¡VAMOS!
What it isn’t…
An automotive simulation framework with an emphasis on thorough physical modelling, good C++ design including a real-time, first-person, 3D driving application.http://vamos.sourceforge.net/
A climate variability and predictability world climate research programme of the variability of the American Monsoon Systems: http://www.jisao.washington.edu/vamos/
A collaboration to build a build a large acceptance variable mode spectrometer for identifying products of reactions: http://www.ganil.fr/vamos/
A charity based in Vermont/Cuernavaca to help Mexico’s poor:http://www.vamos.org.mx/
For those of you who remember the 1980s, it may bring back memories of hot summer nights to the strains of ‘Vamos a la playa’… Well we could all go to the beach but why not visit the fascinating Spanish and Portuguese-speaking worlds right here in NewcastleGateshead from 11-20 July!
“Vamos” = first person plural imperative of the Spanish verb “ir” (to go) for those word-lovers out there wondering about the grammar i.e. “Let’s go”
Also first person plural imperative of the Portuguese verb “ir” (to go) (a common alternertive to “comecemos” “let’s get started”)
The ¡VAMOS! Festival is about exploring other cultures. Some will be familiar and others completely new to you, but be adventurous and give it a go.
Language learning has been shown to help prevent memory loss and more to the point it’s fun being able to communicate when you travel! The Subject Centre for Languages has come up with 700 reasons for learning a language… Spanish is the most-widely spoken Romance Language, and according to some sources it is the fourth most-widely spoken language in the world and Portuguese is ranked sixth. Spanish is one of six official working languages within the United Nations. According to the Wikipedia entry for Spanish language, it is spoken by 332 million people in countries where it is an official language (1998 data) and by more than 32 million where it is an unofficial language (28 million in the USA, 2000 data). Currently total speakers amount more than 400 million in number. Portuguese totals over 200 million native speakers. Along with English and French, Spanish and Portuguese are amongst the most-used global languages. They are spoken on all continents (most extensively in America, Europe, and certain parts of Africa and Asia).
Through these languages you can access a fascinating world of literary greats, exciting new film-makers, engrossing ‘telenovelas’ (soap operas) and a dazzling array of music.
There are classes available in a variety of locations around the city or you can learn in the comfort of your own home online.
Useful links:
Lifelong learning, Newcastle City Council:http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/educlibnew.nsf/a/lifelonglearningfrontpage
Gateshead adult education:
http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Education%20and%20Learning/
Adult%20Learning/adult2.aspx
Wikipedia entry on Spanish language (includes links to online tutorials):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_language
Wikipedia entry on Portuguese language (includes links to online tutorials):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_language
BBC language learning pages (access to courses, radio and broadband video material, even mp3 holiday phrases for your mobile!):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
University of Newcastle School of Modern Languages:
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sml