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The "flavor" of the word "Indigenous"

by Lulu

Sep 23, 2016

Hoping a native speaker can help me with this. I'm working with a US/Mexican nonprofit to retool the website and tagline. The group supports indigenous Zapotec Indian communities. In English it is natural to use the word "indigenous" to describe such a community and it's not in any way pejorative. What I'm not sure about is whether a lite...See More

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Lulu Thanks for the response. In doing a little research on line I did see indígena as the best of the bunch, with a lot of other terms such as "indio" as more negative. At the same time we don't want to offend the people we're trying to work with.

I'm hesitant to use a Zapotec word because the vast majority of our donor base speaks ...See MoreThanks for the response. In doing a little research on line I did see indígena as the best of the bunch, with a lot of other terms such as "indio" as more negative. At the same time we don't want to offend the people we're trying to work with.

I'm hesitant to use a Zapotec word because the vast majority of our donor base speaks either English or Spanish. The idea of using the word Zapotec has already been rejected as too specific. We're thinking of using "communidades rurales" because even though it doesn't mean exactly the same thing it gets the point across and much of the work we're doing is with schools classified officially as "rural schools".

It sound like from what you've said and other feedback we might still be able to get away with using indigenous in our English tag line. To an English ear "rural"doesn't create the same imagery as "indigenous", which feels like a richer, more evocative word.

So many opportunities to grab and pitfalls to avoid!

On 9/23/16, Jennifer wrote: > On 9/23/16, Lulu wrote: >> Hoping a native speaker can help me with this. I'm working >> with a US/Mexican nonprofit to retool the website and >> tagline. The group supports indigenous Zapotec Indian >> communities. In English it is natural to use the word >> "indigenous" to describe such a community and it's not in >> any way pejorative. What I'm not sure about is whether a >> literal translation (indígena/indígenas) works as well in >> Spanish. Is there a "flavor" to the word not carried by the >> English word? For instance in English you could say >> someone was part of a native community or talk about >> native culture but if you were to call them a native it would >> carry about it a ghost of savage redskins scalping the white >> folk. Any thoughts or opinions? > > Any of the terms that are sometimes used can be viewed as having > a negative connotation if used in certain contexts since there > is quite a lot of prejudice against indigenous communities in > many parts of Mexico. But in my experience the word indígena is > the better of the various words that are sometimes used to refer > to the indigenous communities of Mexico and is a term sometimes > used by the indigenous communities themselves. If the group you > are working with focuses exclusively on Zapotec communities, > even better would be to refer to them in Spanish as comunidades > zapotecas or to find out what they call themselves in the local > Zapotec language. I know that the native name for the Zapotec > language spoken near Tehuantepec is Didxazá, for example. But if > you are not able to get advice from the communities themselves, > I do think you are safe with indígena.

Sep 23, 2016

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mswa I'm not a native speaker, but when I took classes in Mexico about Mexican history, etc., they used the word "indígena". I agree with the previous poster that in certain contexts it could have a negative connotation, but I imagine you won't have that problem with the way you are using the word.

On 9/23/16, Lulu wrote: > Thanks...See MoreI'm not a native speaker, but when I took classes in Mexico about Mexican history, etc., they used the word "indígena". I agree with the previous poster that in certain contexts it could have a negative connotation, but I imagine you won't have that problem with the way you are using the word.

On 9/23/16, Lulu wrote: > Thanks for the response. In doing a little research on line I did > see indígena as the best of the bunch, with a lot of other terms > such as "indio" as more negative. At the same time we don't > want to offend the people we're trying to work with. > > I'm hesitant to use a Zapotec word because the vast majority > of our donor base speaks either English or Spanish. The idea of > using the word Zapotec has already been rejected as too > specific. We're thinking of using "communidades rurales" > because even though it doesn't mean exactly the same thing it > gets the point across and much of the work we're doing is with > schools classified officially as "rural schools". > > It sound like from what you've said and other feedback we > might still be able to get away with using indigenous in our > English tag line. To an English ear "rural"doesn't create the > same imagery as "indigenous", which feels like a richer, more > evocative word. > > So many opportunities to grab and pitfalls to avoid! > > On 9/23/16, Jennifer wrote: >> On 9/23/16, Lulu wrote: >>> Hoping a native speaker can help me with this. I'm working >>> with a US/Mexican nonprofit to retool the website and >>> tagline. The group supports indigenous Zapotec Indian >>> communities. In English it is natural to use the word >>> "indigenous" to describe such a community and it's not in >>> any way pejorative. What I'm not sure about is whether a >>> literal translation (indígena/indígenas) works as well in >>> Spanish. Is there a "flavor" to the word not carried by the >>> English word? For instance in English you could say >>> someone was part of a native community or talk about >>> native culture but if you were to call them a native it would >>> carry about it a ghost of savage redskins scalping the white >>> folk. Any thoughts or opinions? >> >> Any of the terms that are sometimes used can be viewed as > having >> a negative connotation if used in certain contexts since there >> is quite a lot of prejudice against indigenous communities in >> many parts of Mexico. But in my experience the word > indígena is >> the better of the various words that are sometimes used to > refer >> to the indigenous communities of Mexico and is a term > sometimes >> used by the indigenous communities themselves. If the group > you >> are working with focuses exclusively on Zapotec > communities, >> even better would be to refer to them in Spanish as > comunidades >> zapotecas or to find out what they call themselves in the > local >> Zapotec language. I know that the native name for the > Zapotec >> language spoken near Tehuantepec is Didxazá, for example. > But if >> you are not able to get advice from the communities > themselves, >> I do think you are safe with indígena.

Sep 27, 2016

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Recommend Spanish textbook

by Linda Endow Hall

Aug 30, 2016

This is my year for a Spanish textbook review with adoption coming next year. I have not purchased a new Spanish text in 9 years so am looking for recommendations. I want to go paperless in my classroom so need a text that is interactive.

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Daniel Hanson I agree that the text is based off of college-level
curriculum. However, I have been able to use it just fine.
For the vocabulary, I focus more on the first 4 sections
of the vocabulary from each chapter because that is truly
the active vocabulary of the chapter. The other vocabulary
sections are for passive vocabulary to be able to ...See More

Sep 23, 2016

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Lisa Are there any workbooks you recommend for high school 9 and 10 graders?

On 9/23/16, Daniel Hanson wrote: > I agree that the text is based off of college-level > curriculum. However, I have been able to use it just fine. > For the vocabulary, I focus more on the first 4 sections > of the vocabulary from each chapter because that...See MoreAre there any workbooks you recommend for high school 9 and 10 graders?

On 9/23/16, Daniel Hanson wrote: > I agree that the text is based off of college-level > curriculum. However, I have been able to use it just fine. > For the vocabulary, I focus more on the first 4 sections > of the vocabulary from each chapter because that is truly > the active vocabulary of the chapter. The other vocabulary > sections are for passive vocabulary to be able to do the > short films, literature and culture readings. > > As for the grammar, I like that it has a more thorough > grammar approach that most high school Spanish textbooks. > To me, En Español's grammar was watered down a bit and > Realidades had barely any grammar (although the kids found > the grammar clips from Realidades corny and somewhat > engaging). So far, for the grammar in my Spanish 3 classes > (using Descubre level 3), the grammar concepts have been > more review than anything. We are doing the first three > chapters for the first quarter. (Our district does 4x4 > block schedule.) > > I like the amount of online helps and resources Descubre > has. I also am liking that I can assign partner chats, > etc., online whenever I want. This gives students more > opportunities to use more spontaneous language as well as > helps them to stay focused during speaking activities > during the class period because they have to record > themselves. It is a great management tool for teachers as > well. > > This semester is the first official semester that our > entire district (5 high schools) is using the textbook. > The staff seems to like it over all. There is no book that > is going to be totally perfect. You must tweak things here > and there. Over all, I am satisfied with the text > (although the culture readings and stuff can be a little > hard in the Descubre Level 3 textbook). And I think it is > the best out there right now in term of preparing students > for AP Spanish Language and Culture and for the company's > Temas textbook, which is the top recommended textbook for > AP Language. > > On 9/22/16, Lola wrote: >> Descubre is too difficult and has too much grammar for >> high school students. I do not think it helps with >> proficiency. The super site is too hard. Poor students >> get frustrated with the super site...activities too >> difficult. But teachers like it. Easy > to >> grade. >> >> On 9/12/16, Monica :D wrote: >>> When we looked at it, they looked like a series for >>> college students. Do you think it's good enough for high >>> school? >>> >>> >>> >>> On 8/30/16, Daniel Hanson wrote: >>>> I have been reading book recommendations for years on >> this >>>> online teacher forums. Last Spring our district piloted >>>> Realidades, Avancemos, and Descubre. Our district is >>>> now using Descubre. The materials are very good at >>>> preparing students for the caliber of AP Spanish >>>> language. There are lots of authentic materials as well >>>> as film. The online materials are the best I have seen >>>> up until now and the >> tech >>>> support line has been very helpful, much better than >>>> Realidades. >>>> >>>> Avancemos was pretty much the same as what our district >>> had >>>> the past 20 years (En Español) and their online >>>> material >> was >>>> lacking. The Realidades material was very watered down >> and >>>> the tech support wasn't as good as Descubre. It also >>>> felt like the material wasn't rigorous enough for >>>> preparing students for AP. There were lots of errors >>>> and problems >> with >>>> the online material. There were a lot of PDFs instead >>>> of >> more >>>> interactive materials. >>>> >>>> On 8/30/16, Linda Endow Hall wrote: >>>>> This is my year for a Spanish textbook review with >>>>> adoption coming next year. I have not purchased a new >>>>> Spanish text in 9 years so am looking for >>>>> recommendations. I want to go paperless in my >> classroom >>>>> so need a text that is interactive.

Sep 25, 2016

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Hola

by Lisa

Sep 21, 2016

Hello, I am new to teaching this year and I was wondering are there any fun ways to help students El Calendario or La Hora. We have been working on these however before there vocabulary test next week I was looking for a fun game to help them stay engaged. Thank you in Advanced.

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Julieta You could use one of the Calendar songs like Calendario de amor amor by Tatiana (there's a free activity at teachers pay teachers) or Calendario by Pasabordo at speaking latino dot co com.

Julieta

On 9/21/16, Lisa wrote: > Hello, > I am new to teaching this year and I was wondering are there there > any fun ways to help s...See More

Sep 22, 2016

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Lisa On 9/22/16, Julieta wrote:

Thank you!

> You could use one of the Calendar songs like Calendario de amor > amor by Tatiana (there's a free activity at teachers pay > teachers) or Calendario by Pasabordo at speaking latino dot co > com. > > Julieta > > On 9/21/16, Lisa wrote: >> Hello, >> I am new...See More

Sep 25, 2016

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Señor Wooly

by Gloria

Sep 16, 2016

I am sure many of you use senorwooly.com. I absolutely love it and it gets better every year. He certainly makes quality products and the kids love watching and really do learn from him.

My question is - I know I used to use a chant from his site for teaching the preterite endings and I cannot find it anywhere. Is there anyone out there wh...See More

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gloria I see the preterite of "ir" and I see the preterite of "hacer". I do not see the regular preterite endings that had both -ar ending and -er/ir endings.

Maybe I am just ciega! :)

On 9/20/16, Ann wrote: > It is there - click on "Blog". Then, on the right hand > side of the blog page there are &qu...See More

Sep 20, 2016

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Ann Oops! It is not there. Just email him - he's really good about responding. > > > > > On 9/20/16, Ann wrote: >> It is there - click on "Blog". Then, on the right hand >> side of the blog page there are "conjugation rhythms". >> Click on that and scroll down. Suerte :)

Sep 23, 2016

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Realidades

by lafamafavefestrafa

Sep 22, 2016

Where do students have to get to in Realidades 1, to be okay starting Realidades 2?

Surely not through the ENTIRE book?

Lafa mafavefestrafa

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Daniel Hanson I would go at least to Unit 7: De Compras.

On 9/22/16, lafamafavefestrafa wrote: > Where do students have to get to in Realidades 1, to be > okay starting Realidades 2? > > Surely not through the ENTIRE book? > > Lafa mafavefestrafa

Sep 22, 2016

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Destinos

by trojanteacher

Sep 29, 2015

¡Hola todos! Wondering if anyone out there still uses Destinos...I watched in high school and am now a teacher. I liked it and thought it was very helpful at the time but is it dated? Or are there any other comparable series out there that are more current? Gracias :)

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Shirley Rytych I use "Destinos" each year with my Spanish 2 students during the last 9 weeks, and they always enjoy watching it. Although the clothing may be a little dated, it doesn't seem to bother them at all, and they always look forward to seeing it. They find the story line interesting, and they like the opportunity to listen to the Spanish. I bel...See MoreI use "Destinos" each year with my Spanish 2 students during the last 9 weeks, and they always enjoy watching it. Although the clothing may be a little dated, it doesn't seem to bother them at all, and they always look forward to seeing it. They find the story line interesting, and they like the opportunity to listen to the Spanish. I believe it is a positive experience that helps my students to grow in their understanding of Spanish.

On 9/29/15, Susan Jones wrote: > The BBC has "Mi Vida Loca," but it is not as many episodes > nor is as comprehensive, but it's free which is always good > and it strictly covers Spain which is difficult to find > nowadays. My students have enjoyed it, and I used it about 3 > semesters as intro/review for level 2 or at the end of level > 1. > > > > > > > > On 9/29/15, Julieta wrote: >> I used Destinos a few years ago. >> >> I used "Pura vida" but they really didn't like that. Pura >> Vida has 13 episodes or so. It takes place in Costa Rica. > At >> least Destinos is goofy enough to laugh at. >> >> They liked Extra but it's not really past 2nd year. Extra >> takes place in Spain. >> >> There's a college level series, "Sol y Viento." They do > drink >> though, which may not be okay in your school since it takes >> place at a vineyard. More reviews are at Amazon. It takes >> place in Chile. 10-12 episodes if I remember right. There's > a >> textbook that goes with it but you don't need to use the >> textbook to show the movie. Still 1st-2nd year Spanish. >> >> I also did "Aventuras Vascas" but that is only 1st-2nd year >> and there are only about 6 episodes. Two British students > are >> on an exchange program. There is drinking also. >> >> I haven't found a new series but you may get other answers. >> >> Julieta >> >> >> >> On 9/29/15, trojanteacher wrote: >>> ¡Hola todos! >>> Wondering if anyone out there still uses Destinos...I >>> watched in high school and am now a teacher. I liked it >>> and thought it was very helpful at the time but is it >>> dated? Or are there any other comparable series out >>> there that are more current? >>> Gracias :)

Jan 21, 2016

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Andrew I show Destinos EVERY year in Spanish 2 and 3. We do the
first half of the series in level 2, and then finish the
series in 3. It's a great way to supplement the course,
bringing in some authentic Spanish and the opportunity to
discuss different cultural aspects of the places visited
in the series! And although it's very dated, I've<...See More

Sep 22, 2016

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Hola

by Lisa

Sep 21, 2016

Also I have no current book to teach with, are there any recommendations of a workbook that I can look into that will help. I currently have Spanish 1, 2 and 3 classes. If I can find something to work with the school is willing to order a class set. Any help would be appreciated. Gracias

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Grading Vocabulary Sentences

by MaggieDiaz

Sep 20, 2016

Hey friends,

How do you grade vocabulary sentences?? From time to time I still have my students write vocabulary sentences when I assign new lists and I'm just wondering what you all do when grading vocabulary sentences for levels 1-3. Gracias de antemano! :)

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