***Try my new lyrics translation Spanish lesson based on SHAKIRA'S PIENSO EN TI ***
Menu of Spanish-English
|
|
UPDATE: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein now available as a free online Spanish-English line under line bilingual book
Guillaume Apollinaire's
|
Only got half an hour to spare. Do you fall asleep reading parallel texts. Then this baby is for you. A very short bilingual horror story in the form of a Spanish/ English/ French parallel text which uses fairly simple language, will not take forever to read and will (guaranteed) keep you glued to the screen. I spent all evening translating into English and frankly, it's given me the creeps. When I find time I will match sentences with colours like I'm doing with Boule de Suif below and I'm even thinking of making this one the entry level parallel text for beginners by adding lots of grammar annotations. We'll see.
|
Guillaume Apollinaire's
|
Chilling little story a bit longer than Cox City above and perhaps more recognized in the literary world. Again, the simple language used is this thriller's main advantage. I have to admit, it's one of my favourites. The original was written in French and I found the Spanish version in Googleland but I'm having to translate the English version. Around 1,500 words long so it's not going to take you long to read it. Enjoy! |
Jules Verne's
|
Work in progress: I've only done a limited amount of the chapters and will decide later on if I want to finish it or leave it as a way for you to get into this novel, giving you links to continue reading it as a none parallel text. THEORY BEHIND = it is often hard to get into reading full blown fiction in a foreign language and so you can use this parallel text intro to ease you into one. There is a good chance you'll get hooked (it's Jules Verne after all) and once hooked you'll continue the story on an e-book or something, using the internal dictionary to guide yourself. Similar to taking the stabilisers of bike if you like. |
SHORT STORY PARALLEL TEXT
|
|
Much like in Jack London's To Build a Fire, this short story parallel text is about a man who takes an ill-advised journey that he comes to most seriously regret; Except in this one, it is not so much Man vs Nature as Man vs Supernature. It's said that Dracula's Guest was originally the opening of the original Dracula novel, but that the book was already too long so they just took it out. Whatever the case may be, there is no denying that of itself Dracula's Guest is a great little gothic horror story; I personally loved the atmosphere it created and it made me realize why Bram Stoker became so popular as an author. But don't be afraid (ha!ha!/lol - delete according to age), the language and style used is straight-forward in both languages despite it being a public domain piece, and the two versions follow each other very closely, making it ideal for language students. To boot, IT'S A DRACULA STORY DAMMIT. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT! Audio? You got it, and in both Spanish and English, so bite me! Now say fang you. (ha!ha!/lol x2)
No-one hears you laugh in cyberspace...
No-one hears you laugh in cyberspace...
NEW LINE UNDER LINE BILINGUAL BOOK
|
Just a quick few words:
A) this is a work in progress thing and so chapters will become available one at a time as I slowly finish aligning them. B) for a change, I'm doing this as a line under line thing, (at times, even a clause under clause for that extra little help.) C) Oh my god, how well is this one written! It has aged so much better than Jekyll and Hyde (see below) which is amazing as Frankenstein was written nearly 50 years before Robert Louis Stevenson's effort; well done Ms Shelley, you rock, that's all I can say. |
SHORT STORY PARALLEL TEXT
|
This has become my favourite short story of all time. Poignant; That's the word I'd use. I can't believe that I haven't read it before, which is Strange as I've read and enjoyed White Fang, a book written by the same author.
The language in both the original and the Spanish translation of this bilingual short story is extremely suitable for language learning. It made an excellent parallel text even if I have to say so myself. Also, it is one of the rare times that I've made a Spanish-English only parallel text (no pesky French column.) You may be pleased to see that I've added some annotations along the way, picking out tricky Spanish words 'n' that. As always, sentence and clauses are colour matched Synopsis: Man and dog take a journey in freezing conditions that they should never have taken. A fight for who is the mightiest (man or nature) ensues, which is described so well that you'll feel the same panic and despair felt (or that should have been felt) by the main character rising within yourself at each step of the way. |
SHORT STORY PARALLEL TEXT
|
I am really starting to love these American authors. This well known classic American short story, much like the other one I did by Jack London, is concise yet poignant. The story starts off with an American civil war execution taking place on a bridge and follows the ups and downs of the hangee (is that the word for someone who is about to be hanged - oh nevermind) as he tries to escape. And as like all good short stories should have in my book, a twist at the end is included, free of charge. NOTE: It's simple direct language and the fact that the translations follow very closely the original make this an excellent parallel text |
NOVELLA PARALLEL TEXT
|
Most of my short story parallel texts range from 1,000 to 15,000 words long. This one, however, is longer (around 26,000 or so) and is thus technically a novella. The lengh means that it's taking me a while to colour match the lines so I'm offering up the first three chapters here as work in progress. It is worth the investment in time as you can't get more classic then Jekyll and Hyde; AND the story line is straightforward; In summary, perfect parallel text material. ...AND, of course, it's free and online. Seriously, I should really make you pay for this... I'm fool, I'M A FOOOOOOOOL... UPDATE: Part Two (chapters 4-7) now available |
English Original Plus Two Different Spanish Translations OF THE FOLLOWING VERY SHORT STORY:
|
Yep, that's right, three colums; two different Spanish translations taking up opposing positions either side of the English original in the central column. Truth be told, I couldn't decide which translation to use and then had a eureka moment; use both. And why? Because if you get stuck understanding the particular syntax of one you can switch to the other to see if you understand it better before actually reverting to the English original as a last resort. In fact, reading the two simultaneously (whether for reciprocal problem solving or not) will really help your Spanish reading skills. One final thing; although the original uses quiet old fashioned/complicated language, the Spanish translations are far simpler. This happens often in the translation process. The first time I truly understood a Shakespeare play was when I read one in French. In fact, some Anglophone users of this site may end up using the Spanish translations to clarify misunderstandings with the said original.
NOTE: lines are being colour matched as we speak (or have been completed several years earlier if I neglect to update this posting) |
FREE ONLINE PARALLEL TEXT
|
This one is like those horror films that have no blood or guts in them and yet still manage to give you the creeps through atmospheric mood setting. Hands up, the language used in the English original is quite hard to follow at times (It hasn't aged well) but the French and Spanish translations are far more straightforward. As always, lines are colour matched between columns. Also, I was able to find a really cool and interesting Spanish audio, as well as an audio for the original English version of course.
Synopsis: The narrator meets with a signal-man in his isolated hut at the entrance of a tunnel tucked into a deep gorge. The signal-man then proceeds to tell the narrator about some phantom apparitions that have been forewarning him of dangers that have come to pass. The signal man then tells of the current apparition and his difficulty in interpreting it... |
FREE ONLINE PARALLEL TEXT
|
Sick of Ghost stories? Well you should be, your in one. (Couldn't stop myself. What I was going to actually write was:) How about this parody of a Ghost Story written by the master of wit himself and considered a classic by pretty much everyone. Will that do you? Lines and clauses are colour matched and audio is availible for the Spanish version. Synopsis: American family buys English mansion, ghost to boot, but instead of being horrified by this haunting it is the ghost himself who is terrorized by their irreverence. |
Arthur Conan Doyle's
|
Why start with this story? Because I had already started to do a bilingual text of it for french speakers wanting to learn English and so it wasn't that much more to repeat the exercise for English speakers wanting to learn Spanish. Otherwise, I'd have probably started with a Spanish text by a Spanish author. Both versions are available from wiki-sources; all I did was align the texts and sentences. Later on I may add annotations and word for word translations but my priority this year is to pay the bills on time and that means I have got to work when I can get it (though pays peanuts and leaves me exhausted) Had enough of my misery? Click the link and escape the whinging then.
NOTE: Not exactly complete yet. |
Arthur Conan Doyle's
|
Parallel text of four languages; English, French, Spanish and German. There are four columns with a language in each. The paragraphs are neatly alligned which means that even referring from column 1. (English) to column 4. (German) is quite intuitive. I have also started to put the texts of this novel one under the other on a line by line basis (even clause by clause where it has been possible) What you get are groups of four lines of text the first line of these groups being English, the second French, third Spanish, and fourth German. The short story can be read like this (being more apt for beginners) if you are struggling with the texts in columns. Out of interest, the syntax of the English, Spanish and German versions matched really well (even with the German verb at the end thing). It was the French version which caused me all the head-scratching. It is well written but does go off on a folly sometimes par rapport aux autres textes.
Update: I've actually started annotating under each paragraph, giving grammar explications and word translations and other helpful stuff. NOTE; TEXT ALIGNMENT COMPLETE BUT STILL ANNOTATING NOTE; THIS PARALLEL BOOK IS CONTAINED ON MY FRENCH SITE |
Arthur Conan Doyle's
|
+Short story in four columns with a different language in each one them. +Aligned paragraph by paragraph (Horizontal) (now complete) +Annotations under each paragraph (when I feel like it), +FREE +Online +Intermediate Level |
Arthur Conan Doyle's
|
One day I will bother to write something here. Most likely not today though... |
Guy de Maupassant's
|
Great classic short story in the form of a three language parallel text with horizontally aligned paragraphs. I'm experimenting with matching the lines in the paragraphs with different colours to make it easier for beginners to refer from one text to the other when in the middle of a long paragraph. (UPDATE: I've since adopted this approach for a lot of the above parallel texts above.)
NOTE: You really feel for the main character (dumpling), a prostitute whose high moral ground puts the rest of her company to shame. Nice mix between dialogue and narration. |
Franz Kafka
|
Originally written in German this Spanish-English parallel text works quite well as the language is fairly simple, it is quite short, and the story is actually rather interesting if not a little bizarre. At the top you will find a horizontally aligned paragraph by paragraph parallel text but also, just below on each page, a vertically aligned sentence under sentence parallel text to boot. This makes it more accessible to intermediate learners. Occasionally I make annotations (depends on the mood I'm in.)
Will get round to doing a Spanish original text bilingual story, I promise. |
MY DEEZER AND SPOTIFY PLAYLISTS
of What I Believe to Be
the Best Spanish Language Songs
Re Learning Spanish.
We've all done it: Tuned into various Spanish and Latin American music radio stations hoping to find some decent Spanish language music only meet with absolute tosh. Not that the good stuff doesn't exist. It's just that it's suprisingly unpopular. Nevermind. I've made a playlist that is perhaps more suited to anglo-american tastes. And it's long, so stick it on shuffle and you've got the best Spanish language radio station that never was
of What I Believe to Be
the Best Spanish Language Songs
Re Learning Spanish.
We've all done it: Tuned into various Spanish and Latin American music radio stations hoping to find some decent Spanish language music only meet with absolute tosh. Not that the good stuff doesn't exist. It's just that it's suprisingly unpopular. Nevermind. I've made a playlist that is perhaps more suited to anglo-american tastes. And it's long, so stick it on shuffle and you've got the best Spanish language radio station that never was
SPANISH TV: THE BEST ONLINE LIVE
Spanish Language Television Channels
for learning Spanish
There is no better way of getting into the culture of the language your learning than by watiching that cultures television. It's an eye opener, and will rapidly bridge the gap between your reading and listening skills. Plus, unlike other learning techniques, this one you can do for hours and hours without tiring. Let's face it, how often can you binge watch tv and feel like your accomplishing something at the same time?
Spanish Language Television Channels
for learning Spanish
There is no better way of getting into the culture of the language your learning than by watiching that cultures television. It's an eye opener, and will rapidly bridge the gap between your reading and listening skills. Plus, unlike other learning techniques, this one you can do for hours and hours without tiring. Let's face it, how often can you binge watch tv and feel like your accomplishing something at the same time?
SPANISH RADIO: A PICK OF THE BEST
Spanish Language Radio Stations
for learning Spanish
The wonderful thing about radio is that you can listen to it whilst doing other things. It goes, therefore, that the wonderful thing about listening to Spanish language radio is that you'll be learning Spanish without getting behind on all those other jobs you've got to do (washing up, ironing, vacuuming... well,,, perhaps not that last) The choice of Spanish language stations is bewildering (country, region, genre... etc) and sometimes it's hard to know where to start, so take the strain off the task and let me guide your ears.
Spanish Language Radio Stations
for learning Spanish
The wonderful thing about radio is that you can listen to it whilst doing other things. It goes, therefore, that the wonderful thing about listening to Spanish language radio is that you'll be learning Spanish without getting behind on all those other jobs you've got to do (washing up, ironing, vacuuming... well,,, perhaps not that last) The choice of Spanish language stations is bewildering (country, region, genre... etc) and sometimes it's hard to know where to start, so take the strain off the task and let me guide your ears.
FREE LYRICS TRANSLATION SPANISH LESSON
Beginner-Intermediate Level
Jesse & Joy
Corre!
(2011)
Mexican brother and sister act that hit it big, very big. This song was used in the infamous telenovala 'La que no podia amar,' and if you ever watch it yourselves, you'll be going 'dum... dedum-dedum' with the rest of us. This song makes for a superb basis for a lesson: modern, uncomplicated, good lyrical narrative, clear singing voice. What's stopping you?
Beginner-Intermediate Level
Jesse & Joy
Corre!
(2011)
Mexican brother and sister act that hit it big, very big. This song was used in the infamous telenovala 'La que no podia amar,' and if you ever watch it yourselves, you'll be going 'dum... dedum-dedum' with the rest of us. This song makes for a superb basis for a lesson: modern, uncomplicated, good lyrical narrative, clear singing voice. What's stopping you?
FREE LYRICS TRANSLATION SPANISH LESSON
Intermediate Level
Romeo Santos
Propuesta Indecente
(2013)
779 million views on YouTube. Let me repeat 770 MILLION REVIEWS. Can you afford NOT to know this song. As it happens, though it may be extremely risqué, even controversial, it is also a great catchy song with a strong lyrical base. Romeo, a bronx born singer of latin descent, has been key making popular the Bachata style of music. Come and see why!
FREE LYRICS TRANSLATION SPANISH LESSON
Beginner Level
Shakira
Pienso En Ti
(1995)
We all know Shikira, right? Well... wrong! Come see Shakira's other, less hip jingling side, with this 'hair raising on the back of the neck' song. It's extremely simple, very short, yet immensely poignant. It is also the only Shakira song you are ever likely to make out all the words. It also happens to be one of my favourites: "it's my website, and I'll do the songs that I want to, the songs that I...."
FREE LYRICS TRANSLATION SPANISH LESSON
Intermediate Level
Juanes'
A Dios le Pido
(2002)
If you are learning Spanish then be prepared to come across this song (that is if you haven't come accross it already!) This song was, and still is, everywhere. Juanes is a legend and many of his songs would make great bases for a lesson but I chose this one for a reason in particular; it is a mental work out for the Subjunctive Mood. If you don't know what that is, then, ROLL ON UP.
FREE LYRICS TRANSLATION SPANISH LESSON
Intermediate Level
Carla Morrisons
Déjenme Llorar
(2012)
I remember not so long back when I was doing a job that I hated... just flippin hated. I remember coming home each day and sticking on this song because I knew nothing would have cheered me up, and so I decided to just wallow in self-pity. But the song did help, and the reason is is because its a latin grammy award winning marvelous piece of work. I'm sure you'll enjoy learning the ins and outs of the lyrics of one of Mexicalifornia's treasured jewels. Just be prepared to part with a few tears, that's all.
FREE LYRICS TRANSLATION SPANISH LESSON
Intermediate Level
Nena Daconte's
Voy a Tumbarme al sol
(2013?)
This was the first lyrics translation language lesson I ever did (Spanish or French) and so it remains close to my heart. It is probably the most complete (standards have slipped!) Why start with this song? It was constantly on the radio at the time and kinda got stuck in my head. No regrets though, as it's still as catchy little number. I'm also a little taken by this Spanish group's lead singer, Mai Menses, and you'll be too when you see her perform a live acoustic version of the song in this lesson. Right! all done! I'm off lie in the sun...
FREE LYRICS TRANSLATION SPANISH LESSON
Beginner Level
Nuestro Camino
(a song from)
Violetta
(2014)
Don't know what Violleta is? It's a very successful Argentinian Disney channel ado-series about a girl and her friends who sing a lot (can you tell this definition was not copied from Wikipedia!) Ok, If this is not your thing, fair enough. However, I found this karaoke video of one of their songs on YouTube and thought to myself, 'It's almost tailor made for Spanish language beginners.' So I then searched for the lyrics and a translation (it's not mine) and put them together. I will gradually be adding annotations to make it into a proper lesson.
Intermediate Level
Romeo Santos
Propuesta Indecente
(2013)
779 million views on YouTube. Let me repeat 770 MILLION REVIEWS. Can you afford NOT to know this song. As it happens, though it may be extremely risqué, even controversial, it is also a great catchy song with a strong lyrical base. Romeo, a bronx born singer of latin descent, has been key making popular the Bachata style of music. Come and see why!
FREE LYRICS TRANSLATION SPANISH LESSON
Beginner Level
Shakira
Pienso En Ti
(1995)
We all know Shikira, right? Well... wrong! Come see Shakira's other, less hip jingling side, with this 'hair raising on the back of the neck' song. It's extremely simple, very short, yet immensely poignant. It is also the only Shakira song you are ever likely to make out all the words. It also happens to be one of my favourites: "it's my website, and I'll do the songs that I want to, the songs that I...."
FREE LYRICS TRANSLATION SPANISH LESSON
Intermediate Level
Juanes'
A Dios le Pido
(2002)
If you are learning Spanish then be prepared to come across this song (that is if you haven't come accross it already!) This song was, and still is, everywhere. Juanes is a legend and many of his songs would make great bases for a lesson but I chose this one for a reason in particular; it is a mental work out for the Subjunctive Mood. If you don't know what that is, then, ROLL ON UP.
FREE LYRICS TRANSLATION SPANISH LESSON
Intermediate Level
Carla Morrisons
Déjenme Llorar
(2012)
I remember not so long back when I was doing a job that I hated... just flippin hated. I remember coming home each day and sticking on this song because I knew nothing would have cheered me up, and so I decided to just wallow in self-pity. But the song did help, and the reason is is because its a latin grammy award winning marvelous piece of work. I'm sure you'll enjoy learning the ins and outs of the lyrics of one of Mexicalifornia's treasured jewels. Just be prepared to part with a few tears, that's all.
FREE LYRICS TRANSLATION SPANISH LESSON
Intermediate Level
Nena Daconte's
Voy a Tumbarme al sol
(2013?)
This was the first lyrics translation language lesson I ever did (Spanish or French) and so it remains close to my heart. It is probably the most complete (standards have slipped!) Why start with this song? It was constantly on the radio at the time and kinda got stuck in my head. No regrets though, as it's still as catchy little number. I'm also a little taken by this Spanish group's lead singer, Mai Menses, and you'll be too when you see her perform a live acoustic version of the song in this lesson. Right! all done! I'm off lie in the sun...
FREE LYRICS TRANSLATION SPANISH LESSON
Beginner Level
Nuestro Camino
(a song from)
Violetta
(2014)
Don't know what Violleta is? It's a very successful Argentinian Disney channel ado-series about a girl and her friends who sing a lot (can you tell this definition was not copied from Wikipedia!) Ok, If this is not your thing, fair enough. However, I found this karaoke video of one of their songs on YouTube and thought to myself, 'It's almost tailor made for Spanish language beginners.' So I then searched for the lyrics and a translation (it's not mine) and put them together. I will gradually be adding annotations to make it into a proper lesson.