After an enjoyable meal our two couples are about to enjoy a coffee and un petit digeo. The conversation continues between David, Christina, Sophie and Jean-Jacques in this penultimate episode of the series. Expressions covered include ça te dirait de faire quelque chose, aussitôt que, and further examples of the future and conditional tenses. Please note that lesson 39 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 79 of Coffee Break French. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 38 – Coffee Break French
In the 38th episode of the course, we continue our radio play featuring David and Christina who are having dinner with their new friends Sophie and Jean-Jacques. This lesson introduces the pluperfect tense and also looks at a few examples of avoir expressions, including avoir l’habitude, avoir besoin de quelque chose and avoir de la chance. Please note that lesson 38 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 78 of Coffee Break French. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 10 – Coffee Break Spanish
In episode 10 of Coffee Break Spanish Season 2 we’re putting what we’ve learned in recent weeks about descriptions to the test with an identity game. Please note that lesson 10 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 210 of Coffee Break Spanish. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 09 – Coffee Break Spanish
This week on Coffee Break Spanish Season 2 we’re taking a further look at adjectives and we’ll be doing more practice using adjectives and making them agree with the word they describe. We’ll also take a look at describing people, including talking about hair and eyes. Please note that lesson 09 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 209 of Coffee Break Spanish. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 37 – Coffee Break French
In lesson 37 our radio play continues and Sophie, Jean-Jacques, David and Christina are talking about what they will be doing in the coming days. We’ll therefore be taking a look at the future tense. Please note that lesson 37 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 77 of Coffee Break French. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 08 – Coffee Break Spanish
An easy way of extending your range of language is by using adjectives, and this lesson of Coffee Break Spanish looks at adjectives in detail. In Spanish adjectives have to “agree” with the word they describe and you’ll learn the rules of adjective agreements. Please note that lesson 8 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 208 of Coffee Break Spanish. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 36 – Coffee Break French
In this lesson of Coffee Break French, our radio play continues. Sometimes it’s difficult to know when to use tu and when to use vous when speaking to people in French. In this lesson, Jean-Jacques suggests that he and David should tutoyer each other – ie. use the tu form. This lesson includes some useful tips on dealing with tu and vous. We also take a close look at the conditional tense. Please note that lesson 36 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 76 of Coffee Break French. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 35 – Coffee Break French
Our radio play continues in this week’s lesson as David and Christina get to know Jean-Jacques and Sophie a bit more. They talk about their children and pets, and about the food they’re going to order. The conversation includes some examples of the conditional tense, the comparative, and the use of the word en. Please note that lesson 35 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 75 of Coffee Break French. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 07 – Coffee Break Spanish
In lesson 7 it’s time to take a look at radical changing verbs, verbs which have some regular spelling changes in certain parts of the verb. Once you get used to these patterns you’ll be conjugating verbs like querer, pensar, poder and volver without a problem! Please note that lesson 7 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 207 of Coffee Break Spanish. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 06 – Coffee Break Spanish
In lesson 6 Mark and Kara look at the difference between ser and estar, the two verbs which mean ‘to be’ in Spanish, and a grammar point learners often find difficult. Please note that lesson 06 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 206 of Coffee Break Spanish. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 34 – Coffee Break French
In this week’s episode of Coffee Break French David and Christina decide to join Jean-Jacques and Sophie for dinner in the latest instalment of our ‘radio play’. Topics covered include a review of beaucoup de and a very brief introduction to the subjunctive mood. Please note that lesson 34 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 74 of Coffee Break French. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 05 – Coffee Break Spanish
In lesson 5 Mark and Kara look further at making arrangements using the tricky Spanish verb quedar. Please note that lesson 5 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 205 of Coffee Break Spanish. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 33 – Coffee Break French
In this episode of Coffee Break French our conversation between David, Christina and Jean-Jacques continues, and they are joined by Jean-Jacques’ wife, Sophie. Topics covered include the use of ça vous dirait de + infinitive to suggest an activity. We also take a look at negatives in the form of ne … pas and ne … jamais. Please note that lesson 33 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 73 of Coffee Break French. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 04 – Coffee Break Spanish
In lesson 4 Mark and Kara look at making arrangements and introduce the idea of irregular verbs, using ir (to go) and hacer (to do/make) as examples. Please note that lesson 04 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 204 of Coffee Break Spanish. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 32 – Coffee Break French
In episode 32 of Coffee Break French we’ll hear the next instalment of the conversation between David, Christina and Jean-Jacques. Please note that lesson 32 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 72 of Coffee Break French. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 03 – Coffee Break Spanish
Lesson 3 introduces the concept of reflexive verbs and completes our teaching on talking about your daily routine. Please note that lesson 03 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 203 of Coffee Break Spanish. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 02 – Coffee Break Spanish
Lesson 2 continues where we left off last time and looks further at conjugating verbs within the context of daily routine and making arrangements. Please note that lesson 2 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 202 of Coffee Break Spanish. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 01 – Coffee Break Spanish
Hello and welcome to another season of Coffee Break Spanish! In level 1 we concentrated on learning useful words and phrases for a whole range of situations you’re likely to encounter on a trip to a Spanish-speaking part of the world. However, to a certain extent we’ve been concentrating on set phrases. In level 2 it’s now time to look more deeply at how the language is constructed, and you’ll learn to create the language yourself. Episode 1 introduces the idea of verbs and you’ll learn to conjugate a verb in its six forms. You’ll be talking about what you do at the weekend, and answering the question ¿Qué haces durante el fin de semana?. Please note that lesson 01 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 201 of Coffee Break Spanish. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
Season 2 – Lesson 31 – Coffee Break French
One of the main things learners seem to be finding difficult is the idea of making conversation with people. It’s easy enough to order a coffee, or book into a hotel, and saying the words and phrases you’ve learned at the appropriate time is great, but sometimes it’s not enough. What happens when you ask a question and you receive 30 seconds of solid French in return? In the final ten lessons of Coffee Break French we’ve created something which we think will help you develop your range of language, and allow you to get more used to picking out the key words and phrases as you listen. We’re delighted to introduce this first episode in a series of ten shows which introduce a ‘radio play’, featuring Scottish couple “David” and “Christina”, who are on holiday in Villefranche, who meet up with Jean-Jacques and his wife Sophie. Each lesson will feature excerpts from the long conversation in which David and Christina get to know their new friends.
In this first episode, David and Christina get lost on the way to the Lion D’Or, a restaurant in Villefranche. They bump into Jean-Jacques who happens to be heading the same way and they end up going to the restaurant together. They chat on the way to the restaurant.Please note that lesson 31 of Season 2 was originally known as lesson 71 of Coffee Break French. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.
An introduction to los idiomas de España
While many might associate Spain primarily with the Spanish language, known as español or castellano, the linguistic landscape of Spain is much more diverse. This article will introduce you to los idiomas de España, providing an informative yet friendly overview for beginner learners of Spanish.
By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the main languages spoken in Spain and the unique cultural tapestry they represent.
In the podcast we cover this topic in a conversation in Spanish, so don’t forget to listen to it to continue practising your Spanish and to learn more vocabulary pieces!
Español or castellano
Let’s start with the most widely spoken language in Spain: español, also referred to as castellano. This is the official language of the entire country and is understood by virtually all Spaniards.
Originating from the Castile region, castellano spread throughout Spain and beyond during the country’s period of exploration and colonisation. When people refer to learning Spanish, they are typically referring to this language.
Catalán
Catalán is another significant language spoken in Spain, primarily in the northeastern region of Catalonia, which includes the vibrant city of Barcelona. Catalán is also spoken in the Balearic Islands and parts of Valencia.
It is a Romance language, like español, but it has its own distinct grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Catalán has a strong cultural presence, with literature, media, and education systems supporting its use.
Valenciano
Valenciano is a variety of catalán spoken in the Valencia region. While some debate exists about whether Valenciano is a distinct language or a dialect of catalán, it is officially recognised as a language in its own right in the Autonomous Community of Valencia.
Like catalán, it has its own set of linguistic norms and is used in education, media, and daily life. Understanding Valenciano offers a deeper appreciation of los idiomas de España, and the regional pride of Valencia’s residents.
Gallego
In the northwestern region of Galicia, you’ll find gallego, another of los idiomas de España. This language shares roots with Portuguese, and their similarities are evident in their vocabulary and grammar.
Gallego has a rich literary tradition and is used widely in both spoken and written forms. The Galician government supports its use in education and official matters, ensuring that gallego remains a vital part of Galicia’s cultural identity.
Vasco (Euskera)
Vasco, also known as euskera, is perhaps the most unique of los idiomas de España. Spoken in the Basque Country and parts of Navarre, vasco is a language isolate, meaning it has no known relatives.
Euskera or vasco is not related to any other language in the world, making it a fascinating subject of study. Efforts to promote euskera include its use in schools, media, and official documents, reflecting the Basque people’s dedication to preserving their linguistic heritage.
The diversity of Spain’s Languages
Los idiomas de España bring linguistic diversity of Spain and is a testament to its rich cultural heritage. Each language — español, catalán, valenciano, gallego, and vasco— offers a unique window into the history and identity of its speakers. For beginner learners of Spanish, learning about the culture of these languages provides a broader perspective on what it means to be part of the Spanish-speaking world.
Whether you’re walking the streets of Barcelona, enjoying the coastline of Galicia, or exploring the Basque Country, you’ll encounter the vibrant tapestry of los idiomas de España. Each language adds its own flavour to the cultural landscape, making Spain a truly multilingual nation.
Learning about los idiomas de España enriches your understanding of the country and enhances your language learning journey. While español is the most widely spoken language, the regional languages of catalán, valenciano, gallego, and vasco each contribute to Spain’s unique cultural mosaic. Embrace the diversity, and you’ll find yourself appreciating not just a language but a whole world of traditions, histories, and identities.
By exploring these languages, you’ll improve your Spanish skills and gain a deeper connection to Spain’s diverse and vibrant nation.
And this is the end of Coffee Break Spanish Level 1! Congratulations on finishing this level and ¡bien hecho! Coffee Break Spanish Level 2 is the natural progression from here if you want to continue learning and practising.
Mucho ánimo and happy Coffee Breaking!
