Imperative to learn Spanish!

Question

I have noticed that there a are a lot of people asking a lot of questions about vocabulary from English to Spanish. I'm writing this because I want to clarify that one word could have a lot of different translations and meanings. Spanish is a language that changes and has different varieties. For example, words can change in writing, speaking and meaning depending on the country, social reality, social status, historic timeline, etc. Something that is very common is the different meanings in different countries. For example, in one Spanish speaking country one word could be of common use while in another it could be something offensive. Now, I write this post in case someone asks a question and finds out that there are a lot of different answers for your question and that doesn't mean that they are wrong. They just come from different perspectives and backgrounds so they are all correct in their own perspectives. I hope this explanation has been usefull for you guys. Have a good night!

Quite right :) - Kiwi-Girl, Oct 18, 2013

Do you mean to tell me that that doesn't happen in English? :-D - chileno, Oct 18, 2013

This happens in English as well, although I realize your question was meant to be rhetorical, Chileno. ;-D Having lived many years in the UK, we realized we had to take care not to insult others through US/UK misunderstandings/misinterpretations. :) - Findy, Oct 18, 2013

Oh, and welcome to SD, Cacciator! :D - Findy, Oct 18, 2013

:-D - chileno, Oct 19, 2013

Since you are fluent in Spanish. Will you consider taking a more active role in addressing the corrections for the non-fluent? Thanks in advance! - Jubilado, Oct 19, 2013

I cannot do that. My religion doesn't allow it.... I can explain over a Skype chat what religion is that.... :-D - chileno, Oct 19, 2013

Answer 1

Welcome to the forum Cacciator , I found that what you say is very relevant ,

and was brought home to me very early in my time at SD , I was bequeathed the thread

"Recoge una , quita otra." it was originally called , "Coge una , quita otra"

I was approached by a few members from Middle and south America , who asked

me if I would change it to its present form because it was offensive to them in the

earlier thread. This shows the importance of understanding that language is fluid

and living , there is no one set form in either Spanish or English , we must appreciate ,

understand and embrace each others cultural and language differences .

Thank you Cacciator for pointing out this very important aspect of these two beautiful languages.

Thank you for the vote of confidence. - ray76, Oct 19, 2013

Answer 2

Bienvenido a SpanishDict. ¡Muchas gracias, Cacciator! Esto es muy útil!

Answer 3

Ray:

ray76

Welcome to the forum Cacciator , I found that what you say is very relevant , and was brought home to me very early in my time at SD , I was bequeathed the thread "Recoge una , quita otra." it was originally called , "Coge una , quita otra" I was approached by a few members from Middle and south America , who asked me if I would change it to its present form because it was offensive to them in the earlier thread. This shows the importance of understanding that language is fluid and living , there is no one set form in either Spanish or English , we must appreciate, understand and embrace each others cultural and language differences .

Thank you Cacciator for pointing out this very important aspect of these two beautiful languages.

By changing it to "toma una ..." it would have been enough to satisfy everyone. Can you guess why? ;-D

No Chileno I cannot , and would appreciate it if you would tell me because i would prefer to satisfy and please a greater number of people and members. - ray76, Oct 19, 2013

Apart from the fact that it is neutral and says the same thing, Chileno , should i change it now to that , please tell me mate. - ray76, Oct 19, 2013

Yes, it is tsomething that everybody will understand correctly, even if they don't use it.... it is called Castillian. ;-D Jokes aside, everybody will understand and will offend none. - chileno, Oct 19, 2013

Only problem Chileno is that it has been going for 3 years if it is changed now it may not be recognised. - ray76, Oct 19, 2013

I shall think of a compromise . - ray76, Oct 19, 2013