Beginning Spanish ¡Empecemos por aquí!

Module C: Classmates and life outside the classroom   • 53 48. Interpersonal communication practice assessment Interpersonal communication skills are those we use when interacting with another person. These skills involve negotiating meaning in order to make ourselves understood within the context of a conversation as well as making sure we understand what our partner is trying to tell us. Strong interpersonal communication skills are not just about accuracy but about expressing yourself with plenty of detail, responding fully to questions, and asking questions of your own. Work with a partner to practice the conversation outlined below. Remember to use expressions such as “¿Cómo?” “No entiendo,” and “¿Qué significa _____?” in order to successfully communicate. With a partner, have a conversation in which you do the following: • learn each other’s names • ask and answer how you are feeling • learn where you are from • learn where you live now • learn what you study and how you feel about your classes • exchange some information about your life as a college student • talk about some things that you like and dislike • say good-bye Lengua 1.5: Regular present tense conjugation The present tense is used to describe the way things are, what happens, or habitual actions in the present. It can also refer to an action in the near future or an action that is in progress. Context is very important. See the following examples: Hablo con mi madre por la mañana. I speak with my mother in the morning. Hablo con mi madre ahora. I am speaking with my mother now. Hablo con mi madre mañana. I will speak with my mother tomorrow. Verbs in Spanish have three possible infinitive (unconjugated) endings: -ar , -er , and -ir . These endings help us identify patterns of conjugation. So far, we have seen conjugations of ser , estar , and a little of tener . Those three verbs are irregular. In this section, we will look at regular conjugation patterns in the present tense. To conjugate a regular -ar verb, first remove the ending. This gives you the verb stem. Next, add the end- ing that corresponds with the subject. In the following example, remove the -ar . The stem is lleg . Llegar (to arrive) Yo lleg o Tú lleg as