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Global Urban Trek 2008
¡Demasiado Español!July 4, 2008
Going into the summer, I was eager to be immersed in the Spanish language. I was expecting to be bilingual by the end of the Trek. However, now I realize that a high school level of Spanish helps you understand only 25% of what`s going on here. One can only say “¿Mande?” (“Once again?”) so many times before giving up.
The language barrier was okay the first week and actually helpful at times. Being able to speak only one word per minute turns one question into a 15 minute conversation. Simple questions, which include a lot of “Do you like_____” (insert: futbol, school, Nelly Furtado) also sound less awkward.
Making mistakes can also create laughter. The other day, when cleaning up after dinner, I apparently asked Lucy (our host sister) if we needed to “salvar,” or what I later found out meant “rescue,” the remaining tacos. It`s now a joke we all laugh about.
Although the language barrier has been a blessing in disguise, living among only Spanish speakers can also be overwhelming. I can´t help but realize the disadvantages of a non-fluent Spanish speaker when responses to jokes are five minutes too late and she accidentally tells people she’s pregnant (embarazada) instead of embarassed.
The other day, our friend Daniel from Vision Mundial came over to visit. He told us the story of his past which was sad, moving and encouraging at the same time. I wanted to understand him so badly, but I was straining to put the few words I understood into a coherent sentences. I needed Katye to translate everything.
No español could prevent me from feeling the emotion in the story, yet unable to hear the story´s meaning personally from Daniel was frustrating. For many of us Trekers who are unable to communicate with the people we badly want to get to know, weeks one and two have been quite difficult.
- Danielle
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