Augmentative Suffixes in Spanish

Augmentative Suffixes in Spanish Augmentative suffixes - word endings added to nouns (and sometimes adjectives) to make them refer to something that is large - are less common than the diminutive endings, but they nevertheless provide one way that the Spanish vocabulary can be flexibly expanded. And just as the diminutive suffixes can be used to indicate that something is endearing (rather than small), so can the augmentative endings be used in a pejorative way to indicate that something is awkward or otherwise undesirable. The most common augmentative and pejorative suffixes (feminine forms in parentheses) are -à ³n (-ona), -azo (-aza) and -ote (-ota). Less common ones include -udo (-uda), -aco (-aca), -acho (-acha), -uco (-uca), -ucho (-ucha), -astro (-astra) and -ejo (-eja). Although nouns usually maintain their gender when put in an augmentative form, it isnt unusual for the words, especially when they come to be thought of as words in their own right, to change gender (especially from feminine to masculine). Theres no way to predict which ending (if any) can be attached to a particular noun, and the meanings of some suffixed words can vary from region to region. Here are the main ways in which these endings are used: To Indicate Something Is Large When used in this way, the suffixes can also indicate something is strong or powerful or has some other quality often associated with size. Examples: mujerona (big and/or tough woman), arbolote (big tree), perrazo (a big and/or mean dog), librazo or librote (big book), pajarote (large bird), casona (large house), cabezà ³n (big-headed person, literally or figuratively), cabezota (stubborn, stubborn person). To Indicate Intensity Such suffixes indicate that something has more of the inherent quality than such objects usually have; the resulting word can, but doesnt have to, have a negative connotation. Sometimes these endings can be applied to adjectives as well as nouns. Examples: solterà ³n (confirmed bachelor), solterona (old maid), favorzote (a huge favor), un cochazo (one heck of a car), grandote (very big), ricachà ³n (filthy rich, filthy-rich person), grandullà ³n (overgrown). To Form New Words Sometimes words with augmentative endings can take on meanings of their own and have only a loose connection with the original word. Examples: padrote (pimp), ratà ³n (mouse), tablà ³n (bulletin board, thick board), fogà ³n (stove), cinturà ³n (belt), camisà ³n (nightgown), serrucho (handsaw), hacer un papelà ³n (to make a spectacle of oneself), cajà ³n (drawer), cordà ³n (shoelace), lamparà ³n (grease stain), llorà ³n (crybaby), humazo (cloud of smoke). -Azo to Indicate a Blow or Strike The suffix -azo can be applied somewhat freely to nouns to indicate a blow or strike; coined words using this suffix are sometimes found in journalese. Words formed in this way are always masculine. Examples: hachazo (blow or chop with an ax), martillazo (blow with a hammer), puà ±etazo (punch with a fist), cabezazo (head butt), codazo (jab with the elbow), plumazo (the stroke of a pen), huevazo (a blow from a thrown egg), misilazo (missile strike), sartenazo (a blow from a frying pan).

Teaching English Listening Skills to ESL Classes

Teaching English Listening Skills to ESL Classes Teaching listening skills is one of the most difficult tasks for any ESL teacher. This is because successful listening skills are acquired over time and with lots of practice. Its frustrating for students because there are no rules as in grammar teaching. Speaking and writing also have very specific exercises that can lead to improved skills. This is not to say that there are not ways of improving listening skills, however, they are difficult to quantify. Student Blocking One of the largest inhibitors for students is often mental block. While listening, a student suddenly decides that he or she doesnt understand what is being said. At this point, many students just tune out or get caught up in an internal dialogue trying to translate a specific word. Some students convince themselves that they are not able to understand spoken English well and create problems for themselves. Signs that Students are Blocking Students constantly look up wordsStudents pause when speakingStudents change their eye contact away from the speaker as if they are thinking about somethingStudents write words down during conversation exercises The key to helping students improve their listening skills is to convince them that not understanding is OK. This is more of an attitude adjustment than anything else, and it is easier for some students to accept than others. Another important point that I try to teach my students (with differing amounts of success) is that they need to listen to English as often as possible, but for short periods of time. Listening Exercise Suggestion Suggest a number of shows in English on the radio, podcasts online, etc.Have students choose one of the shows based on interestAsk students to listen to the show for five minutes three times a weekKeep track of student listening to encourage them to keep up the practiceCheck with students to confirm that their listening skills are improving over time Getting in Shape I like to use this analogy: Imagine you want to get in shape. You decide to begin jogging. The very first day you go out and jog seven miles. If you are lucky, you might even be able to jog the whole seven miles. However, chances are good that you will not soon go out jogging again. Fitness trainers have taught us that we must begin with little steps. Begin jogging short distances and walk some as well, over time you can build up the distance. Using this approach, youll be much more likely to continue jogging and get fit. Students need to apply the same approach to listening skills. Encourage them to get a film, or listen to an English radio station, but not to watch an entire film or listen for two hours. Students should often listen, but they should listen for short periods - five to ten minutes. This should happen four or five times a week. Even if they dont understand anything, five to ten minutes is a minor investment. However, for this strategy to work, students must not expect improved understanding too quickly. The brain is capable of amazing things if given time, students must have the patience to wait for results. If a student continues this exercise over two to three months their listening comprehension skills will greatly improve.