Spanish As A Second Language

On the blog, eddsaid-come to cuenca!, Edd told a story of trying to speak Spanish to a couple - and it wound up like he was propositioning his wife.  It got me to thinking about my experiences at the beginning of learning Spanish.

Many years ago I was tasked with learning Spanish.  So I went to classes, learned the grammar and studied vocabulary until my head hurt.  During that time I was sent to Panamá for three month periods of time to improve my Spanish.  Also during that time I made friends with Spanish speaking folks in the States.  I visited them and conversed in Spanish - an experience for them that was akin to rolling naked in glass.  On one trip to Panamá I learned the word "chicha."  Which in Panama means a fruit drink.  (Chicha fuerte means a drink of fermented corn - a whole other type of drink!) 

So I come back to the States, visit a couple and begin to talk.  The wife asked me if I wanted a refresco (something to drink).  I thought I would use the word "chicha" which I learned in Panamá.  Alas, in their country of origin it had a very different meaning.  Instead of amazing them with a new vocabulary word, I stated that I would like to engage in sexual congress, but a lot more vulgar.  My, that was awkward.  

The husband burst into laughter and the wife turned red.  Here I was in someone's home.  The husband is on the floor laughing.  The wife is shocked.  And I was very confused.  I had no idea what had happened.  I just said yes to a drink.  The husband finally showed me, via sign language, what I said.  (Mental note:  always find out how a slang expression is used in a particular country before using it.)  We stayed friends, but I used "refresco" after that.

Another time I met with a district representative.  He explained to me all of his plans for roads in the district.  Sounded good to me.  Now my trusty dictionary said that ¡Ojala! meant "I hope so".  Not quite.  In Panamá it really meant "Bullshit".  Not a word that is favored by politicians anywhere when applied to them.  Never did repair that particular relationship.

For a good while the hardest things for me was understanding lyrics to songs on the radio and telephone conversations.  While neither offered verbal clues, at least the radio didn't demand a response on my part.   Telephones were a whole different ballgame.  I had no idea what they were asking but they wanted a response.  I had an immediate answer for whatever question they had:  he is not here.  I could say that in Spanish.  And then hung up.  These people needed to talk to somebody competent in the language.  That obviously wasn't me.  It is a testimony to the goodness of  Latinos that they did not rise up and eat my heart.  Actually, I have found most Latinos very willing to help me with my language and really try hard to understand me.

As time went on I got better, learned from my mistakes and became fluent. So, if you are already here or thinking about coming, learn Spanish.  It opens up a whole new world and allows us to appreciate a culture where we are guests.

Next time:  my wife and daughter's road to speak English.