One of the biggest hurdles to mastering a second language is learning how to speak naturally. Here is a humorous, one-of-a-kind program that teaches readers how to carry a conversation without sounding stilted or awkward. Spanish Among Amigosallows language learners to eavesdrop on two native speakers and their befuddled English-speaking friend Tom. As they talk about a host of topics, the reader becomes accustomed to conversing naturally in Spanish.

Each of the book's 21 units of dialogue includes:

• A multiple-choice comprehension check
• A vocabulary quiz
• Hints on grammar and usage

  Put away your textbook and learn how to really speak Spanish Among Amigos

  Textbook Spanish has its place--in the classroom. If you want to communicate with real people, however, it's time to leave the stilted dialogues and formal syntax behind. Instead, flip open Spanish Among Amigos and start hanging out with two native Spanish speakers with attitude, Pepa and Pili. These Spanish gals will make you smile, chuckle, raise your eyebrows, and--most important of all--learn to speak Spanish naturally.

  With twenty-one short, easily digestible units, this hands-on fluency builder introduces you to everyday Spanish in a conversational context. This doesn't mean you'll be inundated with idioms and slang; rather, you'll be immersed in dialogues that feel so spontaneous you'll swear you're eavesdropping. At the same time, you'll pick up common words and expressions related to a broad range of true-to-life topics. In these pages you'll:

  • Immerse yourself in realistic conversations on everything from love and gossip to shopping and work
  • Gain insight into the nuances of verbal exchanges between Spanish speakers
  • Determine meaning through context rather than direct translation
  • Assess your comprehension with short quizzes and fill-in-the-blank exercises
  • Recognize and correct common beginners' mistakes as illustrated in dialogues with Pepa and Pili's American friend, Tom

  For those moments when context isn't enough, a glossary, an answer key, and English translations of the dialogues are all available at the end of the book. Both newcomers and fluent speakers--anyone ready to break free from the constraints of classroom language learning--will appreciate these entertaining, lighthearted lessons in how Spanish is really spoken among amigos.

Agulló, Nuria

Nuria Agulló is a teacher, translator, and interpreter.