DID I SAY THAT???

Hard to believe we have been here three months already.  It does seem like a life time of interesting things have happened in that time.

Being with the friends as they learn English and we slaughter Spanish has been a real education in many ways.  The other night I am struggling to remember when you use “say or says”, “who or whom”.  Does that pop to the front of your brain right away?  It didn’t mine either. Good thing I liked English in school so that has helped.   Its meant breaking the rust off some far recesses of my brain where those rules are loosely stored . 

Its still rather challenging paying for anything or looking for things in the grocery store.    Usually we have a general idea of the total but often I just hold my hand out with some change in it and the cashier takes what is needed.  We need to play some fast games of fish to help us learn our numbers better.   That reminds me that we did see a regular deck of cards that is used here.  There are no 8’s or 9’s and the suits are clubs, cups, swords and money.  Will be interesting to play a game or so.   Good exercise for us.   

One curious adjustment is using as descriptive words, words that we use as names.  For example:

Linda – lovely or nice

Bonita- pretty

We are trying to focus on learning the polite and formal forms of words. 

Most us already know please and thank you.

Lo siento or lamento – I’m sorry

Disculpe- Pardon me (to get someone’s attention)

Con permiso- Excuse me (to move physically)

Muy amable! – That’s very kind of you or much appreciated

Que tenges un buen dia! – Have a good day!  This is currently Bruce’s favourite as people’s faces light up when he says it. 

This is another of Bruce’s current favourites’:  !no tengo la mas remota idea! 

“I haven’t the foggiest idea!  It, generally, gets a laugh and breaks the communication tension.  The folks here have been very indulgent with us.

Treating folks with a bit of dignity and respect can go along way when you are, unintentionally, slicing and dicing the language of their heart.  If we can get a few of these out then, maybe, some of our other faux pas’ might be more likely to be overlooked. 

So for now.  !adios and hasta luego!

Do you have any “language lulus” you’d like to share?