Nina Schmidt ~ Vancouver German and Spanish Lessons

Category: Cultural Corner

Cultural Corner: Paella

Paella is a popular dish of the Valencia region in Spain. Although it has ancient roots, its modern version was created in the mid-nineteenth century. It is enjoyed all over the world and many people consider paella as the national dish of Spain, although in Spain it is more common in Valencia, a region located south of Catalonia, on the east coast of Spain.

There are many types of paella. The original paella from the Valencia region includes the following ingredients: white rice, green beans, meat such as duck or chicken, snails and saffron. The saffron gives it its particular color. You can also add several vegetables such as artichokes. Another variation uses shellfish instead of meat, particularly crustaceans.

Probably the most popular type of paella cooked outside of Spain is a mix of recipes that includes meat and seafood along with vegetables and rice. Paella can be served spicy or mild depending on the spices used. All types of paella use olive oil for cooking and it is cooked in a special pan called the paellera. The name paella comes from an old French word ‘paelle’ which means frying pan.

May 3, 2018
Cultural Corner: Carnival

Carnival is celebrated throughout the Catholic world approximately five weeks before Easter every year. It is a time of celebration. People sing and dance in the streets and watch parades go by. Many people dress up in feathers, masks and colorful costumes. The highlight of carnival is Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras. This day is 40 days before Lent and a time for people to eat and drink as much as they like before fasting for Easter.

Carnival has been celebrated for centuries as a time of celebration before the time of serious reflection that comes with Easter. The largest carnival in the world is celebrated in Brazil but another large celebration is held in Cologne, Germany. In the German version, the celebrations go on for days even in the cold weather. People often wear costumes and walk through the streets carrying on until late into the night.

Cadiz, Spain has also celebrated carnival for many centuries as it is once was one of the most important maritime ports in the world. The main events during the Spanish carnival include a coronation of the goddess of the carnival, numerous parades, children’s parties and a great masked ball. There are also singing competitions where teams of singers get together and write their own songs to perform in the streets. On the final day the dancers and singers are judged. Many songs include funny lyrics while other songs contain satires of well-known people such as local celebrities and politicians.

February 4, 2018
Cultural Corner: Latin Countries Trivia Challenge!
Name the Spanish speaking country these people are from!

1. My name is Roberta. I live in Europe and I speak Spanish with my mother and Catalan with my father. I like to dance flamenco. I am from ______________.

2. I am 17 years old and I live near the United States. My uncle lives in San Diego. My father always listens to mariachi music on the radio. I am from ______________.

3. I live in a country famous for beautiful beaches. Many tourists visit my father’s hotel every year. The island I live on is shared with another country. I am from ______________.

4. My country is most famous for its exotic animals and plants. We are located in Central America and have a huge amount of tropical birds. I love to hike in the jungle with my uncle. I am from _______________.

5. I live where Latin America meet South America. We are famous for our canal which allows people and goods to travel more quickly. I am from _____________.

6. My country is very long! In the north we have a desert and in the south we have snow! Like most people I live near the middle in the capital city of Santiago. I am from ______________.

7. My father is a cattle rancher as my South American country produces a lot of beef. I am a huge soccer fan! I am from ______________.

8. I live on an island in the Caribbean. My island is a territory of the United States and I speak both English and Spanish perfectly. My sisters and I are all good dancers! I am from ______________.

9.I live in a small country with 15 million people. We are famous for our ancient Mayan Ruins. Many people in my country still speak indigenous languages. I am from _____________.

10. My name is Rigoberto and my favorite singer is Shakira because she is from my country! We also have many cities that are famous for their colonial architecture. I am from _______________.

Answer Key:
1. España
2. México
3. Dominican Republic
4. Costa Rica
5. Panamá
6. Chile
7. Argentina
8. Puerto Rico
9. Guatemala
10. Colombia
February 21, 2017
Weihnachten ~ German Christmas

Weihnachtsabend ist der 24. Dezember. Weihnachten ist ein Familienfest. Viele Familien haben einen großen Tannenbaum im Wohnzimmer. Die Ursprung des Tannenbaumes stammt aus dem 16. Jahrhundert in Deutschland. Am Anfang wurden sie mit Äpfeln, Nüssen, Bretzeln und Papierblumen dekoriert. Auch wurde diese Tradition damals nur in den Kirchen gepflegt. Erst im 17. Jahrhundert hatten Familien Weihnachtsbäume zu Hause.

Im katholischen Deutschland bringt das Christkind die Geschenke. Kinder dürfen den Baum nicht vorher sehen! Nur wenn die Glocke im Wohnzimmer klingelt, dürfen sie den dekorierten Baum und die Geschenke sehen. Nach der großen Überraschung, gibt es ein Festessen wie für Könige. Später fahren alle zur Kirche. Dort werden Lieder gesungen und gebetet. Später zu Hause wird Glühwein getrunken und Lebkuchen gegessen!

December 16, 2016
Spanish Culture: Traditional Clothing

The traditional clothing of the Hispanic world varies a lot by country. Some items go back to the pre-conquest indigenous traditions while others are more recent. In this blog, I will discuss two common articles of clothing: the sombrero and poncho as well as one lesser-known item, the huipil a traditional blouse of Central America.

The word sombrero comes from the Spanish word for shade: sombra. Many people use the hat to protect themselves from the sun. The sombrero comes originally from Spain but the Mexicans have their own version with a very broad brim. Traditionally, ranchers used sombreros only for work but now they are worn on holidays by all.

The poncho is the traditional clothing South American indigenous people. A group called the Mapuche, who live in the south of Chile and Argentina, use it there in the cold and rainy periods. The traditional poncho is made of wool and keeps the wearer warm. It is similar to a blanket with a hole for the head and allows for free movement of the arms. The wool comes from four animals; the alpaca, llama, vicuna and guanaco, all similar to the camels. Nowadays, inexpensive plastic versions of the poncho are worn in North America in extreme rain.

Finally, the lesser known huipil is a blouse for women of Central America, especially those in Guatemala. Indigenous women still weave them today as their Mayan ancestors did 1000 years ago. The colors and designs show the community from which a woman originates. You can find images of beautiful handmade huipils By clicking here:

September 21, 2015
Cultural Corner: Traditional Latin Music

This blog focuses on three types of traditional Latin American music and dancing: mariachi from Mexico, salsa from the Caribbean and cueca from South America.

Mariachi is the most popular music found in Mexico especially during festivals and weddings. Mariachi is performed by men who travel in bands of three or more players. The players wear traditional clothing which consists of large sombreros (see picture above), special decorated suits and a type of colourful cravat. Generally, the group features a guitar player, a trumpet player and an individual who plays a large guitar called a guitarón. The music is lively and may or may not feature singing.

Salsa is a type of dance based out of the Caribbean. Most traditional salsa comes from Cuba or Puerto Rico and was brought to America in the 1960s when a large number of Puerto Ricans emigrated to New York. Salsa employs a lot of percussion instruments particularly the cencerro. Also included are the trumpet, trombone and guitar. Salsa dancing is very popular globally. Couples combine basic steps with a lot of hip movement and twists and turns.

The cueca is a dance with a long history in Chile, Bolivia, Peru and parts of Argentina. According to legend the dance emulates the mating dance of chickens! Couples dancing la cueca wear old-fashioned clothing. Women wear long dresses and men wear traditional ranchero type outfits. Rancheros are the men that work with cattle. The couple around each other waving white handkerchiefs which represent the feathers of the chicken. This dance is most popular in Chile where it is considered the national dance and is performed on festive days.

August 12, 2015
Cultural Corner: Traditional Mexican Dishes

People across North America love Mexican food. The quality and authenticity of the food varies a lot by the region and the restaurant in which it is served. A lot of food that North Americans consider to be Mexican food is actually Tex-Mex a type of Americanized Mexican food. An example of this type of food is nachos, a meal in which corn tortillas are covered with cheese, olives, green onions and various types of spiced meat. While delicious, this is not authentic Mexican food! Most Mexican dishes make use of the pre-Columbian ingredients widely available in Mexico then and today including corn, beans and peppers. Later introductions by the Spanish such as dairy and meat products now also feature prominently.

One popular dish found on many Mexican restaurant menus is ceviche. Often served as an appetizer or late-night snack, ceviche is a seafood dish that features various types of fish marinated in citrus juices. Additional seasonings include ají, a chili pepper, salt and chopped onions. It is also commonly served with corn, avocado and lettuce. This dish must be served as fresh as possible as the fish is served raw so it is best to consume it near water.

Carnitas literally means little meats. This dish originates in the Mexican state of Michoacán. To make carnitas one must boil pork for many hours in a heavy pot until it is soft and tender. The meat is combined with spices such as cilantro, salt, cumin and chilies. One way to prepare this meal is to mix it with onions, tomatoes and frijoles, or refried beans, before serving it with rice, tortillas or hardshell tacos.

Enchiladas come in a variety of flavors. The basic idea is to use a corn tortilla filled with varying ingredients and topped with a spicy tomato sauce. Similar dishes can be found all the way back in pre-Columbian Mexico. Common fillings include vegetables, chicken, pork, beef, seafood, beans and cheese. Owing to its spiciness, it is often served with sour cream to help with digestion.

Vancouver doesn’t have as many Mexican restaurants as one would find in cities with larger hispanic populations but we do have a few of note. Next time you are in the mood for Latin fare I recommend: El cuchillo located in Gastown or La taqueria on Cambie across from City Hall.

May 11, 2015
Cultural Corner: German Beer Basics

Navigating beer in Germany as a foreigner can be daunting. There are over four dozen official varieties, each stemming from the various regions of Germany and owing to specialized brewing techniques. Here we will look at the basics as well as some cultural tips surrounding beer consumption.

First off, beer in Germany is considered a food item. It is widely available in grocery stores, all restaurants and pubs, concession stands and even vending machines. Age limitations on alcohol consumption are much lower than those found in North America. Teenagers aged 14 or older may consume beer or wine in restaurants when an adult is present. At the age of 16, youth may drink beer or wine unaccompanied. To consume hard liquor, the age limit is set at 18. Similar laws apply to the purchase of alcohol. Special beverages comprised of beer and soft drinks are also available for younger drinkers, to lower the alcohol percentage. As there are no strict age restrictions or separate “pubs/bars,” family members of all ages may dine together at all times allowing for a more multigenerational social life.

As beer is considered a food item, it’s pricing is more in line with that of soft drinks and mineral waters; between two and four euros depending on the size. Beer is often taken with lunch as well although this practice is declining. Beer consumption in Germany overall has been declining for the last two decades owing to the aging population, healthier trends as well as young people experimenting with new foreign alcoholic drinks. That said, Germany still ranks fifth in the world in beer consumption with 110 L per person per year.

The German government strictly controls beer production going back to the 16th century. It may only be made with four ingredients: water, hops, yeast and malt. All variances are based on the technique in brewing. The type of beer you will be ordering in a given restaurant owes a lot to the region in which you find yourself. Every region produces its own traditional beer type. Here are some of the more common ones:

Pils-the most popular with roughly 60% of the market share

Kölsch-specific to the Cologne region

Altbier-an ale specific to Düsseldorf and region

Weissbier-most popular in Bavaria

Hefeweizen– cloudy in appearance due to yeast being left in, wheat malt

Bockbier-based on a barley malt, high alcohol content and brewed for holiday occasions

Helles-a lager, light in color and easy to drink

Dunkles-Amber to dark in color, more of a sipping beer

The label on the beer bottle will give you much information such as, the name and type of beer, the brewery’s location, the year the company was founded, and of course its alcohol content. Most German beers are between 3.5% and 6% alcohol content. Low alcohol or nonalcoholic beers are also popular. Nonalcoholic beers generally taste much better than their North American equivalents.

When out drinking with Germans, the most common way to say cheers is Prost. This may be called out by someone for every new round of beer or at any time. The tradition is to lift up your beer glass, sometimes even above your head, and call out Prost before lowering it to take a drink. Another common way to say cheers is Zum Wohl which roughly translates as “to your health.”

July 24, 2014
Cultural Corner: Latin Society

When studying a new language it is important to understand the culture that envelops and supports that language to truly understand it. North American society and Latin society have many similarities but also some differences. Below I will discuss two fundamental institutions in Latin society; family and church.

Latin society is a collective society. North American society is different, we are raised to be independent and to put our own opinions and goals ahead of those of the family as a whole. While many North Americans celebrate birthdays and other occasions only with friends or their romantic partner, Latin people celebrate an anniversary, birthday or wedding with the entire extended family. The concept of the nuclear family doesn’t really exist as it is common to live with, or very close to, extended family members such as grandparents, uncles and cousins. To this end, people often have closer relationships with their extended family members than are found in North America.

In addition to the family, the Catholic Church plays a relatively large role in the everyday lives of most Latin people. Many attend church regularly such as every Sunday or even every day. The church is not only a place to pray, but also serves as a basis for the community at large. All of life’s major milestones are tied to the church such as baptism, marriage and death.

The type of Catholicism found in Latin America differs from that found in Europe in countries such as Italy, Spain and France. When the Spaniards brought the Catholic faith to the New World around 500 years ago, it was adopted by the native indigenous peoples. However, they did not completely give up their own traditional beliefs but rather created a fusion of beliefs. Therefore, while many Latin Americas believe in Jesus Christ, they also have local patron saints they worship. Latin people are also quite superstitious and often adorn their homes and cars with small altars and good luck charms.

In Latin American society, as in North American society, most public holidays revolve around the main religious festivals: Christmas (Navidad), Easter (Pascua) and All Souls Day (El dia de los muertos). The occasions of Christmas and Easter offer time off of work and school in which to celebrate or commemorate a variety of rituals surrounding the holiday. Even individuals who are not practicing Catholics may take this as a time off to enjoy time with family.

August 19, 2013
Cultural Corner: Tapas and Sangria

Tapas are a type of food popular in Spain. People in Spain eat differently and at different hours than those in North America. Generally breakfast is very light consisting of only a coffee with milk and perhaps a churro, a cylindrical deep-fried pastry similar to a doughnut. Lunch is served around midday and is often followed by a siesta, a midday nap. Siestas help people to avoid working in the extreme heat found throughout Spain in the summer months and in the South most of the year. Many stores are closed during this time and as dinner is served very late by our standards, (9 PM or later) tapas serve as a holdover.

Tapas are served in bars and restaurants between the hours of four and six in the afternoon. The expression comes from the Spanish verb ‘tapar’ which means “to cover.” As open air food in hot climes is often subject to insects landing upon it, proprietors took to covering the food to protect it. Served on small plates perfect for sharing among friends, tapas commonly consist of olives, nuts, french bread, shrimp, chorizo (a spicy sausage), octopus, pickled onions and more! Spanish restaurants are creative in their tapas and some get a reputation for specializing in a specific kind. For some ideas on how to make your own tapas visit here.

The most common beverage served with tapas is sangria, or sangría in Spanish, an alcoholic beverage made with a mixture of red wine, carbonated water or soda, and fruit juice. It also features sliced citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. Commonly a dash of rum or other liquor is added along with a handful of ice cubes. Outside of Spain sangria is particularly popular in the summer months as it is refreshing but it can be ordered year-round in Spanish restaurants. The name originates from the Spanish word for blood, sangre, due to its rich red colour. For a great sangria recipe click here.

June 12, 2013