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castaway$
Senior Nomad
Posts: 742
Registered: 7-31-2007
Location: Gold Hill, Oregon
Member Is Offline
Mood: Fish on!
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To learn or not to learn
If I move to Baja should I really learn how to speak spanish, right now I know some "key" words, at least enough to get my point across, Should I
study the language and become fluid or can I get by and learn as I go. What have the rest of you done?
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64859
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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The more Spanish you know, the more fun and comfort you will have in a Spanish speaking country...
That being said, don't let the lack of Spanish keep you for starting your Baja explorations! English is widely spoken and signs in tourist areas are
often in English, like along the highway.
Have a open mind and try to speak it when possible... practice a lot, they will respect you for your attempts and not laugh too much!
I had Spanish in grade school and high school and practiced it all my life... I can speak most things I need to get by, but would really like to be
bilingual... The Baja Calif. Language College in Ensenada would be my school of choice http://www.bajacal.com if I can take the time off to do it!
[Edited on 10-26-2007 by David K]
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Osprey
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3694
Registered: 5-23-2004
Location: Baja Ca. Sur
Member Is Offline
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Over time I learned to speak as my Mexican neighbors do -- the trick is to listen carefully, ask questions, write things down. The reason my gringo
friends come to me to help, translate, is that they recognize that when I speak for them I'll be speaking, with respect, the local language of the
villagers not formal D.F. Spanish. For me it helps to have somebody handy to speak with -- my friend and gardener comes to my house 3 or 4 times a
week to work and chat and I have learned scores if not hundreds of words from him.
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Mango
Senior Nomad
Posts: 685
Registered: 4-11-2006
Location: Alta California &/or Mexicali
Member Is Offline
Mood: Bajatastic
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I took Spanish in school when growing up. It was one of my toughest subjects. I'd study hard; but, would still do horribly. I even managed to score
4 out of 100 on a multiple choice test once! Ouch.
The first time I went to Mexico, I got by with the few words and phrases I knew. I soon found I was able to ask for almost anything I needed; but,
more often than not found the answers I got in return were confusing, or beyond my comprehension.
I learned that you can phrase things or ask things in certain ways as to get simpler answers. Also, be brave and then learn from your mistakes. Most
Mexicans want to learn English, so impromptu Spanish/English lessons are readily had almost anywhere in Mexico. A great phrase is, "Como se
dice?...(then point to something)" {translates to: How do you say..?}
I carry photos with me, and keep them handy to show others, when I travel. You can show your photos of your hometown, favorite lake, family, pets,
landmark, etc.. to locals. This will aid you immensely when trying to break the ice and keep the conversation going.
Nobody will get mad at you for trying to speak Spanish; but, they may not respect you very much if you don't try. Spanish is part of the culture of
Mexico, to better understand it is to better understand Mexico. To learn and use it shows respect on your part.
My Spanish is still not that great; but, I get by. Some people tell me it's good; but, I am still often confused or feel out of the loop. I've met
some great people, heard some great stories, and had some great experiences that would not have been possible if I did not know and use Spanish.
Give it a try and see what new doors will open for you, it beats just sitting there staring at the door and wondering what is on the other side.
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osoflojo
Nomad
Posts: 378
Registered: 10-29-2004
Location: c.s.l./b.c.s.
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There is no substitute for communicating in anothers native tongue. That being said the essence of communication is not what is said but the message
that is recieved. The genuine willingness to communicate is far more important that what you actually can say. If you are genuine in your desire to
communicate grunts, clicks and whistles will be a start.
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Mango
Senior Nomad
Posts: 685
Registered: 4-11-2006
Location: Alta California &/or Mexicali
Member Is Offline
Mood: Bajatastic
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Rummph, ugh! eek. Click Click.
Sorry, had to do it.
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Cardon Man
Super Nomad
Posts: 1319
Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: Thetis Bank
Member Is Offline
Mood: !Al Chingaso!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by osoflojo
There is no substitute for communicating in anothers native tongue. That being said the essence of communication is not what is said but the message
that is recieved. The genuine willingness to communicate is far more important that what you actually can say. If you are genuine in your desire to
communicate grunts, clicks and whistles will be a start. |
Very true. Nonetheless, speaking Spanish at any level will greatly enhance your experience in any Latin American country. A good book can be a big
help. Where many "gringos" fall short is in the use and conjugation of verbs. Learn the basics of conjugating past,present, future tense and you will
take your Spanish to a new level. Practice and enjoy!
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bacquito
Super Nomad
Posts: 1615
Registered: 3-6-2007
Member Is Offline
Mood: jubilado
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Be amiable!! Try to use there language but share yours. Quit often times a parent will want their child to learn some english-help them. There are
numerous books with translations- that is the book is written in both languages. CARRY A DICTIONARY!!
bacquito
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Bruce R Leech
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6796
Registered: 9-20-2004
Location: Ensenada formerly Mulege
Member Is Offline
Mood: A lot cooler than Mulege
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
Then again, maybe you want to live in your own little world and not be bothered by anybody or have to read advertisments all over the place. Some
people are content with their own company.
Just a thought. |
why would someone like that want to live in Mexico?
Bruce R Leech
Ensenada
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Oso
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2637
Registered: 8-29-2003
Location: on da border
Member Is Offline
Mood: wait and see
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Flomax should help you get more fluid.
All my childhood I wanted to be older. Now I\'m older and this chitn sucks.
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bajajudy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6886
Registered: 10-4-2004
Location: San Jose del Cabo,BCS
Member Is Offline
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I went to Se Habla....La Paz, because I wanted to speak the way the people in Baja speak...so if you are considering a school, I would highly
recommend one that is in Baja.
As for the highway signs, I have never seen one in BCS in English so learn them.
The people here are extremely forgiving of your mistakes if you at least try.....go for it!
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Cardon Man
Super Nomad
Posts: 1319
Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: Thetis Bank
Member Is Offline
Mood: !Al Chingaso!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
Then again, maybe you want to live in your own little world and not be bothered by anybody or have to read advertisments all over the place. Some
people are content with their own company.
Just a thought. |
why would someone like that want to live in Mexico? |
Good point!
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Al G
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2647
Registered: 12-19-2004
Location: Todos Santos/Full time for now...
Member Is Offline
Mood: Wondering what is next???
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I have found a channel on dishnetwork that is helping me...9411 NAUHS. University of Arizona. I have recorded the classes on DVR.
It is very good. Along with the Spanish lessons they take time to refresh your English conjunctions, prepositions, irregular verbs...etc.
If I get past the congregating of verbs...it should be alot easier...that is saying alot for someone who had to take bone head English in college. as
you can tell it did not do much good anyway...
I would think other networks would have something similar.
If there other suggestions that are better please let me know.
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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Lee
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3509
Registered: 10-2-2006
Location: High in the Colorado Rockies
Member Is Offline
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Loner or everybody's friend?
| Quote: | Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
Then again, maybe you want to live in your own little world and not be bothered by anybody or have to read advertisments all over the place. Some
people are content with their own company.
Just a thought. |
why would someone like that want to live in Mexico? |
Guess you don't know people. 100 people can have 100 reasons for living in Baja. Choosing to have few friends, or only your own company, is just
as valid as any other reason.
What don't you understand about living in one's own little world?
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Lee
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3509
Registered: 10-2-2006
Location: High in the Colorado Rockies
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by castaway$
If I move to Baja should I really learn how to speak spanish, right now I know some "key" words, at least enough to get my point across, Should I
study the language and become fluid or can I get by and learn as I go. What have the rest of you done? |
Some will judge you on how well you speak but many won't. If you are starting from zero, go to school. http://www.sehablalapaz.com/ if you're in BCS.
If you don't care whether you speak/sound like a 4th grader or not, then getting by will suffice.
A few classes will explain how Spanish verbs are conjugated. It all depends on where you are in Baja and how much you need to know.
US Marines: providing enemies of America an opportunity to die for their country since 1775.
What I say before any important decision.
F*ck it.
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Denaca
Junior Nomad
Posts: 47
Registered: 7-10-2006
Location: Berkeley
Member Is Offline
Mood: Indigo
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Pick up a copy of 501 Verbs and a good dictionary, maybe Velasquez.
With the verbs just look them up: eat, sleep, go, return, whatever, etc. make a practice of writing them. Make a horizontal line and cross that in
the middle with a vertical line, upper left the "i", upper right, "you, she, he, it; lower left, "we"; lower right, they or you guys. Don't try to
remember.
Still wanna learn? Just practice, practice, practice.
The thing is you will remember best what you use. Moving there is optimal. Soon that study you did not try to remember will work itself out.
And remember, learning all the calo (slang) is no substitute for el castellano.
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toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
Member Is Offline
Mood: Skeptical
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Oso
Flomax should help you get more fluid. |
Oso,
I'm glad someone else saw that, so I don't have to be the English teacher. I would add, however, that Pacifico or Tecate might be the preferred way to
achieve fluid results. Flomax clears obstructions of the urethra, whereas beer clears not only the urethra, but the brain as well (until the
volume impedes).  
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Skipjack Joe
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8084
Registered: 7-12-2004
Location: Bahia Asuncion
Member Is Offline
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Many of my first words in Spanish were curse words.
I remember a trip a Tony Reyes trip in the 80's. The galley cook, my guide, and I would sit in the bow after dinner sharing smokes. I remember trying
to impress them with my curse words. After a bit of this the guide leaned over to the cook scratching his head:
"Shees, this guy can't put two words together, but he cusses like a truckdriver. What's with that?"
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Lee
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3509
Registered: 10-2-2006
Location: High in the Colorado Rockies
Member Is Offline
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Cabron!
824 words you might want to know:
http://www.mrgabe.com/dictionary/Spanish/index.asp
US Marines: providing enemies of America an opportunity to die for their country since 1775.
What I say before any important decision.
F*ck it.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Cardon Man
| Quote: | Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
Then again, maybe you want to live in your own little world and not be bothered by anybody or have to read advertisments all over the place. Some
people are content with their own company.
Just a thought. |
why would someone like that want to live in Mexico? |
Good point! |
What does being in Mexico have to do with a quest for privacy? A contemplative life in an urban setting. Some people don't want to know what others
are saying or what's for sale. That interaction is as valid as being involved with everything you hear people saying.
Don't most people come to Baja for the isolation? It isn't for everybody but, some see it as a way of life.
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