FAQ´s (frequently asked questions)

Question

The administrators are thinking about changing some aspects of the forum which will include a frequently asked questions section more commonly known as "FAQ´s". We are looking for suggestions from members as to what they would like to have included. All suggestions will be seriously considered, so please don´t be shy in coming forward.

Answer 1

It sounds like the FAQ section needs two categories. (1) How to use various tools or resources on this website. (2) Questions frequently asked on the forum, like ser/estar.

For category (2), it would be good to add a link to the (hopefully improved by then) reference section on verb tenses. How to adequately distinguish between preterite / imperfect is another frequently asked question on the forum. Masculine / feminine nouns (el agua, la radio, etc.) and adjective agreement is another FAQ in forum discussions.

Great ideas, guys!

Answer 2

TrentonGB said:

I have been looking for a guide to formatting the flashcards in the vocabulary section. For example: if the word that I am trying to ask for is an adjective, is it best to simplify it to one form (ex: atrasado), include both forms (ex: atrasado/a), or make a seperate entry for each form (ex: english: late (masculine), spanish: atrasado ; english: late (feminine), spanish: atrasada). I am mostly making flashcards for personal use, but I do want them to be useful to other people.

Quentin supplied a good instruction list for this, have a look, this will be included in the FAQ too.

[url=http://my.spanishdict.com/forum/topic/show'id=1710195%3ATopic%3A744940]How to make a vocabulary list[/url]

Answer 3

Also, you should probably include a section on how to switch a keyboard to international mode.

Answer 4

I have been looking for a guide to formatting the flashcards in the vocabulary section. For example: if the word that I am trying to ask for is an adjective, is it best to simplify it to one form (ex: atrasado), include both forms (ex: atrasado/a), or make a seperate entry for each form (ex: english: late (masculine), spanish: atrasado ; english: late (feminine), spanish: atrasada). I am mostly making flashcards for personal use, but I do want them to be useful to other people.

Answer 5

Another topic we get every week: tú / usted.

Answer 6

Daniel said:

I got you. I got carried away. Sorry. However many of these words with similar meanings have come up on the forum time after time --so I considered them to be a "FAQ".

Daniel, we appreciate everybody's input of course, but we were looking for a more general idea, thanks a lot.

Answer 7

Now we are getting some really good suggestions. Thanks everybody.

Anybody else?

Mark, a special link will be difficult but I will point this out to the person in charge, especially the grey writing.

Good idea Val: I used to advertise the double click function all the time, at the beginning, it is a unique feature i have not found anywhere else.

Quentin, I have saved that link and that will certainly be included.

I have also asked Lazarus to write a clear explanation on ser/estar y por /para for us. We do have a part on the reference section, I believe.

Answer 8

How do I break Spanish words into syllables?

Please answer this question with the rules that Lazarus graciously shared in this thread.
[url=http://my.spanishdict.com/forum/topic/show'id=1710195%3ATopic%3A982050]http://my.spanishdict.com/forum/topic/show'id=1710195%3ATopic%3A982050[/url]

Answer 9

I would like to suggest the Spanish Audio Lessons are better publicised.

I would like to see a bold, visual link on the main index for the audio lessons since the current link is tucked away at the bottom of the page and the grey writing looks very deceptive (grey writing on a computer normally means there's no access).

I was told 'Reading improves Writing' and 'Listening improves Speaking'.The Lessons are a really good teaching resource and it's a shame that no one seems to know about them. They could help many people improve their speach at both beginner and advanced levels.

Answer 10

I think "por/para" and "ser/estar" are probably "frequently asked" by Spanish learners in general. (But I personally would like to hear the answers for some of the others on Daniel's list.)

lazarus1907 said:

How do you say [Spanish word that can be easily found in the dictionary] in English?

Something like this probably ought to be included with (redundant) directions for the dictionary. Also maybe mentioning the double-click feature.

Answer 11

I got you. I got carried away. Sorry. However many of these words with similar meanings have come up on the forum time after time --so I considered them to be a "FAQ".

Answer 12

Daniel said:

How about these: Qué/Cuál/Cuáles. Cómo/Como.

Pedir/Preguntar.

Tiempo/Vez.

Cuyo/De quién.

Echar

Tener/Haber

Suyo/Tuyo

Give me more time and I am sure there are others. Of course I think like the beginner I am -- so I am involved in the process.

We are referring to the terminology frequently asked, not just any two words that have a similar meaning. For instance the difference between ser/estar has been asked on numerous occasions, so this is one we might include.

Answer 13

I can see that this has not been understood.

For grammar questions and meanings you can go to the reference section or dictionary. fro questions on differences we have the forum.

We were thinking more of things like

Where are the groups? Where are the rules of the forum? etc.

Do you have any questions like these?

We might include the explanation on "ser-estar" which Lazarus gave one day.

Answer 14

You opened the door Eddy: Some more to consider:

Creer/Parecer/Saber
Otra vez/De nuevo
Empezar/Comenzar
Subir/Trepar/Escalar
Atrapar/Coger/Agarrar
Tirar/Lanzar
Llevar/Traer
Elegir/Escoger

Answer 15

Don't go away -- here are a few more;

Saber/Conocer
Llevar/Tomar/Sacar
Comprender/Entender
Igual/Mismo
Algunos/Unos/Algo/Algún
Parada/Detener/Dejar