Learn Spanish Abroad: Latin American Literature Part II

Those who choose to learn Spanish abroad will be left with the ability to enjoy a great wealth of literature in its native language. When many people first think of Latin American literature, magical realism and the work by Gabriel Garcia Marquez first comes to mind. However, the region has a long-standing, vibrant history of literature, which spans a variety of styles and genres. If you are planning to study Spanish in Argentina, Chile or Peru, it only makes sense to become familiar with this rich literary history ahead of time.

The literature produced in the 19th century is very interesting to examine. Much of the work focused on exploring the national identity. Some of the most famous works are Facundo written by Argentinean Domingo Sarmiento and Cumanda written by Ecuadorian writer Juan Leon Mera. Another work in the 19th century canon is the epic poem Martin Fierro, written by Jose Hernandez.

Later in the 19th century, modernismo emerged. This literary movement sought to have an influence on literature outside Latin America. Many writers were originally from the region, but lived in other parts of the world and sought to introduce their writing to various countries.

Of course, most students who learn Spanish abroad are well acquainted with the famous poet Pablo Neruda. Neruda was a Chilean writer and Nobel laureate who wrote a great deal about love as well as politics. Other popular Latin American poets include Nicolas Guillen and Ernesto Cardenal.

In the 1960's, the literature in Latin America changed a great deal, and this time period is considered to be a "literary boom." Writers began to use a variety of styles and looked to cross boundaries with their works with experimental structures and non-linear writing. Not just political issues, but also metaphysical themes began to be explored. Some of the most popular writers to emerge during this period include Augusto Roa Bastos and his work Yo el supreme, as well as works by Mario Vargas Llosa and Carlos Fuentes.

After the boom period, a trend began where writers produced novels that fit into popular genres. Some of the well-known writers include Paulo Coelho, Laura Esquivel and Isabel Allende. Of course, the most famous Latin American author is likely Gabriel Garcia Marquez. 100 Years of Solitude is considered one of the most important works of the 20th century. While you may have already read some of these author's works in English, once you learn Spanish abroad, you will be able to also read them in their native language.

Whether you choose to study Spanish in Argentina or any other Latin American country, the day will quickly come where you can begin to read and understand stories and novels. Oftentimes teachers will introduce these texts in the classrooms. You will be pleasantly surprised that you are able to catch so much more subtlety and richness of poetry and novels when you can read these works in Spanish.

As you learn Spanish abroad be sure to sample the impressive catalog of Latin American literature. With Latin Immersion you can study Spanish in Peru, Argentina, and Chile.

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Learn Spanish Abroad: Latin American Literature Part I

When you learn Spanish abroad, you will find that you learn more than just a new language. When you study Spanish in Peru, Argentina or Chile, you will also find that you learn a great deal about the culture and history of these regions. One way to do accomplish this is through exploring the rich tradition of literature in these countries.

The importance of literature in Latin America can be traced back to the Pre-Columbian days. While literature at this time was primarily passed orally down from generation to generation, there was a strong tradition that was quite important to civilization. Luckily, some of the oral narrative has been preserved to this day. Typically, this very early literature deals with mythology and religion.

If you are interested in the early history of Latin America, it is also useful to look at literature produced during the colonial period. Much of this text that was written deals with the experiences of the conquistadores and explorers. A few examples are Bernal Diaz del Castillo's account of the conquest of Mexico and Bartoleme de las Casas's Brief Account of the Destruction of the Indies. This literature provides the reader with some unique insights into this time period and also issues that surfaced due to colonization.

Of course, it is extremely valuable to read the literature written from the native's accounts as well. If you study Spanish in Peru, you will find that there are some fascinating Peruvian writers in particular. It is useful to read authors include El Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and Guaman Poma.

El Inca Garcilaso de la Vega was a historian who is often read due to his tremendous contributions to the understanding of the society of the Incans in the 1500's. In fact, this writer is so important to Peruvian culture that the main stadium in Cusco was named after him in the 1950's.

Guaman Poma was an indigenous Peruvian who wrote about how he was unsatisfied with the way the people of the Andes were treated after the Spanish conquest. He wrote the illustrated chronicle Nueva Coronica y Buen. Due to the fact that Poma used Quecha words in this document, it helped scholars later on to learn more about this language. This 1189 page document described various injustices the people faced. It is interesting to note that while the book was addressed to the King of Spain, the King never actually received this document.

When you learn Spanish abroad, you have the benefit of gaining insights into a culture that has a fascinating history. Anyone with an interest in ancient times will find reading this early literature to be an exciting experience. Even if you already know a great deal about Latin American civilization, you will find that your knowledge is heightened even further when you have an experience to read the early literature of the region.

When you attend one of Latin Immersion's Spanish language schools you will have many chances to look into the region's impressive literature. Through the organization you can study Spanish in Argentina, Chile, and Peru.

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