Coffee Break Spanish

Join Mark and Alba as they dive into the enchanting region of Galicia, where Alba’s boyfriend David shares fascinating insights about its lush landscapes and vibrant culture. The trio then lightens the mood with a discussion on Valentine's Day traditions in Spain, highlighting the unique Sant Jordi celebration. Alba and David offer romantic phrases perfect for love notes, and later, a movie recommendation about Che Guevara adds a cinematic twist. Plus, get practical tips on using the imperfect subjunctive for a deeper understanding of Spanish grammar.

Mark and Alba dive into the world of social networks like Facebook and Twitter, exploring their role in language learning and real-life interactions. Privacy concerns are raised as they discuss the balance between connectivity and unwanted contacts. The film Habana Blues is introduced, highlighting themes of friendship and ambition in Cuba. José also teaches useful phrases for expressing you've had enough in Spanish, alongside essential grammar tips, including the subjunctive and the vosotros imperative.

Mark and Alba dive into the world of poetry, celebrating the legacy of Scottish poet Robert Burns. They explore the themes of unpredictability in his poem 'To a Mouse' and even recite it in Scots. Switching gears, Alba introduces Spanish poet Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer’s romantic Rima XXI. Listeners learn helpful Spanish phrases and alternatives to suggest activities. Finally, a film recommendation, 'Secretos del Corazón,' rounds out the discussion, making language learning both entertaining and enriching.

Mark and Alba dive into holiday traditions, revealing quirky practices like eating twelve grapes at midnight for good luck. They discuss their New Year resolutions, with goals ranging from quitting smoking to learning new languages. Alba recommends the touching film 'La Lengua de las Mariposas.' José shares playful tips on giving compliments in Spanish, while Mark clarifies grammar points like emphatic phrases and how to express past durations. It's a festive mix of culture, language, and personal goals!

Teenage character Laura, fresh from Scotland, arrives in Spain for a summer filled with adventure. This captivating storyline reveals her encounters with new neighbors and her growing friendship with Estela, who offers a tantalizing job opportunity at a local bakery. Amid all the excitement, tension brews when Laura receives shocking news about her boyfriend Jack, leaving her summer plans hanging by a thread. Tune in for drama, friendship, and unexpected twists in Laura's journey!

Explore vibrant Christmas traditions in Spain as hosts Mark and Alba share their festive family celebrations. Discover unique rituals like the Cagatió, a decorated log that 'delivers' gifts when treated with care. Learn about the enchanting Three Kings who bring presents on January 6, and the contrast with Christmas gifts from Papa Noel. The episode also dives into essential Spanish vocabulary and grammar tips, making it a delightful mix of culture and language learning just in time for the holidays!

In episode 8, Alba and Mark discuss smoking laws in different countries. Language points covered include the future perfect tense, eg. “I will have stopped smoking”, the use of soler, and the phrase pillar a alguien desprevenido. José’s intermedio covers two phrases which you can use to describe how well you speak Spanish. Please note that lesson 08 of Season 3 was originally known as lesson 308 of Coffee Break Spanish. We have renumbered the lessons of each season as lessons 1-40 to make things more simple for our listeners.This season of Coffee Break Spanish features a total of 40 lessons, all of which will be included in the podcast feed. Just stay subscribed to the podcast to enjoy each episode. If you’d like to benefit from video versions, lesson notes and bonus audio materials, you can access the premium version of Coffee Break Spanish in the Coffee Break Academy.Don’t forget to follow Coffee Break Spanish on Facebook where we post language activities, cultural points and review materials to help you practise your Spanish. Remember - a few minutes a day can help you build your confidence in the language. Access the Coffee Break Spanish Facebook page here.If you’d like to find out what goes on behind the scenes here at Coffee Break Languages, follow @coffeebreaklanguages on Instagram.You can also check out our Coffee Break Spanish Twitter page and the Coffee Break Languages YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the vibrant seasons of the year as Mark and Alba share their personal favorites. Alba revels in summer's sun and fun, while Mark prefers the crispness of winter's chilly days. Discover delightful details about blooming almond trees in spring and Scotland's striking autumn colors. Learn how to express surprise in Spanish with José's fun intermission and dive into some intriguing grammar points, including the use of 'o sea' and the combination of object pronouns. Enjoy a light-hearted joke that reflects on parenting!

Mark and Alba share their adventures in Edinburgh, including family outings and visits to iconic attractions like the Scottish Parliament. They even break into a song from Mary Poppins, showcasing some fun language learning moments. José introduces phrases for expressing surprise and discussing messiness around the house. The hosts dive into grammar, exploring the pluperfect tense and the use of double indirect pronouns for emphasis. It's a delightful mix of travel tales and Spanish language tips!

Dive into a lively summer adventure with a Spanish dad, Scottish mum, and their bilingual daughter! They dash through packing for Spain and discuss important phrases before takeoff. The suspense builds as the family arrives at their new home, curious about noisy neighbors and internet access. Cultural insights mingle with language learning, highlighting family dynamics and communication challenges. With laughter and learning in the air, this soap opera sets the stage for future escapades!