Spanish ab initio

Guide to the IB subject

Spanish ab initio is a language acquisition course for students having little or no experience with the Spanish language. Learning a language is more than simply acquiring vocabulary and understanding some grammatical rules. It enables learners to interact in a new cultural context and function in a society different from their own. The Spanish ab initio course develops students' functional literacy in the language as well as their appreciation for cultural diversity in general and for the cultural riches in Spanish-speaking societies in particular.

The language ab initio course aims to develop the four primary language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) to a similar level of communicative competence. While providing a solid framework in terms of grammar and vocabulary, the Spanish ab initio course is organised into a number of cultural and thematic topics in which grammatical structures and vocabulary can be practised. The topics provide the students with opportunities to practise and explore the language as well as to develop intercultural competence. Through the development of receptive, productive and interactive skills, students are enabled to communicate and interact appropriately in a defined range of everyday situations.

Adapted from the IB Language ab initio Guide (Spanish) © International Baccalaureate Organization