Use of Spanish in America

Question

After getting a decent grasp on the Spanish language, would it be acceptable to try and start a conversation with someone you know/assume to be a Spanish-speaker? For example, I play soccer and one game the other team was continually yelling in Spanish, and I wasn't sure if they would take offense if I tried to approach them. If anyone who has any experience with this type of encounter, please share! ¡Gracias para la ayuda¡

Answer 1

Gracias POR la ayuda...POR will ALWAYS follow "gracias"

As for me, I love to speak with people trying to learn English, and most Spanish-speaking individuals will appreciate your attempts at learning the language. They should be happy to speak with you and help you out. If they aren't, then they either are short on time or just plain mean .

However, Dogwood is right in that some people may take offense to it...but that is their issue.

Hope this helps!

P.D.

Thank you so much! Next time we play that team I'll try to make conversation! Like you said, if they take offense it's their own problem - tford14, Jun 17, 2011

and thanks for the tip with por! I often have a tough time with por vs. para - tford14, Jun 17, 2011

Answer 2

When my son was younger he player soccer on a team that was mostly white against teams that were mostly Hispanic. Now these were boys he went to school with and they spoke English every day, but during the games they spoke Spanish. it seemed to be mostly a thing about team cohesiveness. I agree with Dogwood's suggestion to get to know some of the guys before speaking Spanish to them or they might feel that you're intruding.

Thanks Leatha! This is great info and I think you are exactly right about team cohesiveness. Maybe if I do get to know some guys I could try talking in Spanish with them. - tford14, Jun 17, 2011

Answer 3

I say by all means practice with anyone who will talk to you. Be polite and I hope most people will respond in kind. My experiences haven't all been good ,but I will not be deterred. You shouldn't either. Buena suerte

thanks so much for the advice. I think you're correct that as long as i am polite, most people could not take offense. Gracias - tford14, Jun 17, 2011

Answer 4

Beaverton library intercambio

From the link:

Do you want to improve your Spanish? Quiere mejorar su inglés? Then come to one of our conversations groups! You will have the opportunity to chat and improve your Spanish while helping Spanish speakers improve their English. It is free and no sign up is necessary. Nuestros grupos son totalmente gratis.

I have not tried it yet (still need a little bit more work before I feel comfortable), but if you have a similiar program in your area you could give it a try.

link text

Another link that lists a number of Spanish conversation options in the Portland area, I would suspect that there would be similiar opportunities in most large US cities.

thanks so much! this sounds like a great idea, i'l check it out write away - tford14, Jun 17, 2011

Answer 5

My limited experiences have always been that the native speakers are happy you are trying to learn their language. I encourage you to try to talk to them. They may try to help you by talking slower.

thanks danrivera, I'll seek out a Spanish speaker to help - tford14, Jun 17, 2011

Answer 6

tford, I have not been very successful in trying to initiate a conversation in Spanish with someone I assumed to be a Spanish speaker. There are a few really good threads on the forum that explore this issue. Some native Spanish speakers have been known to take offense with such action.

It is difficult to find someone willing to speak the language and help. Most often, there has to be something in it for them, like they want to learn to speak English, you are offering a service they need, etc.

My advice is to try and build a relationship with someone so they will realize your intentions. Let them know you want to learn the language and solicit their help.

Here is a link to a previous thread where this matter was discussed.

link text

Hope that helps. Congratulations on getting this far!

Thanks for the link! I completely understand what you are saying. Luckily there's one kid I go to school and play soccer with who is South American and speaks Spanish at home. I will try to practice with him - tford14, Jun 17, 2011