Hola, buenas tardes la gente guapa! As I am adapting to the Spanish culture, I have become more aware of how Spaniards act in comparison to U.S. Americans. I am embracing the closeness when talking with people, and the speed in which they are communicating. Although, I still can't keep up!
The variations in language came into light through my Spanish Culture Close Up course, and I am not talking about the obvious English vs. Spanish. The differences in interpersonal communication lies in the conversation in itself, and I found it interesting that there was a contrast in politeness. For Example:
Would you pass the salt, please? vs. Pásame la sal (pass the salt)
Turns out that BOTH are polite in the context of the respective country. As U.S. Americans, we learn to say "please" and "thank you" for EVERYTHING! We absolutely hate to inconvenience someone else regardless if it's the smallest request, like passing the salt shaker. We make it a point to acknowledge the other person by saying thank you, and "I'm sorry's" have become more of a habit than a meaning. However, if you would say "pass the salt" in the U.S., you would be seen as having poor manners and rude. Spaniards, however, are much more intentional and concise in their speech. They say what they mean, and mean what they say. Por favor (please), gracias (thanks), and lo siento (I'm sorry) are said when it is truly meant. More over, it is found to be inappropriate when you use too many polite markers as you are seen as superficial or not authentic. Passing the salt shaker is needed to enjoy your meal, and everyone does it! So, why would that inconvenience me to reach 2 inches to give the shaker to you?
Learning about the intricacies of the Spanish language, I thought it was beautiful how they preserve the meaning of their words. I reflected on my own speech, and I must admit that I am one of those "I'm sorry" addicts. I apologize for things that are beyond my control, things that happen to other people, and the statement lost its meaning a long time ago. If I learn anything from Spain, I WILL learn to speak with more intention and meaning. So, if I come home more blunt and less sorry. . . I'm not sorry!
The variations in language came into light through my Spanish Culture Close Up course, and I am not talking about the obvious English vs. Spanish. The differences in interpersonal communication lies in the conversation in itself, and I found it interesting that there was a contrast in politeness. For Example:
Would you pass the salt, please? vs. Pásame la sal (pass the salt)
Turns out that BOTH are polite in the context of the respective country. As U.S. Americans, we learn to say "please" and "thank you" for EVERYTHING! We absolutely hate to inconvenience someone else regardless if it's the smallest request, like passing the salt shaker. We make it a point to acknowledge the other person by saying thank you, and "I'm sorry's" have become more of a habit than a meaning. However, if you would say "pass the salt" in the U.S., you would be seen as having poor manners and rude. Spaniards, however, are much more intentional and concise in their speech. They say what they mean, and mean what they say. Por favor (please), gracias (thanks), and lo siento (I'm sorry) are said when it is truly meant. More over, it is found to be inappropriate when you use too many polite markers as you are seen as superficial or not authentic. Passing the salt shaker is needed to enjoy your meal, and everyone does it! So, why would that inconvenience me to reach 2 inches to give the shaker to you?
Learning about the intricacies of the Spanish language, I thought it was beautiful how they preserve the meaning of their words. I reflected on my own speech, and I must admit that I am one of those "I'm sorry" addicts. I apologize for things that are beyond my control, things that happen to other people, and the statement lost its meaning a long time ago. If I learn anything from Spain, I WILL learn to speak with more intention and meaning. So, if I come home more blunt and less sorry. . . I'm not sorry!
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