How to approach someone and speak Spanish
For an assignment I have to find someone who speaks Spanish and make conversation. But I am having difficulty trying to figure out how to approach someone.
First, do I start right out speaking Spanish? How will I know if they speak the language?
Does anyone have any advice on how to approach someone to see if they speak Spanish and, hopefully, start a conversation?
Thank you!
7 Answers
Well, I would first ask for the person in english if she speaks spanish,and then I would try to start the conversation. No need to be shy,you are just asking if they speak one language,I guess it's not to much. I can't give you many advices cause I live in brazil,and here spanish are plenty.I can find people from argentina everywhere and it's easy to go there too. I guess you should look for some people on the net,it's easier.
I hope it can be of help.I'm sorry if did any mistake, i'm not fluent in english yet.I'm studing both languages together.ohhh,I almost forgot,it's my very first time here,so hello everyone,nice to meet you.
You should immediately speak in Spanish because studies show that the language you meet a person in will be the language that you have the relationship with. If you want to talk to a random person, I would first look for the moreno - a dark skinned latino person. Then you should say..
"Hola! Perdon, hablas espanol?" Hi! Excuse me but do you speak Spanish?
This is not completely correct from the book but it is how people actually speak to one another. The book version would be...
"Hola! Me llamo Fulanito. Usted hablais el espanol? Hello! My name is whatever. Do you (formal you) speak the Spanish?
There are many ways that you can practice your Spanish, but I can understand how it might be hard to find out where to start.
Ask your friends if they know anyone who speaks Spanish, or if any of their parents speak Spanish. If you are in a town of any size, go on the internet and find out where folks get together to have practice chats. Here in Chicago they are all over the place, but I don't know if it's the same where you are.
Ask your librarian. I'm sure that she knows someone who speaks Spanish.
You can also volunteer at ESL classes, where you are sure to find folks who are learning to speak English.
You could also find someone on Skype to chat with. Occasionally we have beginner chats here at SpanishDict. Perhaps you can join us. There is homework involved beforehand, but people on this chat are from all over the world, and it's fascinating.
At first glance, it might look like a difficult assignment, but it is actually a great opportunity for you to expand your world.
From my point of view personally, I would ask a person if they speak Spanish, in Spanish, but politely as in, "Pardon, usted habla Español?
I would tend to think you'd get an obvious answer, either, "si" or "no", or possibly a dirty look if you had posed the question to an Asian.
Even if this is bad grammar and the spelling incorrect, people speak people talk. If you show politeness and respect (hence "pardon" and "usted"), you will very likely be shown respect no matter the outcome.
Of course, you could do it much more simply and say, "Hola" to someone you think may speak Spanish. A response of, "Hola" would be a pretty good indicator that the other person knew what you meant. To me, that would be the ice breaker that would indicate continuing to speak Spanish would be a-ok!
That has to be the most stupid homework - ever - if it is genuine.
99 of 100 people on sd with the basics of of the spanish language will tell you there is formal and informal ways to speak,. the majority of native spanish speakers that you will meet in your lifetime will tell you there is only one way to speak,and that is, I'm not your judge,Jury or executioner talk to me, Just do it ! Get over your fear, and before, you know it, you'll be speaking spanish.
I would start out by asking them in English if they speak Spanish. Then I would ask them in English if I could ask them a couple of questions in Spanish. Most people love to help other people learn their language,
