Learn Spanish and Speak to Others Who Don’t Speak it Well (part II)

Gringo Talking

A lot of foreigners come here to learn Spanish and travel. When they see my pasty skin, freckles and red hair they usually ask me for directions or whatever they need in English but I reply in Spanish (not to be awkward you understand, just to give them some free practice). Not only do I feel good speaking to them in Spanish but I think that most of them like me to do it as well.

Why Is It Easier?

You see, as well as feeling that the pressure is off you in a way it is also the case that when you speak a foreign language you use simpler words and sentences. It is also easier to use words which maybe aren’t the most common in the other language but which translate well. For example, “fama” seems much more commonly used than the similar “reputación” here in Bolivia, but gringos will find the second one easier usually. Apart from that, there is the question of the accent. Most people learn Spanish or any second language with an accent which may be quite amusing for the native speakers but which sounds pretty much neutral to other people who are just learning it. If you are learning a new language give it a try. I bet you a pound to a penny that you relax and enjoy the conversation a bit more when you speak to someone whose accent is just as bad as yours (and mine).