Better understanding of "convivencia"
I have an American friend who just visited Spain to learn more about what she calls, "convivencia." The dictionary says this word means:
- Living together, life together; good fellowship, socializing. (f)
But, I think that in the context of my friend's research, it has a much deeper meaning. Yes, it's related to harmonious relations between couples, family and community members, but its also related to the idea of Christians, Moslems and Jewish people living together harmoniously and world peace.
Wikipedia states:
El ser humano, tiene dos necesidades sociales básicas: la necesidad de una relación íntima, estrecha con un padre o un cónyuge y la necesidad de sentirse parte de una comunidad cercana e interesada por él. Somos fundamentalmente animales grupales y nuestro bienestar es mucho mayor cuando nos encontramos en un ambiente armónico, en el cual vivimos en estrecha comunión.
The human being has two basic social needs: the need for an intimate, close to a parent or spouse and need to feel part of a nearby community and interested in him. We are basically animals and our welfare group is much greater when we are in a harmonious environment in which we live in close communion.
So, here's your opportunity to post a sentence in English and Spanish (and an image) on whatever thoughts, insights or wisdom you have on the topic.
2 Answers
La convivencia de los seres humanos parece ser un reto de toda la historia.
The harmonious relations of human beings seem to be a challenge throughout all of history.
Respect is the key to getting along with others.
El respecto es la llave a conseguir junto con otros.
