Using Spanish
Cambridge University Press
Edition: 2nd edition, 9/29/2005
EAN 9780521004817, ISBN10: 0521004810
Paperback, 502 pages, 23.8 x 16.9 x 3 cm
This 2005 book is a guide to Spanish usage for those who have already acquired the basics of the language and wish to extend their knowledge. Unlike conventional grammars, it focuses on those areas of vocabulary and grammar which cause most difficulty to English speakers. It fully illustrates the differences between the Spanish of Spain and Latin America, and looks in detail at register variation. Complete with a full word index, this clear and easy-to-consult text guides students through the richness and diversity of this major world language. This new edition has been extensively revised and updated to take a fuller account of Latin-American (particularly Mexican) usage. The vocabulary sections have been significantly expanded, and now include examples which contextualize each word or expression. The presentation of many sections has been improved to make reference even easier than before, and some completely new material has been added on semi-technical vocabulary and Anglicisms.
1. Introduction
2. Passages illustrating register and local variety
3. Misleading similarities between Spanish and English
4. Similarities between Spanish words
5. Fields of meaning - vocabulary expansion
6. Complex verb expressions
7. Affective suffixes
8. Idioms, similes and proverbs
9. Proper names
10. Adjectives pertaining to countries and towns
11. Abbreviations
12. Latin expressions
13. Anglicisms
14. Grammatical terms
15. Interjections
16. Fillers
17. Transition words
18. Numerals
19. Measurements
20. Semi-technical vocabulary
21. Gender
22. Number
23. Word order
24. Prepositions
25. Prepositional constructions with verbs, nouns and adjectives
26. Constructions with verbs of movement
27. Negation
28. Use of tenses
29. Periphrastic verb-forms
30. Modal auxiliaries
31. The subjunctive
32. 'ser' and 'estar'
33. Pronouns
34. The reflexive
35. Comparison
36. Usage with names of countries.