Beginning Spanish ¡Empecemos por aquí!

Beginning Spanish ¡Empecemos por aquí! is an open educational resource (OER) textbook designed to develop communication skills in Spanish across the interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes. Created by Jenny Ceciliano and Lisa Notman, professors at Portland State University, the textbook takes a learner-centered approach by engaging students in real-life exchanges on topics relevant to adult learners.

Beyond just teaching the Spanish language, this textbook also supports key learning outcomes related to diversity, equity, inclusion, cultural sustainability, and social justice. By embedding these critical themes throughout the instructional materials, the authors aim to foster greater cultural awareness, appreciation, and responsibility among Spanish language students.

The textbook is available in both digital and print-on-demand formats, including standard paperback and premium hardcover options. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, the resource can be freely accessed, adapted, and utilized by instructors and learners alike, promoting collaborative and equitable learning experiences.

Beginning Spanish ¡Empecemos por aquí! provides an innovative, inclusive, and accessible approach to teaching the Spanish language. It empowers students to develop strong communication skills while also cultivating important intercultural competencies and a commitment to social justice.

Recommended for: Beginner-to-intermediate readers interested in learning the Spanish language. The textbook is suitable for students at the college/university level as well as adult learners looking to improve their Spanish skills.

You will:

Develop communication skills in Spanish across interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes
Engage in real-world exchanges on topics relevant to adult learners
Gain a deeper understanding of Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and cultural aspects
Explore themes of diversity, equity, inclusion, cultural sustainability, and social justice
Access the textbook for free as an Open Educational Resource (OER)

Citation

Ceciliano, J., & Notman, L. (2022). Beginning Spanish ¡Empecemos por aquí! Portland State University Library. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/pdxopen/41/