The Dominican Republic is a country rich in folkloric traditions and beliefs. They’re woven into our everyday lives and are an important, vibrant part of our culture. Part of that folklore is the magic, monsters and mythical creatures that populate our stories. Much like our magical rituals and superstitions, Dominican monsters can trace their origins …
CULTURE: Dominican Monsters & Mythical Creatures Read More »
For many people speaking Spanish can be synonymous with being latinx, so much so that not being able to speak the language can often elicit reactions of shock or derision and can leave non-Spanish speaking latinx feeling frustrated, ashamed or alienated. There are many reasons why a latinx might not be able to speak Spanish, but the …
Latinx Speak: The Importance of Speaking Spanish Read More »
In the Dominican Republic we often spend a lot of time talking about the Taíno and European contributions to our culture and identity and so little about African contributions. Part of it is intentional and another factor is pure ignorance, many in rural areas (so most of the country) don’t know that there were even African …
CULTURE: How the African Diaspora Left It’s Mark on the DR Read More »
Listening to podcasts is a great way to supplement Spanish classes. The best part is that it’s portable, you can do it on the toilet, the treadmill, while you jog or before you go to bed. Finding the perfect podcast though can be difficult especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. I like …
Real language and communication happens in idiomatic expressions. Not in the verb conjugations, not in the thesaurus-like catalogue of adjectives stored in our heads or flashcards, but in the everyday words we cobble together to make meaning where there seems to be none. And that, to me, is where language fluency resides as well, somewhere between …
Eight Spanish Language Expressions You NEED to Know Read More »
Magic, superstition, and religious beliefs are woven into the very fabric of Dominican culture and it’s hard to see where one ends and the other begins. It was so normalized, that in my household, no one batted an eye whenever anyone mentioned spirits or witches. Not in a puritanical, fearful way or dripping in skepticism, but …
CULTURE: Dominican Superstitions, Rituals & Spells Read More »
One of my personal business policies centres around accessibility because I believe all education should be free. My bills, however, demand to be paid. As a compromise I try to give my students as many tools as possible to take control of and supplement their own learning. Especially free materials that I personally use! Here …
Free Websites And Apps to Learn and Study Spanish Read More »
There’s a reason Cabarete has made a reputation for itself as the adventure sports capital of the Caribbean. Want to surf, SUP, kiteboard, or windsurf? We got a beach and season for that. Though I’m a kite chica at heart surfing was my first Cabarete love—and if you’ve ever been to our local surf spot, …
Disclaimer: This column is aimed at other white people who want to travel ethically and addresses the process of decolonizing our minds in a way specific to the experience of whiteness. It is not meant to speak for or over people of colour/ locals. I recently came across my journal from four years ago when …
HIGHLIGHTS 9.5/10 Rating 9.5/10 For more details on the guidelines click here. Instructors are paid a fair, livable wage that allows instructors to survive the low seasons with dignity—regardless of origin. In fact, preference is given to local instructors who cannot just up and leave when the wind drops. LEK regularly hosts charity events …