I really appreciate the clarity

Question

It is indeed a great bonus that Inma speaks so clearly - Many thanks ! … Even after living in Spain for nearly 20 years, it is still often a struggle for me to understand people when they speak, particularly here in Andalusia... I suppose that means that you should be providing me with listening exercises [with a transcript] which feature 'rapid' conversation?

Answer

Hola David, 
gracias por tu comentario, funnily enough I am originally from Seville!! I am not surprised after 20 years in Andalucía you still struggle sometimes to understand all they are saying, dropping  the s everywhere,  and everyone chatting at the same time! It is a tough skill... 
We are actually thinking about introducing some new listening exercises and readers narrated by people from different areas, probably for C1 level as it gets quite tricky. 
There are also some challenging videos in the library, have you tried this reading and listening exercise with comedian Eva Hache? 
Los zumos -Eva Hache
Saludos,
Inma

Answer

Yes, I have just listened to that piece by Eva Hache, and it was certainly quite a challenge. I'll try it again in the near future... [Regarding "dropping the 's'" my Spanish neighbours laugh at me when I wish them "Buenos días", while pronouncing the 's' clearly in both words].

Answer

Yes, I guess they think you are "muy fino"... :))

Answer

This made me smile David. :)) I had the very same experience whilst living in the Canary Islands, over 20 years ago now. I would do my very best to speak the clearest and most well pronounced Spanish and my Canarian friends & colleagues would laugh at me!

By the way, I really enjoy your informative historical additions to the forum. Really interesting.

Saludos

Clara

Answer

Thank you Clara … During retirement, I've found the time to dabble in History - which is really only a hobby, but it has included writing the odd article in Spanish (mostly just for local consumption, it is true). Some of them have been uploaded to my http://www.dlmcn.com/page2s.html#beg … [All comments and criticisms will be well received !]

Cheers,

David Mc

Answer

I will certainly have a look David and will no doubt enjoy.Stay well Clara