Dos cosas que no quiero estar: Embarrassed and Offensive. How do I avoid this?
I live in Los Angeles, CA and am a white male, I am moving to a city 10 miles from Mexico. Yo puedo hablar Español a veces muy bien, if people speak slowly and don't use too much slang. I was in a relationship with a woman who was from Mexico and most of her family spoke only Spanish to me and I have worked in places where Spanish is spoken regularly and took advanced Spanish in college. I will not know anyone where I am moving and the main language in the border city will be Spanish. My question is how do Mexican people and native spanish speakers perceive white people who are trying to learn the language? I can read, write and speak well but my comprehension of others is not nearly as good, so I feel very embarrassed when I do not understand what someone is saying. Then I start to mess up my speech because I am nervous and embarrassed. Me siento estúpido y no se que puedo hacer. Also if I try to speak my so-so Spanish to someone and they speak English too, am I offending them?
Thanks
1 Answer
My question is how do Mexican people and native spanish speakers perceive white people who are trying to learn the language?
In general people are extremely receptive to anyone trying to learn their language. There will always be exceptions, but in my experience people reacting negatively is very rare. And if it does happen that's their problem not yours. Ignore it and move on.
I feel very embarrassed when I do not understand what someone is saying. Then I start to mess up my speech because I am nervous and embarrassed.
Relax, that's normal. Remember, you're learning. Don't feel embarrassed, you aren't going to understand everything, it comes with the territory. We all pass through that stage. Find some good resources to help with your listening ability and keep moving forward. Almost 8 years later there are still days I don't understand everything. Don't be afraid to ask people to repeat what they said or to slow down.
Also if I try to speak my so-so Spanish to someone and they speak English too, am I offending them?
I doubt it. But don't worry about it. If you want to speak Spanish, then speak it. I decided a long time ago I was going to speak Spanish when the opportunity arose no matter what, and that's what I do. I get into conversations all the time where I speak Spanish and they respond in English. Just happened to me a few days ago in fact.
My advice to you is to relax and have fun. Pat yourself on the back for all of your successes instead kicking yourself in the pants for your shortcomings. Think about how far you've come, not how much further you have to go. Keep at it and never give up. It sounds like your progressing just fine.
