Compiled by an expert team of Spanish and English lexicographers, The Oxford Spanish Dictionary is the result of ten years research, which drew on a unique database of English and Spanish to create a dictionary that is second to none--authentic, contemporary, and lively.New to this edition is a guide to life and culture in the Spanish- and English-speaking worlds. This guide covers a wide range of topics: from the political and educational systems to key events in the calendar and how they are celebrated. In addition, an expanded guide to effective communication provides wide-ranging advice and a wealth of model letters, covering everything from job applications and CVs to booking hotel rooms. Of course, the Dictionary's superb features remain intact. It boasts more than 275,000 words and phrases and more than 450,000 translations that provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of the general, scientific, literary, and technical vocabulary of contemporary Spanish and English. There is extra help on grammar, with large boxed notes within the A-Z dictionary that provide extended treatment of complex grammatical constructions, plus smaller in-text boxes that offer additional help on particular words and their correct usage. Subject boxes give immediate guidance on vocabulary in areas such as colors, time, day, dates and months, and sports.The Oxford Spanish Dictionary covers more than 24 varieties of Spanish as it is written and spoken throughout the Spanish speaking world--the widest ranging coverage available. It is an essential resource for students, scholars, and travelers.