looking for language help
Hola. I've gotten the okay to post this question, so here goes.
I am writing a fiction work in which some of the characters are Chicano. I don't speak Spanish, except for bits I've picked up on this site and from books, and I'm looking for someone to help me with the language so that the characters' speech is authentic.
The story takes place in the Los Angeles area, from about 1986 to about 1993. These characters are in a low socio-economic position, so their language would reflect that. These characters are bilingual and use English more than Spanish, but I need for the Spanish parts to be correct.
Is there anyone who is familiar with that type of Spanish who would be willing to help me over the course of writing the story? I've begun my third draft so the project is past the initial stage. I believe this sort of collaboration would benefit the language skills of both parties.
Feel free to answer me here or send me a message. And gracias in advance.
11 Answers
So the book will only be able to be read by people who are bilingual in English and Spanish. That limits your market.
It's just a few characters using a few Spanish words here and there. It is definitely not whole conversations in the language. But it is still important to get the usage correct.
Whats the book going to be called? And when is it going to be published?
Hi, well, I cannot see how you will be able to write a book in Spanish if you don't >speak the language, sorry.
She isn't writing the whole book in Spanish but some of the characters are Spanish speakers. She wants help to write some of the dialogue in Spanish
I lived in LA during the time in question. If the people in question are speaking in gang slang, you need to take into account that it evolved rapidly throughout that time period, and that different regions had their own local variations.
The Chicano characters appear only in the first two or three chapters. The story is not “about” them, because they are minor characters.
I’ve been trying to research the Chicano lifestyle of 1980s Los Angeles, but it’s difficult to find detailed information. I’m also finding it difficult to make contact with people who might be able to help.
Let me expand on my original question. I would appreciate any information, or sources, that you think would help in my research. This extends to the lifestyle, not just the language.
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My advice is to check out a lot of Spanish movies similar to what you are writing about. Mi Vida Loca, Sin Nombre, Colors, Celda 211, American Me....those are a few movies off the top of my head that have a little bit of Spanish slang spoken in it. Some are English movies that have Spanish spoken in them, and some of the other ones are Spanish movies that will have English subtitles.
I don't speak Spanish,
Hi, well, I cannot see how you will be able to write a book 
in Spanish if you don't speak the language, sorry.
I can't afford a professional.
This is an opportunity for someone to not only share what they know about Spanish, but to learn more about using English.
I lived in LA during the time in question. If the people in question are speaking in gang slang, you need to take into account that it evolved rapidly throughout that time period, and that different regions had their own local variations.
Lorenzo is right. I think you should make an effort and documentate yourself deeply about the Chicano community. You can´t depict a chicano character if you don't know quite weel what they think, how they live, their values, costumes, beliefs, ways of live, speech, aspirations, economic status, history, etc. Otherwise you would make a complete imaginary story, like many Hollywod´s stories about hispanics or other people they don't even know.
I am mexican and speak Spanish, but I have very little or none knowledge at all about Chicanos, and their slang.
I recomed you these fims:
Zoot suit and La Bamba, directed by Luis Valdes; Selena, directed by Gregory Nava; and even The End of Violence, by Wim Wenders.
