Spanish, Part 1: Basic Elements and Simple Sentences

Explore the beauty and diversity of the Spanish language as you learn how to navigate real-life conversations. This course—the first in a seven-part series from The Great Courses—covers the essentials of using basic elements and simple sentences in Spanish. Begin by looking at both the “whats” of Spanish (elements such as grammar and vocabulary), before turning to the “hows”—how to study, practice, and learn the language most effectively. Get started identifying cognates (Spanish words that are similar to their English equivalents), hearing the five Spanish vowel sounds, and practicing basic greetings, responses, and goodbyes.

About the instructor

Dr. Bill Worden is an associate professor of Spanish at the University of Alabama. He received his Master of Arts in Spanish from Middlebury College and his PhD in Hispanic Studies from Brown University. Since 2002, Dr. Worden has taught a wide variety of courses at the University of Alabama, ranging from Introductory Spanish and Advanced Grammar and Composition to undergraduate and graduate courses in 16th- and 17th-century Spanish literature.