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Publishers Weekly Review

This Spanish-language dictionary features a wealth of words used throughout the Americas. Offered are not only common colloquialisms but native words from the languages of cultures indigenous to the Western hemisphere. Many of these words and phrases are now incorporated into standard written and spoken Spanish. Also included are entries for words that contain, in addition to their standard Spanish definition, variations used in the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central and South America, as well as in Cuba and the West Indies. The current text is based on the Diccionario de Americanismos (Dictionary of Americanisms) written by the author, linguist Mor¡nigo in 1985, which has now been expanded with the help of the author's son, Marcos Mor¡nigo V zquez-Prego. The text is thorough and comprehensive, containing over 17,000 entries. Each entry includes the country or region of origin and how each word is used in a sentence or phrase. Definitions are concise and clear. Two lists of abbreviations in front of the main body of the text, after the introduction, indicate origin and use of word. Mor¡nigo recommends this book primarily as a reference tool for Spanish-language speakers and readers wishing to improve their vocabulary when researching or exploring texts of literature, history, sociology, and science with an emphasis on Hispanic American culture and achievement. This could also serve as an excellent vocabulary-building device for the English speaker confronting Latin American literature and a useful tool to interpret everyday dialogs throughout the Americas. A word of caution to English speakers in the beginning or intermediate levels of Spanish-language studies: a few of the words presented here may have connotations or meanings not recommended for use in polite conversation or professional or everyday correspondence. Recommended as a reading reference in all public libraries serving a Spanish-speaking population and academic libraries offering Spanish-language courses. Nedra C. Evers, Sacramento P.L., CA (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved