Understanding Spanish Names and Aural Comprehension

Question

I have noticed that the pronunciation of names in Spanish is an impediment to my aural comprehension. I sometimes stop following the conversation to try and figure out a word only to realize later that the person was saying a name and not a "word". I doubt that I can do anything to help myself along other than practice but if anyone has tips I would appreciate them!

This too shall pass. - Pablo-Peligroso, Apr 7, 2013

;) I think you´re right about the practice. Not much else you can do for names, short of maybe reading one of those baby name books in Spanish ;) - rogspax, Apr 7, 2013

Answer 1

Good question, and I think you´re idea of practice, is unfortunately the only way.

A similar thing took me by suprise while traveling in México recently. I was pretty well prepared for the majority of nombres españoles, so that was no big deal.

But when actually in Mexico, I quickly realized how many proper names of PLACEs were of indigenous roots, and just how woefully unprepared I was for them. In general, I think proper names just have to be learned by heart. I don´t see a good short cut.

Buena suerte.

Yes, I guess I am just used to "reading" names and not hearing them spoken. In the course of normal conversation spoken at a rapid rate, I can get lost quite easily. Especially if the person has a last name which actually means something, like "Tigre" - kimmy5899, Apr 7, 2013

Answer 2

Hey Kimmy, great question. You're probably right that practice is the surest thing. One thing to keep in mind, especially with English names that are "Spanishized," is that many hard consonants like "k" or "t" at the end of words in Spanish are barely pronounced at all, which can really throw you through a loop at first. For instance "Frank" is pronounced "Fran" and "Robert" is pronounced "Rober." Hope this helps a little!

Good tips. - rogspax, Apr 7, 2013