Dicho y hecho, 5th Edition Beginning Spanish LAILA M. DAWSON  University of Richmond  ALBERT C. DAWSON  University of Richmond   With contributions from  DULCE M. GARCIA  City University of New York   576 Pages, Cloth   Copyright 1997

Dicho y hecho has proven over the years to be a highly adaptable program that allows instructors to cover all four skill areas equally, or to selectively emphasize one or more skills as necessary. Consistently praised by instructors for its accurate and accessible grammar, and for its varied exercises and activities, this text provides a clear presentation that enables students to communicate more effectively.

• Dicho y hecho is a "classroom-tested, student approved" program that has earned rave reviews from students for its realistic and interactive approach to learning Spanish. A creative array of class-tested exercises and activities move students from controlled to open-ended responses within the context of a particular theme, idea, or situation. New student annotations throughout each chapter provide helpful learning suggestions and place the Spanish language in a practical user-oriented context.

 

• Dicho y hecho is infused with the flavor of Hispanic culture through its new art program, created by a native Hispanic artist. This rich visual dimension, which begins with a two-page color vocabulary spread opening each chapter, is complemented by a cast of identifiable characters to engage your students in and enable them to relate and react to situations that reflect the theme, vocabulary, and structures of each chapter.

 

• Teacher-to-student, student-to-student, and small group interaction makes each session a unique experience, and provides a refreshing new dynamic to the classroom. And now, our multimedia CD-ROM places the pedagogical features from Dicho y hecho into a "living" context, turning first-year Spanish into a fun, culturally enriching experience! Fully integrated with activities, exercises, games, photos, maps, student tapes, videoclips (and more), this software allows students to "interact" with elements of Hispanic culture.

 

• As in the previous edition, in Dicho y hecho 5/E you'll find:
• A true 4-skills approach with full development of every skill within the breadth and scope of the program.
• A unique visual component that makes the language come alive and enhances student communication.
• Thematic vocabulary practiced extensively in each chapter.
• A clear, uncomplicated presentation of grammar.
• Cultural snapshots of Hispanic life in the Noticias Culturales, which provide a concise and focused presentation of culture. These are complemented by the Panorama Cultural sections which present a more comprehensive view of Hispanic countries and cultures.

 

• And Now--Here's Something New To Talk About!
• A free shrink-wrapped Student Tape or Student CD now accompanies each text. Each audio program includes pronunciation practice, Conversación sections, and literary selections.
• Vocabulary themes have been revised and updated, and now include: La comunicación, la tecnología y el mundo de negocios.
• A revised presentation of vocabulary aids student retention. Vocabulary now appears not only in the two-page opening drawings but throughout the chapter in small thematic segments tied to specific exercises.
• Panorama cultural sections now appear in an attractive new design and have been revised to include new and interesting information on each country. Enhanced by beautiful color maps and photos, as well as intriguing curiosidades, these sections pique the interest of the reader.
• A new Rincón literario component briefly introduces students to selected literature from the major Spanish-speaking areas of the world, and provides helpful developmental reading strategies.
• A greater variety of exercises and activities offer increased opportunity for open-ended/creative responses and paired/group collaborative work. This edition also includes many authentic realia-based exercises.
• Conversación sections have been rewritten and revised to enhance the natural flow of dialog and to incorporate the cultural and "personal" experiences of the text characters.
• The En resumen component now presents two sections: Conversando, to emphasize speaking skills, and De mi escritorio, which helps students develop their writing skills within a controlled context.
• Brief Pronunciation Check sections now appear in Chapters 1-5 in order to recycle key points presented in La pronunciación, the preliminary chapter.