Santiago
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Partial review of "There's a Word for it in Mexico"
A few months ago I asked for reading suggestions for culture and history study of Mexico; There's a Word for It in Mexico by Boye Lafayette
De Mente was recommended and I'm 2/3 of the way through it.
The book starts with a 20 page historical summary and then uses 139 words as a template to understand Mexico's culture. For example, comprencion
(understand) is explained to have a lot more meaning than simply intellectually grasping something. Quote ...it also includes an intellectual and
sympathetic acceptance of the situation. This acceptance goes well beyond just passive believing in, approving of or agreeing to something. It calls
for a positive response. ...in this sense it means to become an advocate of the other's viewpoint and goals, and doing whatever is possible to help
the other side achieve those goals.
Each word is explained in 2 or 3 pages so it is very easy to read, put down and pick up again. The book is written with the foreign businessperson in
mind where subtle differences and shades of meaning are important.
The author not only explains the cultural meaning of the words from a historical viewpoint, but then shows how it is changing within the social
classes and geographical differences. For example, machismo is practiced far differently in the upper, educated classes than working classes.
To be honest, this book has shocked me - there is a vast amount of stuff that is going on that I'm completely clueless about. And if only 10% of what
the author says about the affect the Catholic church has had on Mexico is true - those guys should have been drawn and quartered.
I recommend this read and am also curious if any of you who have read it and live within the culture agree with the author.
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DENNIS
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I have it, read it and do agree with the author although in a few cases, I could see regional variations, but not so varied to render a point invalid.
It's worth the money and time spent going through it. which is another point. You can open it anywhere and start reading.
Two Thumbs Up for the book......One Middle Finger Up for the Catholic Church.
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arrowhead
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When Mexican cops get a bribe out of you to not give you a ticket, even though you did nothing wrong, they will often say, "Gracias por tu
comprensión." Thanks for your understanding. By the way it is spelled "comprenSión", with an "S" and I have no idea why, as almost every other Spanish
word with that sound ends in "cion."
[Edited on 2-22-2010 by arrowhead]
No soy por ni contra apatía.
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tjBill
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Reading the reviews on Amazon, it seems most readers either loved it or hated it.
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by tjBill
Reading the reviews on Amazon, it seems most readers either loved it or hated it. |
There are some people, mostly of Mexican descent, who repell from the idea of having their cultural mysterys unravelled. They imply that the Rosetta
Stone is in the blood.
They also say flatly that "The Labrynth Of Solitude" can't be translated although I have no idea how many millions of copies have.
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Iflyfish
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I highly recommend this book, I have traveled extensively in Mexico over 45 years now and did not understand a lot that is in this book. From my
perspective it is a must read.
Iflyfish
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shari
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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sounds like a terrific book....after 10 years living here, I started to compile my notes and ideas into what I thought would be an enlightening book
for visitors...called "Behind the Tortilla Curtain". My goal was to reveal what goes on behind those gracious smiles.....but I changed my mind the
more I got to know the culture...dennis is bang on about mexicanos not appreciating having their cultural secrets unravelled....thus...notes are in a
tote somewhere.....I gotta live here.
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by lencho
| Quote: | | Originally posted by shari...dennis is bang on about mexicanos not appreciating having their cultural secrets unravelled....thus...notes are
in a tote somewhere.....I gotta live here. |
But, but... Octavio Paz is revered for doing pretty
much the same. 
--Larry |
Paz was revered by academia. Not exactly a cross section of the Mexican psyche.
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by lencho
I bet a random sampling of of folks grabbed off the streets of Mexico City would show widespread recognition and admiration. |
For what? His large body of work, or the prize?
And...I'm not trying to start a fight here, but do you see Mexico City as a cross section of the Mexican psyche?
The Chilangos would be among the first to say no.
The OTCs , other than Chilangos, would also be the first to say no.
Another thing....Paz was a poet and a philospher. Not a psychologist. If the romantic notions were removed from this statement, there would be
nothing left:
'Solitude is the profoundest fact of the human condition. Man is the only being who knows he is alone, and the only one who seeks out another. His
nature-if that word can be used in reference to man, who has ‘invented’ himself by saying ‘no’ to nature- consists in his longing to realize himself
in another. Man is nostalgia and a search for communion. Therefore, when he is aware of himself he is aware of his lack of another, that is, of his
solitude."
I admire Paz for his thoughts. I just don't see them as the last word.
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by lencho
Where I started with this was that those same thoughts expressed by a Shari might well elicit nationalistic indignation.
--Larry |
After a thoughtful moment, I question you here, if you don't mind.
Shari made it a point to not make a statement and that was the statement itself. She said nothing.
Our conversation concerning Paz, I thought, had merit and it was moving well untill you gave up with that lame surrender above.
What's up, Larry? Do you have any idea of what you speak?
You've trashed me here in the past as being irrelevant and disruptive and perhaps that's a fact in most cases, but not now and not here with this
issue.
Let's you and I discuss Mexico history, culture and what the future may be.
But, don't dis me ever again. I'm not your student or your friend.
I think you know that.
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