practice and improve their Spanish vocabulary.

"It was a good stepping stone though as it wet my appetite to really engage and get better."

"The course is very useful and helpful, a little bit intensive but its okay if you want to learn new language."

"It was a very good experience . I communicated with different people and we reviewed assignements to each other which was a new and fun way of learning."

The course may be too challenging for learners with no prior exposure to Spanish.

"This course isn't designed very well."

"For example, the assignment require you to retype entire portions of text instead of simply answering the questions."

"This course isn't for everyone."

"I was so happy to learn some new words in Spanish!"

The course includes challenging exams that test learners' understanding of the material and help them identify areas where they need to improve.

"I think it was one of the best courses I have pursued."

"The only issue I had was that some of the questions on the quiz was a bit too hard for beginners."

"I enjoyed this course."

"This course was very helpful for someone who has never been exposed to a lot of Spanish."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People with these activities:

Brush up on basic grammar and pronunciation

Show steps

Recalling the basics of Spanish grammar and pronunciation will help you to quickly grasp the concepts taught in this course.

Browse courses on Spanish Grammar

Show steps

Review your notes or textbooks from previous Spanish classes.
Take an online quiz or practice exercises to test your knowledge.
Listen to Spanish music or podcasts to get your ear tuned to the language.

Practice conjugating verbs

Show steps

Regular practice of verb conjugation is crucial to developing fluency in Spanish.

Show steps

Use an online verb conjugator or workbook to practice conjugating different verbs.
Create flashcards with verb conjugations and test yourself.
Write sentences or short stories using a variety of verb tenses.

Create a Spanish language journal

Show steps

Keeping a journal in Spanish will allow you to practice your writing skills and expand your vocabulary.

Browse courses on Spanish Vocabulary

Show steps

Choose a topic that you're interested in and start writing about it in Spanish.
Use a dictionary or online translator to help you with unfamiliar words.
Write regularly, even if it's just a few sentences each day.

Two other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all five activities

Join a Spanish conversation group

Show steps

Engaging in conversations with other Spanish learners will enhance your fluency and confidence in the language.

Show steps

Search for Spanish conversation groups in your area or online.
Attend the meetings regularly and actively participate in the discussions.
Take the opportunity to ask questions and get feedback on your pronunciation and grammar.

Read a Spanish novel or short story collection

Show steps

Reading Spanish literature will expose you to authentic language usage and help you improve your reading comprehension.

Browse courses on Spanish Literature

Show steps

Choose a Spanish novel or short story collection that interests you.
Read the book slowly and carefully, paying attention to the vocabulary and grammar.
Look up unfamiliar words and phrases in a dictionary.

Career center

Learners who complete Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Language Teacher

A language teacher works with students at various levels, helping them to develop their language skills. In this role, you will be able to use your knowledge of Spanish grammar and vocabulary to help students learn the language. You will also use your skills in pronunciation to help them speak the language correctly. Additionally, you will be able to share your knowledge of Spanish culture with your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Language Teacher

Interpreter

Interpreters convert spoken language from one language to another. Similar to a translator, this course can help you develop the skills you need to understand Spanish grammar and vocabulary. Additionally, you will develop your skills in pronunciation and listening.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interpreter

Translator

Translators convert written or spoken text from one language to another. Since this course focuses on developing your Spanish language skills, taking it may help you to become a translator. The course will provide you with the foundation you need to understand Spanish grammar and vocabulary. Additionally, you will develop your skills in pronunciation and writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Translator

Foreign Language and Literature Teacher

A foreign language and literature teacher develops lesson plans and teaches students about foreign language and literature. This course will provide you with the foundation you need to understand Spanish grammar and vocabulary. Additionally, you will develop your skills in pronunciation, reading, and writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Language and Literature Teacher

Travel Agent

Travel agents help people plan and book their travel arrangements. If you are interested in working in the travel industry, this course may be helpful. The course will provide you with the opportunity to learn about Spanish culture and language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Travel Agent

Cultural Anthropologist

Cultural anthropologists study the customs, beliefs, and behaviors of different cultures. Because this course is focused on Spanish language and culture, taking it may help you to develop the skills you need to become a cultural anthropologist. The course will provide you with the opportunity to learn about Spanish culture and language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Anthropologist

Foreign Service Officer

Foreign service officers represent the United States abroad. If you are interested in working in the foreign service, this course may be helpful. The course will provide you with the opportunity to learn about Spanish language and culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Service Officer

Editor

Editors review, edit, and publish written material. If you are interested in a career in editing, this course may be helpful. The course will provide you with the opportunity to learn about Spanish language and culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Journalist

Journalists write and report on news stories. If you are interested in working as a journalist, this course may be helpful. The course will provide you with the opportunity to learn about Spanish language and culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. If you are interested in a career in library science, this course may be helpful. The course will provide you with the opportunity to learn about Spanish language and culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Social Worker

Social workers help people in need. If you are interested in a career in social work, this course may be helpful. The course will provide you with the opportunity to learn about Spanish language and culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Curator

Curators oversee and manage collections of artifacts and works of art. If you are interested in a career in museum studies, this course may be helpful. The course will provide you with the opportunity to learn about Spanish language and culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curator

Museum Educator

Museum educators develop and deliver educational programs for museum visitors. If you are interested in a career in museum education, this course may be helpful. The course will provide you with the opportunity to learn about Spanish language and culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator

Nonprofit Administrator

Nonprofit administrators manage the operations of nonprofit organizations. If you are interested in a career in nonprofit management, this course may be helpful. The course will provide you with the opportunity to learn about Spanish language and culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Administrator

Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical records. If you are interested in a career in archival science, this course may be helpful. The course will provide you with the opportunity to learn about Spanish language and culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist