There are 21 Spanish speaking countries and within them there are varied regions with their own unique pronunciations, different sayings, region specific vocabulary, and more.
Phrases I learned in Uruguay:
They use “docente” instead of profesor/maestra for teacher.
Quien me quita lo bailando=I’ve already done that so no one can take it away from me
Sarna con gusto no pica=I’m still happy that I did it
Sorete=a turd (this can be used as an insult)
El pez por la boca muere=If you don’t shut your mouth you’re going to get in trouble
En boca cerrada no entran moscas=Flies don’t enter a closed mouth
Escoba nueva siempre barre bien= (literal translation is a new broom always sweeps well) It really means when you’re new at something it’s always good (or relationships are always good at the beginning)
Of course as a Spanish language teacher I am going to advocate for more people to learn to speak the language specific to the location they will travel. I really can't emphasize enough how much more meaningful your experiences can be when you do. I was lucky that our chosen country was Spanish speaking and that I already spoke it, but the more you know and practice before the better your experience will be. Most Uruguayans also speak English, but it's natural to revert back to one's native language when you are with other native speakers. This is where it was very helpful to have more than a basic understanding. There were several moments on the trip that I was able to lean in to conversations colleagues were having with one another that allowed for a deeper understanding and interaction. Also, it was just so much more fun. But this was not my first rodeo and I know from experience that it takes time to be truly considered fluent. I have been learning the language for 25 years, spent over a year in Spain (twice) and consistently use the language for my job.
Tips from a language teacher on the best ways to practice a new language:
1.) Set achievable goals:
The most important thing is consistency. You don't want to start with a flourish only to burn out after a few weeks or days. Start with devoting just 10-15 minutes per day.
2.) Get an accountability partner:
Tell someone what you plan to do. Once verbalized you are more likely to stick to your goal.
3.) Get a tutor:
Pay for a real person who teaches the language you want to learn for a living. Can't find that? Find a friend who would like to learn alongside you.
4.) Search for free study sites:
Duolingo is great for beginners and it also helps set a routine of consistency. Studyspanish.com is nice for practicing grammar rules, but your focus should be on communication not grammar. Lyricstraining.com is fun site for practicing listening comprehension. You listen to a song in the target language and you have to type in a missing word that you hear.
5.) Start a conversation group in your area:
FB is a great way to connect with groups of people in your area who also may want to learn the same language as you. Plan a weekly meetup at a local cafe and challenge each other to only speak in the target language.
6.) Watch your favorite shows in the target language:
Chances are you will find a plethora of shows that you can stream in your target language. Be sure to change the subtitles too.
7.) Don't forget that comprehension is the most important:
Don't get hung up on sounding perfect, having the perfect grammar, etc. You just need to understand and be understood. You are going to sound silly at first and you have to be ok with messing up.
8.) Have fun!
Language is about communication, and communication is interaction. Grt out there and laugh.
Interesting questions I was asked by students in Uruguay(if I didn't speak the language I would have never known):
What does the snow feel like?
Are all Americans millionaires?
Do the houses look like they do in movies?
Do you know anyone famous?
Fun, right?!
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