I don't have any background in Spanish. I'm fluent in French. The people in the diner all speak Spanish to each other. Should I make the effort to order food and say "thank you" and "have a nice day" in Spanish.
What do you think? Would they be glad that I tried or annoyed that I fumble my way through Spanish?
2006-10-11 03:58:03 · 8 answers · asked by jugghayd 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
I work in a predominantly hispanic area of town and have worked with numerous spanish speaking people over the years. In answer to your question, I can tell you that most likely they would be cordial with your attempt. I can also report that they might be a little amused. I don't think it will hurt anything for you to utter a few words in spanish like, thank you, "Gracias" and good day, "Buenos dias" and good evening or night, "Buenos noches". I wouldn't say anything more than that in spanish for fear that your attempt might become "night at the improv" to them.
A good hearted attempt goes a long way to cultural understanding.
2006-10-11 04:18:09 · answer #1 · answered by holdemfoldem911 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally I wouldn't!....But I'm blonde blue eyed I have no reason to do it. And I think people would laugh at me.....Honestly the hottest thing in the world is people who go from forgein lauguages to english and back again in a sentence or a conversation. Really Though, Feel it out. If it's friendly enough take a stab at it. Make your first sentence "I'm sorry I don't know spanish very well but....."=)
2006-10-11 11:08:03 · answer #2 · answered by kane_rosebud 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most Spanish speakers that I have interacted with think it's nice if you try to learn Spanish. In my experience, they will probably be more than happy to give you their opinions and pointers on how to best speak Spanish!
P.S. It's "buenas noches".
2006-10-12 02:35:50 · answer #3 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they would be glad if you try to speak in Spanish, and you may try to speak in Spanish if you feel comfortable with it, in other case, don't worry, at least people who speak English should do it with you...
2006-10-11 11:37:37 · answer #4 · answered by esther c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They'll be happy to chat you up if they hear you try in Spanish. Once they realize you can't speak much, they may revert to English with you - but no, no one will be upset.
2006-10-11 11:05:54 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you must try to speak spanish to them. They won't laugh if you make a mistake they will try to help you if anything
2006-10-11 11:06:29 · answer #6 · answered by christine a 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any effort you make in their language will be appreciatded.
Bon Chance!
Brock in Vancouver, Canada.
2006-10-11 11:18:57 · answer #7 · answered by cbmaclean 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you dont speak spanish and they all do, first they should not speak spanish in front of you. it is not good mannered. i think you can be yourself. you can say thanks in spanish if you think you have the right accent.
2006-10-11 11:05:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋