NDM School

When language is used to communicate something, the symbols that are being used, plus the communicational situation might say much more than what is being communicated. I will illustrate this with an example: when I took Portuguese lessons in Houston, I noticed that all the other students were different from each other. Even though we would practice the same exercises, the same activities, each one’s cultural background could be seen. We all were there for the same purpose, getting good at Portuguese – which we actually did! – However, there wasn’t unification. If somebody was not sure about the words he or she was using, it would show on his face. The melody we would use when talking would say something about our places of origin. In my classroom, there was a group of students who had previously taken Spanish classes. They were Canadian. Apparently, when taking Spanish classes Calgary people prefer to study in groups of friends, because they can keep practicing while hanging out on weekends. I thought that was kind of nerdy at first, but they said that’s how they could speak good Spanish in no time.  Fortunately, today lessons can be taken any day of the week, including weekends, at any time of the day, whether it be morning, afternoon or even evening. Native speaking qualified teachers give you a better insight into the cultural backgrounds apart from the language’s technical aspects. Besides, they help you achieve a virtually native-like pronunciation.