LIFESTYLE

According to Herrera, many tutoring centres use an out dated way of teaching. For example, if you ask people how much French they speak after taking two years in high school you will get a clear picture of how unsuccessful it is, said Herrera. Currently, taking an elective in French at UTSC and a newcomer to the exchange, Rashida Hagan spots the difference. I felt out of my element at the exchange, but it was fun trying to hold a conversation, which I think is something we forget in the middle of readings. Although, Hagan is not a fluent speaker of Spanish or French, she believes books take up the majority of classes instead of oral communication. University has been a step up, but schools have all have these mandate for tests and exams, and it puts a bit of a damper on actually learning the language. Recently, these language exchanges have expanded into other languages including French, Italian, and many more. In addition, the Spanglish exchange is also collaborating with French program, TorontoBabel, to host French/Spanish nights once a month. These events serve as another avenue for interested parties to learn an additional language and share each respective countries culture. As well as allowing more room and space for eager learners. In addition, Herrera hosts his own personal site, MuchoSpanish that allows users to sign up and look at the history of the Spanish language. However, for Herrera, the sport of learning languages truly comes down to genuine interest and determination. As I say in my classes if you pass the ball thats game, if you dont pass the ball theres no game, so you have to swing at it, said Herrera.

Herreras Spanglish House

of Hospitality
By Jabbari Weekes

Carlos Herrera enjoys a cup of tea before teaching Spanish class

to Dianne [] I went to a couple meetings and found it very inter-

According to the Common European Framework for languages New to the country? Interestthe average beginner student ideally ed in learning a new language? after 30 hours should: Well, here is your invitation! Professional language instructor - Recognize and understand basic phrases for business and general interest, Carlos Herrera encourages - Organize simple sentences and language lovers to join the Span- read phrases on a notice or poster
glish exchange centre. Located near Dundas West, the Spanglish exchange calls on native speakers of Spanish and English to converse with people new to either language. Being in Toronto where Spanish is not the first language, its a good way to recreate a social situation where they can learn without the pressure of being in a classroom, said Herrera. Founded by former Spanish instructor, Dianne Sabine, in 2009. The Spanglish exchange was created for people to get together and practice in a comfortable social setting. I became a member of the group thanks

- Slower rate of speech but comprehend simple sentences -Write up short forms, addresses and personal details
esting how relaxed the enviroment was, said Herrera. After she stepped down, Herrera decided to pick up the torch and become head organizer. Emphasizing communication first and formal aspects like, grammar and sentence structure second, Herrera believes this makes the Spanglish exchange special in comparison to other learning centres in Toronto.

PAGINA p.aji.na 8 ocho (oh.cho)

Did You Know? Colombia is home to the worlds second largest population of Spanish speaking people.