Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish by Joseph J. Keenan
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Book Reviews of Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish
Book Review: The Best Spanish Reference Book for Middle to Advanced Speakers
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a book that I have been searching for. Most of the books I have come across only give very "stiff-sounding" vocabulary and idioms. The author of this book seems to be someone similar to me in how I learned Spanish; 10 years of school and college and then going to Spanish speaking countries and dating Spanish women. He is very good at explaining a lot of things that are culture related. For example, the difference between "nice" and "not so nice" people in Spanish are differentiated as buen educado and mal educado.
What I hate about most Spanish/English dictionaries is that words are not necessarily translated properly and I noticed that reverse lookup from the Spanish and the English sections sometimes don't correlate (saca puntos, which is pencil sharpener is incorrectly translated in the English section of many dictionaries to corta lapices). What I really find more valuable at my level is a Spanish dictionary with Spanish translations. This book is a valuable as that type of dictionary.
So far this is the best book I have found for my level of Spanish.
Book Review: Daily Pragmatics
Summary: 5 Stars
People who study linguistics distinguish between syntax (the study of how words work together to make gramatically well-formed sentences), semantics (how well-formed sentences come to mean things), and pragmatics (how utterances elicit responses when spoken and used between speakers). Lots of Spanish grammar books are strong on syntax and semantics, but this is just about the only one I know of which is about pragmatics, the kinds of responses that you may (inadvertently or intentionally) elicit from native speakers when making utterances in Spanish. This includes, for example, the fact that (irrelevant to syntax and semantics) the habitual use of 'yo' to refer to oneself is perceived as rather snotty, grammatical though it may be. Nonverbal behaviors are also discussed in helpful ways; the reader may not be aware that tapping out the "shave and a haircut, two bits" rhythm is the equivalent of sticking your middle finger in someone's face. Knowing this can save one serious problems in a Spanish-speaking culture. Information like this makes Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish a great resource.Book Review: All Students of Spanish Need This Book
Summary: 5 Stars
Have you studied some--or perhaps a great deal of--Spanish, but find yourself falling into the same traps that peg you for a gringo year after year? Ferret out this book and get to know it very well. Despite the unassuming title, this dynamic book will teach at least a few things to everyone learning Spanish, no matter what their level, and Keenan's lighthearted style makes it pain-free. Learn the "crutch words" to use if your Spanish is halting--the Spanish equivalents of "um," "er," and "you know." He has pondered over the subtleties and shadings of communication and happily invites us to crank up our skills. Chapter 9 gives you "Snappy Answers"; the stock phrases and comebacks you hear constantly in Spanish conversation, e.g., "de acuerdo," "?en serio?," and "!imaginese!," but which may require some background to use properly. Tricksters, "falsos amigos" (false cognates), invective--I could go on and with the delights of this book for all students of Spanish but instead encourage you to explore it on your own.Book Review: Practical colloquial Spanish at its best.
Summary: 5 Stars
This book avoids the dull approach and concentrates mainly on providing practical advice so as to make it easier to communicate effectively with native speakers. The most common words, phrases and idiomatic expressions not generally covered in standard textbooks or taught in schools, is the main focal point. Several snappy filler and transition words designed to initiate or continue a conversation are offered to help reduce the problem of becoming entangled in a web of confusion which often leaves you speechless or embarrassed. Many commonly used verbs, etc. are presented in context with enough examples explaining their usage, with a view to eliminating the situation that can arise where some statements, though said in good faith and innocence, can be construed as obscene or insulting.
Popular expletives, as used among native speakers, are included to add a bit of spice and variety since these expressions form a part of every living language. Therefore, each student ought to become familiar with these everyday expressions, if only for the sake of knowledge. This book is worth the price.
Book Review: Not so much a language book as a guide into another culture
Summary: 5 Stars
You may as well be trying to learn Latin with most Spanish books. Not only are they dry and boring, they are absolutely lifeless! Keenan presents Spanish as a living language, full of real life examples and situations (and I don't mean asking the maid in your hotel room for more towels!) I have read this book until the pages have fallen out. Take it from someone who followed Keenan's advice, went to Mexico, and started talking to the locals - you will never find a more helpful resource for your sojourn. The section on invectives and obcenities is worth the price of admission. You may never have an inclination to use any of these words, but I guarantee you it is very, very useful knowing when they are being used toward you. Finally, never have I encountered a Spanish language book which enlightens one as to why everything in Spanish is reversed, e.g. blanca y negra for black and white. Keenan's wonderful book helps you get inside the Spanish speaker's mind and world to the extent that you might just realize it is the English speaker that has everything backwards.