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Sample Lesson: Mission Work |
Introduction
You have learned some basic grammar topics of the Spanish language for communication in
all circumstances. We'd like to outline some cultural information in this Lesson to introduce you
to Hispanics. As you read these points, think how Hispanic culture differs from
and is similar to your own.
Who are the Hispanics?
Hispanic Culture
Dialectal Variations
Who are the Hispanics?
Hispanics come from any of 20 nations around the world: in Europe, Spain; in
North America, Mexico; and 18 other nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.
The ethnic groups are mainly composed of American Indian, European, and African ancentry.
Roman Catholicism was introduced by the Europeans, and is the predominant religion of
Hispanics. However, today, there has been increasing influence from the Evangelical churches of
many denominations, thereby many Hispanics have had conversion experiences producing
many gifted Christian preachers and teachers around the world. Many of these preachers have
immigrated to the US and opened ethnic churches to reach out to the growing Hispanic community here.
Thus, Protestants number many in Latin America today.
Hispanic Culture
The culture of the Spanish-speaking world differs from the American culture in several ways.
One of these obvious differences is that whereas in the US the concept of the independence
of each individual is a strong concept, in Hispanic America, it is taught that the individual is
a part of a family, and a society. As such, each individual has a role to play in society with
responsibilities and obligations. This teaching fosters a sense of loyalty towards family and friends
that is strikingly evident to an American when he first visits a Hispanic country.
Another difference is the role that age plays within the culture. In Latin America, the elderly
are respected, and sought for counsel and advise. Both experience from age, and education
are very important factors in how people relate to each other. For example, a young person can never
be too polite or too courteous. Courtesy is expected by both the elderly and the educated
segment of society, particularly from the younger generation. Therefore,
young Americans must always remember to maintain utmost courtesy and respect.
Dialectal Variations
The Spanish language is not homogeneous. It varies mainly in vocabulary and pronunciation.
The grammar is relatively the same, with the difference being preferences for
certain grammatical structures over others. In our discussion of the Present Tense,
it is mentioned that in the Caribbean region, there is a preference for the Progressive form
(estoy comiendo - I am eating) over the simple Present tense (como - I am eating). These
grammatical preferences are few, and learned easily by anyone who has a good grasp
of the grammar.
Vocabulary is the most affected by new ideas, and concepts. It does differ from region to region even within
the same country. There is however, a general basic vocabulary for the entire Spanish language which you
are taught in this course. As you travel to different regions, although they will understand the words
you have learned and you use, you will learn new words for items in that particular region.
Knowing the grammar and vocabulary in these lessons thoroughly, will allow you to properly
communicate in all Spanish-speaking countries.
Regarding the pronunciation, there are areas of differences: the Caribbean
coastal area, the interior mountainous regions, and Spain. Knowledge about these areas
of differences will be further discussed in this course as we progress.
Review the Biblical vocabulary in Table a below before completing the Exercise.
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| English
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Spanish
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- altar
- baptism
- Bible
- birth
- blood
- (a) calling
- Christ
- Christian
- church
- Cross
- crucifixion
- God
- Gospel
- heaven
- heart
- holy
- Holy Spirit
- Jesus Christ
- Lamb of God
- Lord
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- el altar
- bautismo
- la Biblia
- nacimiento
- la sangre
- llamado
- Cristo
- cristiano
- iglesia
- la cruz
- la crucifixión
- Dios
- el Evangelio
- cielo
- el corazón
- santo
- el Espíritu Santo
- Jesucristo
- el Cordero de Dios
- el Señor
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