Learning Spanish for Traveling and Living in Mexico
WHEN
IN ROME… or in Los Cabos
by Adriana Kenlan
Every week, about 750 new people come to the Los Cabos area to settle. These may be workers arriving from the Mainland or Central America, or the increasingly large number of North Americans seeking a great climate and good value for their retirement dollars. Unfortunately, these Americans often fail to realize that they are within a Spanish speaking country.
Too often, part time or full time
Gringo residents figure that it’s the responsibility of the local
Mexicans to speak English, rather than the obligation of the newcomers
to adapt to the local customs and language. Just witness the debates
in the US about the importance of learning the “national language” for
immigrants, legal or not. Well, this is a Spanish speaking country. 
A
knowledge of Spanish is is not only helpful, but will expedite all
aspects of life in Mexico. Is it time to process your visa at
immigration? While it is possible to hire someone to process your
residence papers, it may be costly and can
take a long time. Being able to actually talk to the people at the Immigration Department is an advantage. Their new “attitude of friendliness” is enhanced when you show that you can try to communicate in their language.
Most Americans are notoriously poor with foreign languages. The last 40 years witnessed a change in the priorities by educators in the United States, and the importance of learning another language was too often ignored. The lack of language funding and qualified teachers has led to a failure to understand that other languages may be vital for commerce or travel. While it is true that English has been accepted as the international language for business communication in many parts of the world, times are changing. Spanish, French, and even Chinese are more useful than ever in forming successful business and social relationships. It is to the credit of the Mexicans that they make such an effort to speak English.
Are
you trying to locate a store for a particular food or product? Today,
Mexico offers a wealth of products, with wonderful condiments and
herbs. The types and cuts of meat are different and it helps to
describe them in Spanish, instead of saying “Baa Baa” to describe
lamb, as I did when first arriving in Cabo.
Does your car need repair or service? There are many car service
businesses today in Los Cabos, and it helps to know exactly what to
expect regarding cost and when your car will be ready, or the result
may only be “Manana”. It’s quite amazing how the bill goes down when
you can explain the problem and be sociable in Spanish.
Wouldn’t you like to understand the local news? It is quite different
from the news that is given in English. By understanding Spanish, you
will have a much better comprehension of what is happening in Los
Cabos, other than just the social events for Gringos. The local news
is very beneficial in understanding current development, problems, and
policies.
It
is crucial to be able to read the signs along the highway. Although
many resemble their English counterparts, some are quite different and
may be critical to understand. The roads are hazardous enough without
being at a disadvantage because you didn’t understand the sign. It is
also necessary to understand the directions to a location, and a
knowledge of Spanish is all too obvious when requesting help from the
locals.
When
most Gringos enter the Mexican supermarkets, restaurants, and shops,
they expect English to be spoken, and some are even highly upset when
the locals cannot understand the English requests. One day recently,
an American in a large supermarket in Cabo started shouting at the
counter girl because she could not understand that he wanted some
glue. He stormed out of the store, infuriated at “the lack of
service”. What he lacked in language skills, he attempted to
compensate with volume. (He may have been the same guy who got upset
at the Mexican worker in his California hometown who couldn’t speak
fluent English!)
Basic Spanish language skills are important for anyone
choosing to live in Los Cabos. Whether you need toverify
and pay your electric or water bills, or you want to be able to order
something great at a restaurant, or you want to get directions to a
great Taco hangout or that perfect surfing beach, communicating with
the locals comes in
handy.
Why be a “victim” when you need to repair your car or want a haircut
done to perfection? If you can explain exactly what you want or need,
chances are that you’ll get exactly what you want…and more probably
the services will be not be provided for “Gringo” prices.
Too often you hear Gringos say, “I can’t learn Spanish. I’ve tried a
lot of times”. Or, “I’ve been here for 15 years, and why should I
learn now?“ Well, for one thing,
we
can change the perception of the “arrogant” American who demands that
Mexicans adapt to the newcomers, not vice verca. It’s only common
courtesy to speak Spanish in Mexico. Even if it’s only to apologize
for speaking it poorly! You would be surprised at how pleased the
locals would be….. And you would love how much better the service and
results would be. Even by attempting a few words in Spanish, you’ll
win a spot in their hearts
Mexicans, who are among the most friendly people in the world, really
want to develop friendships with the Gringo residents. . It’s a
win-win situation; better Spanish for you, and better English for
them! The old expression, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”,
certainly applies to Los Cabos too. Language is the quickest way to
build a bridge between the cultures.