How can I tell the difference between the different dialects?

Question

It seems like each Latinamerican country has different dialects. Each having different words for the same things. How can I tell what someone is talking about if its different from the dialects that I am familiar with? Why is there so many different ways to say certain things? All this makes it complicated for a traveller like me to understand what is being talked about.

Answer 1

Why is there so many different ways to say certain things?

Same reason America, England, and Australia have different words for the same things. Different countries form their own slang and eventually that slang turns into regular words in the language.

Answer 2

How you say french fries in southern (USA) English?

Am really not shure, someone told me "shoe strings". Does any-one knows?

Answer 3

Focus on the root language! Spanish. It is understood everywhere! Nuances can be explained or learned as you encounter them.