Lesson 3.1

Hi All

In lesson 3.1. ¿Lleva lentes?

Are gaffas used as well in the Americas or is this term used in Spain. Am familiar with gaffas, but not lentes.

Thank you

Sharon

Hi Alme

Thank you. Its the same with European Portuguese and Brazilian. They can be quite different.

Maxie

It is my understanding is the majority of folks know the various words (especially when spoken or read - might not be able to recall if they had to speak/write it), they just don't use them.  I am sure there is WIDE variability on this but when I have spoken about this to primary Spanish speakers they told me they either know it or they can tell via context what is being said.

¡Hola a todos!

We actually have a handy little section that talks about gafas, lentes, and anteojos in the Level 1 Survival Kit lesson “Clothing,” under the heading “Accessories.” All three words are used to mean “glasses” in Latin America - but, of course, different regions will have their preferences! 

Pinning down exactly which area prefers which term is difficult, since there can be some flexibility and overlap, and different parts of a single country can each have their own preferences. However (as Scott_C suggested), if you use any three of these terms anywhere in Latin America, you should still be understood! The only complication you might find is that in certain places, gafas is used to mean “sunglasses,” and not “glasses.” (If you're going to Spain, though, then gafas is the term you want: it's most commonly used there for “glasses.” The use of lentes and anteojos to mean “glasses” is more restricted to Latin American Spanish.)

If you're ever worried about blending in in a particular area, the best thing to do is just to keep an ear out for what the locals around you are saying or to search for what is common in that location online. Ultimately, though, you'll still be able to get your meaning across, whichever term you use! 

Saludos,

Liss

Gracias Liss.

Well explained..

Have done some survival kit, but hadn't got to that one yet. Deemed learning about food before clothing more important and maybe critical. That has made me laugh! 

Hasta luego.

Maxie

When I was doing Level 1 I largely ignored the Survival Kit until I was halfway through. That was a mistake. It was a nice break from the lessons and there are a lot of Survival Kit lessons, so I was playing catch up.

In Level 2 I am doing at least one Survival kit lesson between each Module.

As always, amazing Liss, thanks!

Scott

Hi Scott.

I like to jump around a lot. My least favourite are the grammar ones. I find them a bit overwhelming at the best of times. Too much information at once.

The German ones are particularly bad due to all the different cases, 3 genders too. Italian and Spanish much easier for me from a grammar and vocabulary point of view due to my Portuguese. That said it can also be confusing. 

Am concentrating on German mostly, as we go to Germany in June. At this stage feel fairly confident in German basics to get around.

Maxie 

Ha ha, how funny. Everyone thinks and learns different. The beauty of all the choices here. The early lessons in the module are my least favorite. I like all the explanation in the grammar ones!