Michel Thomas incorrect pronouns?

Question

Hi

I've been using the Michel Thomas course, but there's a discrepancy between his use of pronouns and what my other textbooks say.

For example, he says "Voy a llamarle" for "I am going to call him". My textbook says that "le" is an indirect object pronoun, and "lo/la" are direct object pronouns, from which I infer that the correct version should be "Voy a llamarlo".

Am I right, is MT right? Very confused. Any help will be much appreciated.

Please complete your SD profile - it helps us help you. - ian-hill, Sep 10, 2013

Ok, have done now. - tim86093, Sep 10, 2013

Answer 1

Good observation! This is a phenomenon known as "leísmo", where the indirect object pronoun "le" is used instead of the direct object pronoun "lo". Many Spanish speakers use this when referring to animate objects (especially male). At one time this was seen as incorrect, but it is pretty common amongst native speakers (especially in Spain) and its use is accepted by the RAE. However, this usage is never accepted when referring to inanimate objects.

Answer 2

I am not a native speaker but I would say:

Voy a llamarlo. him

Voy a llamarla. her

Voy a llamarle. you

you can use lo and la for ustedes. - EL_MAG0, Sep 10, 2013

Answer 3

I am not a native speaker either-but this is how I understand this.

"lo" is isually used for "him

"La " is usually used for "her

"Le" can be used for either him or for her or "you"

"Lo" is always used for "it"

You can add the pronoun to the the second verb when it is in the infinitive as in your question.