Spanish Vocabulary: An Etymological Approach

by David Brodsky

Unlike other vocabulary guides that require the rote memorization of literally thousands of words, this book starts from the premise that using the etymological connections between Spanish and English words—their common derivations from Latin, Greek, and other languages—is the most effective way to acquire and remember vocabulary. This approach is suitable for beginners as well as for advanced students. Teachers of the language will also find much material that can be used to help motivate their students to acquire, and retain, Spanish vocabulary.

Spanish Vocabulary is divided into four parts and four

Part I provides background material on the origins of Spanish and begins the process of presenting Spanish vocabulary.Part II presents "classical" Spanish vocabulary—words whose form (in both Spanish and English) is nearly unchanged from Latin and Greek.Part III deals with "popular" Spanish vocabulary, which underwent significant changes in form (and often meaning) during the evolution from Latin to Spanish. A number of linguistic patterns are identified that will help learners recognize and remember new vocabulary.Part IV treats a wide range of themes, including words of Germanic and Arabic origin, numbers, time, food and animals, the family, the body, and politics.Annex Principal exceptions to the "Simplified Gender Rule"Annex 700 words whose relations, if any, to English words are not immediately obviousAnnex -cer verbs and related wordsAnnex 4,500 additional words, either individually or in groups, with English correspondences

Genres: Spanish Literature, Language, Nonfiction

637 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2008

Reviews

[Foxthyme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Everything just becomes so much clearer when you know how the word evolved from Latin and why the Spanish and English version can be very similar or dissimilar. Some sections compare the Spanish, English, Italian, and English variations or similarities. As you learn all of this you become better at developing an ear for more than the languages you are studying.

I work at a hospital where we have a lot of people admitted who don't speak English. I may not be able to communicate completely but I can get a general idea of what is being said in some cases. Great book.

[Luaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if you can ever claim to be done reading a dictionary, but for what it's worth for now, I am done with it. A great help for Spanish novice, breaking down the etymology of verbs and words can be extremely helpful and helps a great deal with understanding. To pair up with any lessons or learning system anyone uses to learn this beautiful language.