Calling all Colombians!
Hola!
I'm a non-native Spanish speaker who recently declared myself fluent, after which I was immediately plunged into a situation where I'm waaay out of my depth. Así es la vida...
Anyway, I'm working at an elementary school, and I've got a couple first graders that just arrived from Columbia. One speaks a little bit of English, the other is very shy and more or less refuses to. Their English comprehension is not great, so I've been translating for them in class. But they have some distinctly Columbian phraseology, and with a Spain Spanish background, I'm at a loss. Mostly, the words for school supplies are throwing me. I learned today that mochila is maletín, among other things.
If anyone else has a South American Spanish background and could help me out, I'd be much obliged.
¡Muchisimas gracias!
Besitos,
Julia
4 Answers
Google is your friend.
Search for Colombian slang/Spanish, or "material escolar colombia" and you'll find plenty of things to help you out. Also try searching YouTube for Colombian Spanish.
The member who posted this is no longer a member. 
A mochila in Colombia is a large bag slung over the shoulder and hanging at hip level. It is used as a carryall by both men and women. It is not a backpack! If you are fluent in Spanish and would like to try emailing a Colombian person I have a friend who is a teacher of small children (she does not know English). Contact me (in English) through my profile here and I will send you more information. I do not know much more about how Colombian usage differs.
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