Coming
into an organization or a country that is completely new to us is a change that
frequently sends people into culture shock.
Not only do we have to learn how things are organized, but we also need
to assimilate ourselves to what we hear being said and function within that
setting—even if it’s only temporary. So
when we’re speaking of learning to use a level of fluency in a foreign language,
it can be challenging but also highly rewarding and a lot of fun. That’s why we need to investigate the payoffs
for learning to read, write, speak, and understand Spanish effectively (the
principal idiom of the Mexican people), before taking it on:
Short visits. If you’re coming to Mexico for only a week or so, then it’s a good idea to learn a few basics. For example, this includes greeting people,
reading menus, asking directions (like, “Where’s the bathroom?”), and understanding
signs and numbers, i.e., prices. It’s
also a good idea to find a native speaker to teach you these things in person
or over the internet so you can pronounce the words correctly. You won’t really need any more than this if
you stick to places where there are a lot of international visitors because
many of the Mexicans working and living there will speak and understand
English. But if you plan to go anywhere
else with this level of Spanish, take someone with you who is at least fluent
at the basic level. The benefit of these
few words is fundamental for respect and courteous responses such as smiles,
appreciation, and getting what you want in shops, hotels, and restaurants.
Seasonal living. If you’re coming to live
in this country for six months or less, such as in the late fall and winter,
then it’s quite rewarding to develop fluency at the basic level. This will
allow you to not only live where there are numerous international visitors but
also in some of the areas away from these touristy places. You’ll be able to search for and find a place
to rent with limited assistance.
Moreover, you can go to the open air markets to buy consumables instead
of sending your housekeeper or going with a friend. If you’re a person who likes good
conversation and meeting new people, you’ll soon find yourself making friends
with the natives and improving your Spanish.
In short, life will become very enjoyable and culture shock will soon
become a thing of the past.
Permanent living. If you’re a person who
would like to live here permanently, whereby you can come and go as you please,
or stay here without ever leaving the country, especially as a retiree, then an
intermediate to advanced level of fluency is highly recommendable. It takes a considerable amount of dedication
and determination, but the benefits are immense. For example, you can read everything except
for the very technical jargon. Listening
to the radio or watching television in Spanish is not a problem. Talking on the phone to make reservations or
do anything else is fairly easy.
Conversing with neighbors or attending classes and seminars is enjoyable. And this is only the beginning.
For
example, when I knew that I was coming here to live, I began to study and
practice Spanish in San Antonio, TX day and night, something I kept up for more
than three years. Although I had lived
in Germany for almost 11 years before coming to Mexico, I had only developed an
intermediate level of speaking that country’s language, but I experienced the
immense benefit of functioning in an all German speaking environment. So I knew that dedicating the time to becoming
fluent in Spanish would be well worth the effort. I’ve never regretted that decision because
I’ve been able to attend classes and meditation retreats, teach, converse with
whomever I’ve met, help negotiate rental contracts, read fictional and non
fictional literature, explain English grammar, function in an intercultural
marriage, tell and understand jokes, and so much more. Likewise, other Americans have made it pay
off for them. My friend Bob has been here
for more than 40 years, and frequently works as a translator for the group
called “Doctors Without Borders” helping people in indigenous communities in
Tlaxcala and Puebla.
I would also
like to say that in Central Mexico, there are thousands of local citizens who
speak from basic to very advanced English.
There are multitudes of students enrolled in private English schools as
well as technicians and professionals who travel all over the world. Mexicans are very friendly and curious people
who are quite ready to help travelers with the language. Even here in our rural towns of Santa Cruz Tlaxcala
and Amaxac, there are people like that.
In
conclusion, investigating the value of learning to speak Spanish in Mexico and
other countries (even the U.S.) before attending a class is worthwhile. It’ll help you to develop the motivation and
drive to learn what you need for short visits, seasonal living, or permanently
living in this country, and it will keep you from wasting your time. Ex-patriots who are meditators and use
Spanish fluently really enjoy their lives here, participating with groups in
Puebla or other areas as well as associating with the local citizenry. I’m sure that most of them would speak
happily of their decision to learn the language. After all, this skill is of immense
value to them and those with whom they associate.
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