This site was created to be an engaging and thought-provoking space for learning Spanish through a critical lens, where you, the student, are at the center of the process. It’s not just about mastering vocabulary or grammar; it’s about analyzing and understanding how language shapes identity, power, and society—especially in the context of New York City’s diverse multilingual community.

In this course, we’ll be using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as a tool to help you explore the deeper meanings behind the language we use. Traditional Spanish textbooks often miss the mark, treating Spanish as a “foreign” language while ignoring the unique needs and experiences of heritage speakers—particularly those in a place like New York City. They promote a standardized version of Spanish, which can lead to linguistic discrimination against bilingual students and erase the complex histories and identities of Latinx communities.

This course challenges that by emphasizing the diversity of Spanish and the importance of including perspectives that have long been silenced—like those of Afro-Latinx and Indigenous communities. By using CDA in the classroom, we aim to equip you with the tools to question and interpret the materials we read, and to critically examine the textbooks themselves as cultural artifacts that often promote one-sided knowledge.

Ultimately, this is a space where you’ll not only improve your Spanish but also become a critical thinker who can analyze texts, question dominant narratives, and understand the power dynamics that shape language. Get ready to engage with the language in a way that goes beyond the surface and truly reflects the richness of the Spanish-speaking world.

This curriculum follows task-based methodologies that will guide you, step by step, into meaningful dialogues and conversations, helping you build your critical language awareness. As you progress, you’ll gain confidence in expanding your linguistic repertoire and refining your language practices. Through the integration of digital literacies, we ensure that all the tools and resources you need are accessible to everyone, empowering you to engage with language in innovative and dynamic ways. By the end of the course, you won’t just have improved your Spanish—you’ll have a deeper, more critical understanding of the language and the world it connects you to.

About me 

Hi! I’m Azucena Garcia Gutierrez, and I’m currently in my second year as a PhD student in Latin American, Iberian, and Latino Cultures at the Graduate Center, CUNY. Originally from the vibrant city of Toluca, México, I’ve always been passionate about teaching languages like English and Spanish. After completing my master’s degree in the UK, I made the exciting move to New York City in 2023 to dive deeper into my PhD studies. I’ve been teaching at Queens College for almost a year now, and I’m absolutely thrilled to focus my research on critical pedagogy. My goal is to challenge the traditional norms in language education and make a real difference! Outside of academia, I’m all about traveling, learning from new people, engaging in endless conversations, and indulging in my guilty pleasure—watching trashy TV shows!