I try to speak with my co-workers in Spanish..?

Question

I work with a majority of Hispanics and most of them are very sweet. I have noticed that they are are reserved at first, I guess they don't know how we'll act towards them?I have worked with one guy for about the past 8 months and him and I have become really good friends, despite our language barrier. I can speak more Spanish than he does English and we both converse and teach each other our language. He tells me that I am his best "amiga" and that he hopes we are friends forever. He also will say stuff like "sexy" or "bonita" or "tienes novio? porque..tu eres muy bonita" which I just take as joking. A lot of the people I work with figure why bother to try and communicate with them and do not even give them the time of day. Do you think they appreciate an effort in getting to know them and communicating and that's why he tells me I am his best "amiga" or is it just a cultural difference? I know I appreciate it when they speak English.

I can't stand it when people complain about the Mexicans working here. They usually don't take Americans jobs..like Carlos Mencia said (haha funny guy) "when was the last time you wanted to drive delivery for a Chinese Fast Food place or be a garbage man?" Seriously, they are some of the most hard working people I know and I take offense when people make derogatory remarks about them. If you were living a horrible life in Mexico would you want to get into America for a better life, even if Illegally?? Think about it, seriously. AND also, the guy I know is trying to make a living and also learning English.

Answer 1

There are 2 reasons he calls you his best "amiga"
1) he appreciates your friendship, regardless of race.
or
2) he wants to sleep with you

This is not cultural, this is universal.

that plain and simple!

Answer 2

I think its great that you've been able to develop a friendship with him and each of you are learning about the other's culture and language. That is a good friendship situation.

I don't think it's a cultural thing with his comments. He is dropping hints because he is interested in you romantically. It sounds like this is not your intention. If not, you have the delicate task of trying to keep your good friendship while letting him know the boundaries. But that how it often goes keeping a male/female friendship stictly platonic regardless of the cultures.

Answer 3

You didn't say what kind of work you do, but I for one, work in a grocery store and having bi-lingual folks on crew is great. Not just for the customers, but for the crew. Amongst us we have english, spanish, arabic, and sign. We have a great means of passing information between us. It's great security. People who shun or avoid others due to language or cultural or racial differences are missing out on what the world is really all about....feel sorry for those kind of people and keep making friends.

Answer 4

¿Tienes novio? porque tu eres muy bonita= Do you have a husband because you are very pretty.


Maybe he's hitting on u.....or maybe it's a harmless joke.....there is only one way to find out......ask him

GOOD LUCK

Answer 5

When he starts wiggling his tongue at you (like the incident I just went through) that's when you will realize that you should had taken the advice given.

The language barrier could be used as an excuse.

Answer 6

I think they do appreciate however, make sure you keep your distance. Saying you are bonita once is o.k. but all the time.......could lead to trouble.

Answer 7

I believe if you live in America and are a Legal resident-you should speak English. It is Our langiage of Our land. If you want to speak spanish-there are places for it- like Mexico, etc.

Answer 8

i have the opposite problem. when I try to speak Spanish to my co workers they pretend to not understand me, even tho i know i am saying the correct words.

Answer 9

I'm sure he appreciates you.