Exploring the Spanish Culture for Enhanced Speaking Skills

Exploring the Spanish Culture

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to enhance your speaking skills by gaining a deeper understanding of the Spanish culture.

Introduce the lesson objective and explain the importance of gaining cultural knowledge for language fluency.

In which countries of the world can we speak Spanish?

What do you already know about the Spanish culture?

Geography

Did you know that the Spanish language spans four continents, as the official language of 21 countries.

With close to 500 million native speakers as of 2022, Spanish is the 2nd most-spoken language in the world after Mandarin Chinese.

What do you think about it?

Introduce the geography of Spain and show some pictures of the country.

Hispanic Food

From tacos and quesadillas to tres leches cake and margaritas, Hispanic food has become integrated into the cuisine of many countries around the world. But no matter how well-known and appreciated Hispanic cuisine is, there are many authentic Hispanic dishes you may not be familiar with. To honor the rich culture and heritage of people from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, consider celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month in your restaurant with some of these traditional Hispanic foods!

What do you think about it?

Talk about the famous dishes in Spain and encourage students to try them.

Holidays & Festivals

What are some holidays and festivals only celebrated in the Spanish-speaking world?

What do you think about it?

Explain some of the most popular festivals in Spain and show pictures or videos.

Language

With so many Spanish-speaking countries in the world, learning Spanish means you're learning the second most common language in the world by native speakers.

Spanish is the official language in 20 countries with over 480 million native Spanish speakers, not to mention countless Spanish language learners all over the world.

What do you think about it?

Introduce the Spanish language and its importance in the world.

Art

Throughout the history of art, Hispanic artists have carved an important position as trailblazers. Unafraid to take risks, they often incorporate symbols and techniques that recall their native cultures. Beyond this, many of the most famous Hispanic artists also use their creativity as a platform to discuss political and social upheaval in an effort to affect change and inspire national pride.

What do you think about it?

Explain the importance of art in Spanish culture and show some famous paintings.

History

To honor the heritage, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx people. This also encompasses U.S. citizens whose ancestors are from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. 

The terms Hispanic, Latino/a, and Latinx refer to a person’s culture or origin—as opposed to their race. In the 2020 Census, people were counted as Hispanic or Latino or Spanish if they identified as having “Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin.”

What do you think about it?

Talk about the history of Spain and its impact on the country's culture.

Customs

Hispanic people have a rich culture and celebrations are part of their heritage. Do you know any?

What do you think about it?

Explain the customs and traditions of Spain and why they are important to the culture.

Final Speaking Exam

Now that we have explored the Spanish culture, you are prepared to ace the final speaking exam.

Remind students of the lesson objective and encourage them to use their newfound cultural knowledge in the exam.

What is the capital of Spain?

1. Seville
2. Barcelona
3. Madrid
4. Valencia

What is the currency of Mexico?

1. US dollar
2. Mexican peso
3. Euro
4. Japanese yen

Which South American country is known for its tango dance?

1. Chile
2. Colombia
3. Brazil
4. Argentina

What is the highest mountain peak in South America?

1. Aconcagua
2. Cotopaxi
3. Machu Picchu
4. Huayna Potosi

Which Caribbean island is divided into two countries?

1. Hispaniola
2. Cuba
3. Puerto Rico
4. Jamaica

Effective strategies for practising speaking skills and cultural immersion

• Immersion through Media
• Conversation Practice
• Role-playing
• Cultural Immersion
• Language Exchange Programs
• Pronunciation Practice

Group discussion

Express your opinion regarding Spanish culture. Use the information provided, and practice your speaking skills.

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Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.

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