Puntos de partida means "points of departure," which is precisely what this course provides for new learners of Spanish as a foreign language--it"s a point of departure for a vast array of learning opportunities, including both the language and the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Built on the foundation of a bestselling, classroom-tested introductory Spanish program, this edition has been thoroughly adapted for the needs of both Spanish instructors and learners in Canadian contexts. The cultural aspects of the course have been woven throughout the language syllabus and exercises, and include information about Hispanic people, places, arts and achievements around the world, as well as about Spanish-speaking communities across Canada. By bringing cultural and pedagogical updates, Puntos de partida, Canadian edition, makes learning Spanish both accessible and highly motivating, the two key factors in successful foreign language acquisition.