Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Lingua Clinic | Private Spanish Tutor | London Spanish lessons and courses ## Posts - [Unleashing the power of Spanish](https://www.linguaclinic.com/unleashing-the-power-of-spanish/) - 14 September 2026 Spanish: the key to business triumph and unforgettable connections. Speaking Spanish in Business and Personal Connections - [How long does it take to learn Spanish?](https://www.linguaclinic.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-learn-spanish/) - How long does it take to learn Spanish? Discover how lessons, regular practice and everyday exposure can help you become a confident Spanish speaker. - [What Spain’s World Cup victory can teach us about learning Spanish](https://www.linguaclinic.com/what-spains-world-cup-victory-can-teach-us-about-learning-spanish/) - Discover how football and other shared interests can help you learn Spanish through conversation and speak with greater confidence. - [Why do Spanish speakers seem to speak so fast?](https://www.linguaclinic.com/why-do-spanish-speakers-seem-to-speak-so-fast/) - Why do Spanish speakers seem to speak so fast? Discover why it happens and practical ways to improve your listening confidence in Spanish. - [Learning Spanish because your partner speaks it?](https://www.linguaclinic.com/learning-spanish-for-a-spanish-speaking-partner/) - Learning Spanish for a Spanish-speaking partner? Discover what to expect, common challenges, and practical tips to build confidence naturally. - [Why Spanish has two words for “to be”](https://www.linguaclinic.com/ser-vs-estar-explained/) - Ser vs estar explained simply with practical examples for English speakers. Learn when to use each verb and speak Spanish more confidently. - [Why Spanish pronunciation is easier than English.](https://www.linguaclinic.com/spanish-pronunciation-for-english-speakers/) - Learn why Spanish pronunciation is easier for English speakers and improve your confidence with practical Spanish speaking tips in London. - [How to sound more natural in Spanish (without sounding like a textbook)](https://www.linguaclinic.com/how-to-sound-more-natural-in-spanish-without-sounding-like-a-textbook/) - Learn how to sound more natural when speaking Spanish with practical tips for English speakers taking one-to-one Spanish lessons in London. - [Spanish expressions that don’t translate into English (and what they really mean)](https://www.linguaclinic.com/spanish-expressions-that-dont-translate-into-english-and-what-they-really-mean/) - Discover Spanish expressions that don’t translate into English. Learn their real meanings and sound more natural when speaking Spanish in London. - [False friends in Spanish: The words that trick English speakers](https://www.linguaclinic.com/false-friends-in-spanish-the-words-that-trick-english-speakers/) - Learn common Spanish false friends that confuse English speakers and avoid mistakes with simple tips for learners. - [Por vs Para in Spanish: The Tiny Words That Cause Big Drama](https://www.linguaclinic.com/por-vs-para-in-spanish/) - Confused by por vs para in Spanish? Learn the difference with clear examples and humour from a private Spanish tutor in London at Lingua Clinic. - [Is improving your Spanish one of your New Year’s Resolutions?](https://www.linguaclinic.com/is-improving-your-spanish-one-of-your-new-years-resolutions/) - ¡Feliz año nuevo! This is traditionally a time for making resolutions and many people resolve to learn another language. Spanish is an excellent choice as it is one of the most widely-spoken languages in the world and the number of speakers is growing all the time, so it’s one of the most useful languages you - [Business Spanish Tutor in London for Corporate Professionals](https://www.linguaclinic.com/business-spanish-tutor-in-london-for-corporate-professionals/) - Private Business Spanish tutor in London for finance, law & tech professionals. One-to-one lessons at your workplace or home. Contact us today. - [Why Apps don't make you fluent in Spanish](https://www.linguaclinic.com/why-apps-not-make-you-fluent-in-spanish/) - At Lingua Clinic, we work with students across London—busy professionals, university students, and adults from all walks of life. We’ve noticed a pattern. Many of them start learning Spanish with apps like Duolingo, for example. Yet, they then hit a wall. If you’ve proudly kept a 300-day streak, first of all - congratulations. That’s no - [Learning Spanish in London: Common Struggles & Fixes](https://www.linguaclinic.com/learning-spanish-in-london-common-struggles/) - Struggling to learn Spanish in London? Discover common challenges learners face and expert solutions. Book a private Spanish lesson in London today. - [Exploring the Rich Diversity of Spanish Accents](https://www.linguaclinic.com/exploring-the-rich-diversity-of-spanish-accents/) - Discover how understanding diverse Spanish accents enhances your language-learning journey with private Spanish lessons in London. Spanish is one of the most spoken languages globally, with over 580 million speakers across multiple continents. Although the language has a standard form, its accents and dialects differ dramatically depending on the region. For learners in London, understanding - [Mastering Spanish: Global Success Amplified](https://www.linguaclinic.com/mastering-spanish-global-success-amplified/) - In the fast-paced world of global business, adaptability is the name of the game. London-based firms are familiar with this reality as they navigate the intricacies of international trade in Europe and South America. Amidst the evolving landscape, one strategic asset has emerged as a game-changer: Spanish language training. This essay dives into the undeniable - [Private Spanish lessons in London](https://www.linguaclinic.com/private-spanish-lessons-in-london/) - Private Spanish lessons in London offer several advantages over traditional classroom-based learning. Here are some of the main benefits of private lessons. - [Hiring a private Spanish tutor](https://www.linguaclinic.com/hiring-a-private-spanish-tutor/) - There are many ways to learn Spanish. Apps are a great way to learn vocabulary and grammar on the go, be it at home, on the way to work or at the gym. But you will find that these apps don’t get you to practise your newly acquired Spanish language skills. What do you do? - [What makes a good Spanish tutor?](https://www.linguaclinic.com/what-makes-a-good-spanish-tutor/) - What are the characteristics of an excellent Spanish tutor? Which qualities do you look out for when hiring a native-speaking Spanish tutor in London? - [Spanish Tutors in London](https://www.linguaclinic.com/spanish-tutors-in-london/) - An excellent Spanish tutor is indispensable when wanting to learn Spanish fast. Lingua Clinic employs one of the best Spanish tutors in London. - [Learning Spanish in London](https://www.linguaclinic.com/learning-spanish-in-london/) - A multicultural metropolis like London offers ample opportunity to learn and practice your Spanish. Perhaps you started learning Spanish with Duolingo and now want to reach the next level? Find a Spanish tutor in London whose mother tongue is Spanish, qualified, experienced and has a track record in teaching Spanish. Learning face to face beats Learning Spanish in London. Where to start and how to choose the right Spanish tutor. Should it be online lessons or face-to-face? - [Learning Spanish online during lockdown](https://www.linguaclinic.com/learning-spanish-online-during-lockdown/) - Up-skill and learn Spanish online from home. - [Royal Opera House](https://www.linguaclinic.com/royal-opera-house/) - London based private Spanish tutor offering courses and lessons. Book today! - [Sign Salad](https://www.linguaclinic.com/sign-salad/) - One-to-one Spanish lessons in London with a private Spanish tutor. Spanish language training on-site. - [AXIS, Global Insurer](https://www.linguaclinic.com/axis-global-insurer/) - “I started to take lessons with Antonio as a complete beginner three months ago, and can’t thank him enough for helping me to build a solid foundation and confidence in Spanish as I set off to start my new job in Miami. Antonio is an excellent tutor – friendly, knowledgeable, patient, positive and encouraging. He - [Codelco, Chilean Copper](https://www.linguaclinic.com/codelco-chilean-copper/) - "Antonio has been my Spanish teacher for the last 18 months and thanks to him, I have greatly improved my vocabulary, my conversation and my confidence in speaking Spanish. He takes time to encourage and motivate you in order to improve. I enjoy every lesson and I always look forward to the next one. Antonio - [Is there a difference between Spanish and Castellano?](https://www.linguaclinic.com/is-there-a-difference-between-spanish-and-castellano/) - You may have heard reference to Castellano, or Castilian, Spanish. This is something which often causes confusion amongst students and prospective students of the language. Is there a difference? Spanish, as you may already know, has several variants which grew up out of the Latin language around 2,000 years ago. Today, some of these dialects, - [Learning Spanish improves your understanding of our culture](https://www.linguaclinic.com/learning-spanish-improves-your-understanding-of-our-culture/) - There are many reasons to learn a foreign language – for some it is a matter of business necessity if their occupation requires them to do business internationally; for others it is purely a question of taking pleasure in learning, but most people embark on a language course because they already have an interest in the - [Sofia Vergara](https://www.linguaclinic.com/sofia-vergara/) - Sofia Vergara is another Hispanic actress, TV presenter and model who has successfully crossed over into the English-speaking market. Her full name, according to the usual Spanish naming convention, is Sofía Margarita Vergara Vergara and she was born in Colombia on July 10 1972. Her television career began on Spanish-language network Univisión back in the - [Shakira](https://www.linguaclinic.com/shakira/) - When it comes to artists who have successfully crossed over into the English-language market there can be fewer who are more successful or better known than Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira, full name Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripol, who was born in Barranquilla on 2 February 1977. After showing early promise in school performances, Shakira began her career - [Salma Hayek](https://www.linguaclinic.com/salma-hayek/) - This week we are going to start a series of blogs looking at bilingual artists who come from Spanish- speaking countries but have also achieved phenomenal success in the English-speaking world. We start with actress, director and producer Salma Hayek who was born Salma Hayek Jiménez in Veracruz, Mexico on 2 September 1966 and educated - [Private vs Group Spanish lessons](https://www.linguaclinic.com/private-vs-group-spanish-lessons/) - Prospective students often ask us which is the most effective way to learn Spanish. There are, of course, many different ways of learning a language, and many different types of student with their own learning styles. For a great many people, their word ‘lesson’ is synonymous with being in a classroom with a group of - [Why aren’t foreign languages learned the way you learn your mother tongue?](https://www.linguaclinic.com/why-arent-foreign-languages-learned-the-way-you-learn-your-mother-tongue/) - If you’ve ever tried studying a foreign language, whether it be Spanish or any other, the thought has probably occurred to you at one time or another how much easier it would be if you could pick it up as easily as you picked up your native language. So why don’t we? When we learn - [Feeling better mentally after learning Spanish](https://www.linguaclinic.com/feeling-better-mentally-after-learning-spanish/) - Few would dispute that a second language looks great on your CV, and Spanish is certainly one of the most useful when you consider the number of speakers it has worldwide, but can learning Spanish actually improve your mental well-being? Many believe it can, and here are just some of the reasons. Getting to grips - [English insurance companies in Latin America](https://www.linguaclinic.com/english-insurance-companies-in-latin-america/) - Since the financial crisis of 2008, many international companies have been searching for emerging markets in which they can grow and recoup some of the losses they have been forced to sustain in their traditional markets in more developed countries. This is particularly true of insurance companies who, due to low interest rates and increased - [Easter traditions in Spain](https://www.linguaclinic.com/easter-traditions-in-spain/) - Welcome back to our blog after a break for Holy Week (Semana Santa). Easter is an important religious festival in Spain and Hispanic America with many traditional celebrations taking place across the country. Easter is marked in many towns and cities by processions through the streets during the evening. Ornate floats called tronos depicting part - [Why it’s more effective to learn Spanish with a private tutor](https://www.linguaclinic.com/why-its-more-effective-to-learn-spanish-with-a-private-tutor/) - Learning a language on your own is something that many people attempt with varying degrees of success. These days there are all sorts of language courses that you can buy in the form of interactive software and/or accompanying books, all claiming to teach you the language effectively without a teacher. Can it really be done? - [Minority dialects in Spain](https://www.linguaclinic.com/minority-dialects-in-spain/) - Rounding up our series, we take a look at the remaining dialects of the Spanish mainland. These are considered minority dialects compared to those we have profiled over the last few weeks. Let’s take a look at them, their origins and where they are spoken. Aragonese Known as Aragonés or simply fabla, meaning ‘talk’ or - [The Aranese dialect](https://www.linguaclinic.com/the-aranese-dialect/) - Aranese is a dialect spoken in the Val d’Aran region of Northwest Catalonia, where it has held official status since 2010 along with its close relative, Catalan, and standard Castilian Spanish. Like Spanish and its other dialects, Aranese is a Romance language. It is a sub-dialect of Occitan, which is spoken in Southern France, Monaco - [Catalan](https://www.linguaclinic.com/catalan/) - In the latest of our series of blogs on regional Spanish dialects, we take a look at the origins and present-day use of Catalan. Like other Spanish dialects, Catalan evolved from Vulgar Latin in the 9th century. It enjoyed its golden age during the Middle Ages as the language of the then-powerful Crown of Aragon; - [Euskara - the Basque dialect](https://www.linguaclinic.com/euskara-the-basque-dialect/) - The Basque dialect, or Euskara, is quite unlike other Spanish dialects in that it is not a Romance language; in fact it is classed as a ‘language isolate’, that is a language with no demonstrable relationship with another language. Known in Spanish as el vasco, la lengua vasca or el euskera, it is spoken by - [¡Feliz San Valentín!](https://www.linguaclinic.com/feliz-san-valentin/) - This weekend saw St Valentine’s Day being celebrated in many countries around the world. It’s a day which in most countries today is associated with romantic love. This is also true in Spain, but it’s not just lovers who celebrate and give tokens of their affection on 14th February. The feast day of Saint Valentine, - [The Andalusian dialect](https://www.linguaclinic.com/the-andalusian-dialect/) - This week we focus on a dialect widely spoken in the Southern part of Spain, Andalusian, or as it’s called in Spanish, Andaluz. It is spoken in Andalusia and Gibraltar as well as the Spanish territories of Ceuta and Melilla on the north coast of Africa. The Andalusian dialect is, in fact, the second most - [Galicia, its people and dialect](https://www.linguaclinic.com/galicia-its-people-and-dialect/) - Last week we mentioned some of the regional dialects which exist in Spain today. The region of Galicia in the northwest of Spain is one region where a distinct local dialect is spoken as a first language by around 56% of the population. This area includes the cities of La Coruña, Vigo and the capital - [New year, new language?](https://www.linguaclinic.com/new-year-new-language/) - It’s the time of year when many people are thinking about learning a new skill, and it just may be that learning a new language could fit the bill for you. If so, Spanish is an excellent choice. Though we’ll admit to a certain bias in favour of Spanish, there are statistics to back up - [Spanish and Romance languages](https://www.linguaclinic.com/spanish-and-romance-languages/) - You may have heard of Spanish referred to as a Romance language, but what does that actually mean? It’s nothing to do with romance with a small r in the sense of being romantic (though the word has the same root, and many do think that Spanish does sound very romantic!), but rather it derives - [New Year Customs in Spain](https://www.linguaclinic.com/new-year-customs-in-spain/) - New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja or Fin de Año) is a time for family celebrations, usually consisting of a meal of shrimps or prawns and lamb or capon. Since 1962 the countdown to midnight has been broadcast on national TV from the clock on the Casa de Correos building in Puerta del Sol Square in Madrid - [Feliz Navidad](https://www.linguaclinic.com/feliz-navidad/) - If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you may already know that the Christmas season in Spain starts on 8 December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, or Inmaculada Concepcion. It might be a little early yet to wish people a happy Christmas (Feliz Navidad) but it’s never too early (or late!) to try - [Adolfo Dominguez](https://www.linguaclinic.com/adolfo-dominguez/) - In the last of our series of profiles on fashion designers from the Spanish-speaking world we look at Adolfo Dominguez, or Adolfo Domínguez Fernández to use the Spanish naming custom where, if you remember, Dominguez is the paternal surname and Fernández the maternal one. Dominguez was born in May 1950 in the city of Ourense, - [Silvia Tcherassi](https://www.linguaclinic.com/silvia-tcherassi/) - A relative newcomer on the fashion scene compared to some of the other designers we have profiled recently, Silvia Tcherassi has none the less become one of the most influential contemporary Hispanic designers in her 15 years in the industry with her eclectic designs which have been described as “having the delicateness of a ballet - [Carolina Herrera](https://www.linguaclinic.com/carolina-herrera-2/) - When it comes to fashion designers from the Spanish-speaking world, there can be few names that are better known than that of Carolina Herrera. Renowned for her personal style, she was named on the International Best Dressed list back in 1972 and inducted to its Hall of Fame in 1980. Her designs have been worn - [Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada](https://www.linguaclinic.com/agatha-ruiz-de-la-prada/) - What’s in a name? Well in fashion circles, the name Prada is one of the most well known, but do not be confused with the illustrious Italian fashion house; the subject of our blog this week is Spanish fashion designer Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada. Born in 1960, she is also a high-ranking member of - [Custo Barcelona](https://www.linguaclinic.com/custo-barcelona/) - This week we continue our look at Spanish influence on the world of designer fashion. Since 1997, the Custo Barcelona label has been a regular at New York Fashion Week and on catwalks around the world. The man behind the brand is Custo Dalmau, born Ángel Custodio Dalmau Salmón in Tremp, Lleida, Catalonia, in 1959. - [Oscar de la Renta](https://www.linguaclinic.com/oscar-de-la-renta/) - The fashion world last week mourned the loss of Oscar de la Renta, one of the best known designers of the Spanish-speaking world, who died on 20 October at the age of 82 after a long battle with cancer. He was born in 1932 in the Dominican Republic, leaving at the age of 18 to - [Argentina and its distinctive Spanish accent](https://www.linguaclinic.com/argentina-and-its-distinctive-spanish-accent/) - Every language has its variations from region to region - English being perhaps one of the prime examples with vastly differing accents up and down the British Isles and indeed around the world. Spanish too, is spoken in many countries and, despite the work of the Royal Spanish Academy to standardise the language, it has - [Spanish companies are taking over the world](https://www.linguaclinic.com/spanish-companies-are-taking-over-the-world/) - Spanish companies may not be the first to spring to mind when you think of some of the world’s largest multinationals, but Spain is a major player in the global market thanks to huge overseas investments over the last couple of decades. You may not have realised it, but Spanish companies are behind some of - [British people living in Spain and using the language](https://www.linguaclinic.com/british-people-living-in-spain-and-using-the-language/) - Spain has been a popular destination for British tourists for decades, but since the 1990s the number of British people taking up residence in Spain has expanded rapidly. It’s known as a popular retirement destination for ex-pats but figures suggest that only around 21.5% of the British population in Spain are over 65, proving it - [Spanish media in the USA](https://www.linguaclinic.com/spanish-media-in-the-usa/) - You might be forgiven for wondering what US media has to do with Spanish courses in London, but the boom that Spanish media is enjoying in the US is a good indicator of just how prevalent the language is becoming across the globe. What’s more, the wide availability of Spanish media from the US offers - [Hispanic expatriates in London](https://www.linguaclinic.com/hispanic-expatriates-in-london/) - London is well known as a multicultural city. Indeed, it stands second only to New York in terms of the diversity of its population. Statistics show that around 40% of the UK’s Spanish population live in London and figures from the 2011 census shows that Spanish is the 9th mostly widely spoken language in the - [Almodóvar - A fantastic director of Spanish movies](https://www.linguaclinic.com/almodovar-a-fantastic-director-of-spanish-movies/) - Pedro Almodóvar, as any film lover will know, is an internationally acclaimed and Academy award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter. He was born in 1949 in Calzada de Calatrava, Spain. At eight years old he was sent to a religious boarding school in Cáceres where he had his first experience of the cinema, from which his own - [Garzon Luxury Knitwear](https://www.linguaclinic.com/garzon-luxury-knitwear-2/) - One-to-one Spanish lessons in London with a private Spanish tutor. Spanish language training on-site. - [The meaning of the family for Spanish speaking people](https://www.linguaclinic.com/the-meaning-of-the-family-for-spanish-speaking-people/) - La familia. The family, as your Spanish tutor in London will tell you, is incredibly important to Spanish people. It’s a cornerstone of the Spanish culture, passed down from one generation to the next. Spanish families are typically very close and supportive, taking every opportunity to spend time together. This applies not just to immediate - [Havana - A great city to practise Spanish](https://www.linguaclinic.com/havana-a-great-city-to-practise-spanish/) - Havana, capital of Cuba and home to some fantastic architecture in the form of grand public edifices and colonial buildings dating back to the 16th century, is a city full of both character and characters. It’s a fascinating place to visit, with the added bonus of providing a great opportunity to practise and improve your - [La Tomatina](https://www.linguaclinic.com/la-tomatina/) - The light-hearted fiesta of La Tomatina takes place on the last Wednesday in August every year in the Valencian town of Buñol. Unlike many of Spain’s other celebrations, which are centuries old, La Tomatina is relatively new, originating around the end of World War II. How it began is not entirely clear, but it seems - [San Fermin](https://www.linguaclinic.com/san-fermin/) - The festival of San Fermin is one of the most famous annual celebrations in Spain. The fiesta is more commonly known in the UK as the running of the bulls – if you’re taking a Spanish language course you may already know the word for this is encierro – and it takes place in Pamplona - [Las Fallas](https://www.linguaclinic.com/las-fallas/) - Spain is known the world over for its fiestas - that is, its feast days or celebrations. One of the most spectacular of these is Las Fallas, which is celebrated in Valencia and means ‘the fires’ in the local dialect. Originally a celebration in honour of the feast day of St. Joseph, Las Fallas has - [The Spanish Royal Family](https://www.linguaclinic.com/the-spanish-royal-family/) - Spanish Tuition and Spanish language lessons are provided at your workplace or your home anywhere in London. A Private Spanish tutor coming to you. - [Top 5 Spanish destinations to speak Spanish in Spain](https://www.linguaclinic.com/top-5-spanish-destinations-to-speak-spanish-in-spain/) - Lingua Clinic provide Spanish tuition and Spanish tutor in London, the best Spanish lessons in the city - [World Cup and Spanish-speaking Football Countries](https://www.linguaclinic.com/world-cup-and-spanish-speaking-football-countries/) - Spanish tuition in London near - [Gabriel Garcia Marquez](https://www.linguaclinic.com/gabriel-garcia-marquez-2/) - "It is with sadness that we report that since this blog was written, Gabriel Garcia Marquez passed away on 17 April 2014 after being in fragile health for some time. Many notable figures including presidents past and present paid tribute to the visionary author, who will be much missed, especially in his native Colombia and - [Things to avoid saying in Spanish](https://www.linguaclinic.com/things-to-avoid-saying-in-spanish-2/) - We normally encourage our students to have a go at using Spanish as often as possible. Your efforts will normally be appreciated, however, there are some Spanish phrases that you really should ditch and stick to what you learn in your Spanish lessons instead. Here are just a few: ¡Ay, caramba! Best translated as ‘Oh - [What is Spanglish?](https://www.linguaclinic.com/what-is-spanglish/) - The custom of combining the names of two languages to describe the adoption of borrowed words is something most of us are familiar with. Most of us have heard, for example, of Franglais - a combination of Français and Anglais - in which English words are adopted into French grammar, le weekend being an oft-quoted - [Latin America: A world of opportunities for English speakers](https://www.linguaclinic.com/latin-america-a-world-of-opportunities-for-english-speakers/) - When preparing for a move to a Spanish-speaking country, many people benefit from taking an Intensive Spanish course such as those we offer here at Lingua Clinic. Even if you are going to take up a position which will entail speaking mainly English at work, it will help you to adapt to your new location - [Traditional paper dictionaries vs Spanish apps](https://www.linguaclinic.com/traditional-paper-dictionaries-vs-spanish-apps/) - There’s an app for literally everything these days and Spanish dictionaries are no exception. But how do today’s apps measure up against the long-established paper dictionary that has been the language students’ trusty companion for generations? We examine the pros and cons of each. The app wins hands down on portability and convenience. With no - [Don’t try to explain Spanish with English grammar rules!](https://www.linguaclinic.com/dont-try-to-explain-spanish-with-english-grammar-rules/) - As we grow up, we’re constantly having our grammar corrected by our parents and teachers until the rules become completely ingrained. It’s understandable then that when we start to learn another language, we try to apply the rules we already know to it. This doesn’t work though, as we frequently (but patiently!) have to explain - [Celia Cruz](https://www.linguaclinic.com/celia-cruz/) - Legendary Cuban singer Celia Cruz, known as the Queen of Salsa (La Reina de la Salsa) was one of the most successful exponents of Latin music of the 20th century, earning twenty-three gold albums during the course of a long and illustrious career. She was born in Havana in 1925 and was the second child - [Gloria Estefan](https://www.linguaclinic.com/gloria-estefan/) - There can be few people with knowledge of contemporary music who are unfamiliar with the name Gloria Estefan. She’s the most successful crossover Latin musician ever, with seven Grammy awards and 100 million record sales to her name. Gloria María Milagrosa Fajardo García de Estefan was born in September 1957 in Havana, Cuba. Have you - [Frida Kahlo](https://www.linguaclinic.com/frida-kahlo/) - Painter Frida Kahlo was born in Mexico City in 1907. Thanks largely to a traffic accident in her teens, Kahlo suffered lifelong health problems, and these contributed to the “pain and passion” she displayed in her works. She is probably best known for her self-portraits, a result of the isolation enforced on her by her - [Project name 1](https://www.linguaclinic.com/project-name-1/) - TEXT TEXT TEXT TEXT TEXT TEXT TEXT TEXT TEXT - [Gabriel García Márquez](https://www.linguaclinic.com/gabriel-garcia-marquez/) - This week we look at the language and influence of another contemporary giant in the world of literature, Gabriel García Márquez. Born in Aracataca, Colombia in March 1927, his full name is Gabriel José de la Concordia García Márquez, though he is known throughout the Latin American world simply as ‘Gabo’, a mark of the - [Isabel Allende](https://www.linguaclinic.com/isabel-allende/) - Chilean author Isabel Allende, sometimes called “the world’s most widely read Spanish-language author”, has achieved great commercial success with novels such as La Casa de los Espiritus (The House of the Spirits) and La Ciudad de las Bestias (City of the Beasts) among her many published works. Perhaps the key to Allende’s great success is - [Pablo Neruda](https://www.linguaclinic.com/pablo-neruda/) - Continuing our series on some of the most influential Spanish speakers, this week we take a look at the Chilean diplomat and politician Pablo Neruda who is hailed as one of the most important poets of the 20th century. Born Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto in 1904, Neruda was something of a prodigy, having composed his - [Don Quixote de la Mancha](https://www.linguaclinic.com/don-quixote-de-la-mancha/) - In 1605, the first volume of the most influential piece of Spanish literature was published. Indeed, it is today considered one of the greatest works of literature ever written in any language. Its full title in Spanish is El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha, or The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote de la Mancha. - [The use of Vos in Argentina](https://www.linguaclinic.com/the-use-of-vos-in-argentina/) - If you’ve already started Spanish language lessons with us then you have probably learned the 2nd person singular personal pronoun tú which is used in informal situations such as when speaking to friends, relatives and people you know well. However, if you should travel to Latin America, you are likely to encounter a different form - [Latin American Soaps](https://www.linguaclinic.com/latin-american-soaps/) - Last week we were extolling the virtues of taking an interest in culture as way to boost your motivation when learning a language. This week we turn our attention to a medium whose claim to being cultural is somewhat dubious, but nevertheless it is a fixture on television screens across the Spanish-speaking world and beyond, - [Spanish Art](https://www.linguaclinic.com/spanish-art/) - Research suggests that language learners do better if they take an active interest in the culture of the country whose language they are learning; they’re more likely to persevere with their studies and they enjoy better results. To that end, we’re going to take a look at one of the great pillars of Spanish culture, - [Christmas Customs in Spain](https://www.linguaclinic.com/christmas-customs-in-spain/) - Christmas in Spain is deeply religious. The country’s patron saint is the Virgin Mary and the Christmas season begins on 8 December, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, with a special ritual known as los Seises (the dance of six) in front of Seville’s Gothic cathedral in which not six but ten elaborately-dressed boys perform - [What are the biggest influences on the Spanish language?](https://www.linguaclinic.com/what-are-the-biggest-influences-on-the-spanish-language/) - Spanish, as we already know, evolved from the Latin which came into the region some 2,000 years ago. Latin is not, however, the only language to have contributed to the development of modern-day Spanish. It’s also significantly influenced by Arabic, thanks to the long-term Muslim presence in the Iberian Peninsula between the years 711 and - [Spanish Literature – es mágico!](https://www.linguaclinic.com/spanish-literature-es-magico/) - Spanish literature down the centuries has provided a wealth of classics that any book lover should have on their must-read list. From Cervantes’ immortal Don Quixote de la Mancha, published in 1605 and considered to be the world’s first modern novel; the poetry and prose of Federico García Lorca, who was catapulted to fame posthumously - [Learning Spanish with a private tutor is more effective](https://www.linguaclinic.com/learning-spanish-with-a-private-tutor-is-more-effective/) - There are all sorts of ways in which you can set about learning a new language, but which is the most effective? Many audio languagecourses purport to have you speaking any language fluently in no time at all. Can it really be so easy? Well, in most cases the answer is no, though they can - [¿Español y Castellano?](https://www.linguaclinic.com/espanol-y-castellano/) - A common question from students is whether there is any difference between Spanish and Castellano, or Castilian as it is more commonly called in English, so in this blog we aim to answer that question. To do so, we need to explain a little bit about the origins of Spanish as it is spoken today. - [Formal Spanish](https://www.linguaclinic.com/formal-spanish/) - If you’ve ever had lessons in any other European language –French during your school days, for example – then you probably already know that there are different forms of the English word “you” which change according to how well you know a person, amongst other factors. Spanish is one of the many languages that has - [The connection between Spanish and English](https://www.linguaclinic.com/the-connection-between-spanish-and-english/) - On the surface you might not think there is much connection between Spanish and English, but you may be surprised to learn that they’re actually not-too-distant relations. They share the Latin alphabet for a start, which is a great foundation for any English speaker who wishes to learn a second language. What’s more, did you - [What are the best things about Spain and Mexico?](https://www.linguaclinic.com/what-are-the-best-things-about-spain-and-mexico/) - Spain has a great deal to offer visitors: it’s a country rich in culture which has given the world many influential artists over the centuries including Velázquez, Goya and Picasso. It is, of course, strongly identified with music and dance. It is also famed for its diverse architecture, which ranges from Arabic to Gothic to - [Colombian Spanish](https://www.linguaclinic.com/colombian-spanish/) - Of all the many countries in the world where Spanish is spoken as the main language, Colombia is considered to be the place where you will hear the clearest spoken version of the language. What people are really referring to is the standard dialect which is spoken in the capital, Bogotá, and on the country’s - [A good way to learn Spanish is to watch movies in Spanish](https://www.linguaclinic.com/a-good-way-to-learn-spanish-is-to-watch-movies-in-spanish/) - The key to learning and retaining any language is, of course, constant practice. But if you’re learning Spanish in London or indeed anywhere in the UK, opportunities for Spanish conversation probably don’t present themselves every day. You don’t want to spend all your free time with your head in a text book or listening to - [Spanish is the second multinational language](https://www.linguaclinic.com/spanish-is-the-second-multinational-language/) - Over the last twenty years, Spanish companies have made huge investments abroad, transforming the image of Spain from country which relies on tourism for its income to a serious player in the global economy. Walk through any major city centre and you’ll find a Spanish retailer: Zara, Mango, Pull & Bear. In the financial sectors, - [Spanish can be a very easy language to learn for English speakers](https://www.linguaclinic.com/spanish-can-be-a-very-easy-language-to-learn-for-english-speakers/) - Prospective students often ask whether Spanish is an easy language to learn. The good news is that it is one of the easiest major European languages for an English speaker to pick up. As both of our languages derive many words from Latin, a lot of them will be recognisable to you almost immediately. Spanish - [Spanish at GCSE and A-level on the increase](https://www.linguaclinic.com/spanish-at-gcse-and-a-level-on-the-increase/) - This year’s GCSE results showed a marked and very welcome increase in the take-up of modern foreign languages amongst school pupils. It’s the first time in over a decade that the number of students studying a language to this level has risen. Though French and German both registered an increase, at 15.5 per cent and - [Most of the emerging economies are Spanish-speaking countries](https://www.linguaclinic.com/most-of-the-emerging-economies-are-spanish-speaking-countries/) - In a previous blog we looked at the indisputable importance of Spanish in the world. It’s relevance as a language becomes even greater, however, when we consider how many of the emerging economies are Spanish-speaking countries. The International Monetary Fund lists several Spanish-speaking countries among those undergoing rapid growth or industrialisation. Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia - [Royal Spanish Academy](https://www.linguaclinic.com/royal-spanish-academy/) - The Royal Spanish Academy is the official royal body responsible for regulating the Spanish language. It is usually abbreviated to RAE, an acronym for its Spanish title, Real Academia Española. The academy was founded in 1713 and is based in Madrid, but it also plays a role in governing the language spoken in twenty-one other - [Spanish online](https://www.linguaclinic.com/spanish-online/) - Studies of languages used on the internet* show, unsurprisingly, that English is the most-used language online, with around 55% of websites using English as their content language. Spanish is among the group of next most highly-used languages along with German and Russian. What is significant though is that use of the Spanish language online increased - [Spanish is the second language in US](https://www.linguaclinic.com/spanish-is-the-second-language-in-us/) - According to the US Census Bureau, the number of Spanish speakers in the US has more than doubled since 1990 and the number of people aged five and older who now speak Spanish at home as their first language now totals almost 37 million. When we take into account the number of people who speak - [Spanish across the Americas](https://www.linguaclinic.com/spanish-across-the-americas/) - The presence of Spanish influence and the Spanish language in the Americas goes all the way back to Christopher Columbus’ arrival there in 1492. Over the next four centuries the Spanish Empire expanded across Mexico, most of Central America, the western half of South America and the Caribbean. Its reach even extended to the northern - [The Spanish language and the world of business](https://www.linguaclinic.com/the-spanish-language-and-the-world-of-business/) - Spanish is a widely-spoken world language and its speakers are growing in number at a rate of knots. That’s why competitive businesses in Europe and throughout the world are recognising the need to incorporate Spanish into their business literature and online materials. They realise that in order to achieve their full growth potential, they simply - [Spanish Speaking destinations](https://www.linguaclinic.com/spanish-speaking-destinations/) - I’m often asked about the benefits of learning Spanish, and I frequently tell my students that one of the greatest benefits is being able to communicate when you visit a Spanish-speaking country. When you visit Spain or countries in Central and South America, it is of course possible to get by without knowing any Spanish - [The Importance of Spanish](https://www.linguaclinic.com/the-importance-of-spanish/) - Spanish is undeniably one of the world’s most important languages. The sheer number of Spanish speakers is testament to that fact, totalling more than 400 million worldwide. In fact, it is the third most widely-spoken language in the world after English and Mandarin. Thanks in part to Spain’s colonial past, Spanish is the official language - [Lingua Clinic Blog](https://www.linguaclinic.com/lingua-clinic-blog/) - Soon we will start posting on this blog. - [Project name 4](https://www.linguaclinic.com/project-name-4/) - [Project name 3](https://www.linguaclinic.com/project-name-3/) - [Project name 2](https://www.linguaclinic.com/project-name-2/) - [B5 Solar GmbH](https://www.linguaclinic.com/b5-solar-gmbh/) - Due to the expansion of our business into Spain, we got Lingua Clinic to provide a group of people with Spanish lessons at our London office. The lessons have been well received and all participants felt that the course was excellent value and worthwhile doing. E. Kehler, Managing Director, B5 Solar GmbH, London - [European Medicines Agency](https://www.linguaclinic.com/european-medicines-agency/) - I have just finished a series of private lessons with Lingua Clinic over one month. Overall, it was a great experience which I highly recommend. I would like to thank Antonio for his dedication and his teaching skills. S. Olivier, Paediatric Coordinator, European Medicines Agency, London - [Bromley High School](https://www.linguaclinic.com/bromley-high-school/) - I have just finished an intensive Spanish course with Lingua Clinic and would like to thank Antonio for his reliability, punctuality and above all his positive and dedicated approach to my linguistic needs. I felt that the materials used were very adequate and challenging, helping me to reach a higher level in the language. The - [signsalad - making brands meaningful](https://www.linguaclinic.com/signsalad-making-brands-meaningful/) - ‘I recently undertook a Spanish language course with Lingua Clinic, and enjoyed it immensely. Antonio is a friendly, helpful and patient teacher very much attuned to the needs of his students: I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to others interested in improving their language skills.’ Dr. N. Edwards, Semiotician ## Pages - [Spanish tutor in London, available 7 am to 8 pm](https://www.linguaclinic.com/) - Private Spanish tutor in London. Est. 2009, available from 7 am to 8 pm for busy professionals at work or in companies. Spanish lessons for fast progress. - [Group training Spanish](https://www.linguaclinic.com/service/group-training-spanish/) - Group lessons are ideal for several colleagues or friends wanting to learn Spanish. Provided at your workplace or home, group lessons are ideal for several participants. - [Private Spanish Lessons](https://www.linguaclinic.com/service/private-spanish-lessons/) - Spanish language lessons at your workplace or home in London. With a private Spanish tutor coming to you, these lessons are ideal for professionals. - [Home](https://www.linguaclinic.com/home/) - Private Spanish tutor in London. Est. 2010, available from 8 am to 8 pm for busy professionals at work or in companies. Spanish lessons tailored to progress fast - [Contact Us](https://www.linguaclinic.com/contact-us/) - Lingua Clinic, 35 New Broad Street, London, EC2M 1NH +44 (0) 20 7148 0320 - [Contact](https://www.linguaclinic.com/contact-footer/) - Please call or fill in the contact form. Lingua Clinic 35 New Broad Street London EC2M 1NH Office: +44 (0) 20 7148 0320 - [FAQ](https://www.linguaclinic.com/faq/) - Highly experienced Spanish tutors, native Spanish speakers with excellent levels of English. - [Online Spanish Lessons](https://www.linguaclinic.com/service/online-spanish-lessons/) - Learn Spanish online with a native Spanish speaking tutor via Skype, Zoom and Google Hangouts. - [Intensive Spanish courses](https://www.linguaclinic.com/service/intensive-spanish-courses/) - Intensive Spanish courses are ideal for learning Spanish fast before being exposed to the language; a business or leisure trip or moving to a Spanish speaking country. - [About Us](https://www.linguaclinic.com/about-us/) - Lingua Clinic, based in the heart of London, provides Spanish tuition at your workplace or home. All Spanish lessons and courses are tailored to your level. - [Test your Spanish](https://www.linguaclinic.com/test-your-spanish/) - Taking this test will help you decide if private spanish lessons are right for you. Question 1: ¿ Sabes dónde San Sebastian? en el norte de España. - [Testimonials](https://www.linguaclinic.com/testimonials/) - Client companies and students learning Spanish and outlining their progrees during studies with Lingia Clinic. - [Service](https://www.linguaclinic.com/service/) - [Links](https://www.linguaclinic.com/links/) ## Slides - [4](https://www.linguaclinic.com/slides/4-3/) - [3](https://www.linguaclinic.com/slides/3-3/) - [2](https://www.linguaclinic.com/slides/2-3/) - [1](https://www.linguaclinic.com/slides/1-3/) ## Categories - [Testimonials](https://www.linguaclinic.com/category/testimonials/) - Latest posts from our clients plus our blog – this is category description, - [Home Slider](https://www.linguaclinic.com/category/home-slider/) - [Blog](https://www.linguaclinic.com/category/blog/)