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.
2006-12-03 16:36:54 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I work with people and come upon people who speak little if none English. I know how hard they are at trying to learn English. I did take a Spanish class in order to communicate better with them. Its like what you do. I teach them English and they help me practice my Spanish.
2006-12-03 16:40:18 · answer #1 · answered by carriec 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As you have discovered, a little empathy goes a long way. If you've ever travelled abroad and ended up somewhere where you didn't really speak the language, you can really appreciate how people (Hispanics, Koreans, Germans -- anyone, really) feel when they're immersed in that culture. Meeting someone who will take the time to talk to them and learning a little of each other's language goes a long way towards breaking down barriers.
One thing to remember, however, is that they bring their culture with them, and in their culture, exaggeration is the norm. You aren't just a best friend, and an amiga, you are an angel above reproach, and when he asks about your novio, he isn't really hoping you don't have a boyfriend so he can step in and be one. It's a form of flirtation which Hispanic boys and girls learn from about kindergarten level. It's fun, it's flattering, but it's also a game. American culture doesn't do that, and unfortunately, sometimes American gals get the wrong impression and have very hurt feelings when they realize the guy didn't really mean it. So keep it light, keep it friendly, enjoy the comradship and the flirtation, but don't go overboard.
Bueno suerta!
2006-12-04 00:51:13 · answer #2 · answered by old lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that when people get to know each other that then trying to communicate is a good thing. I went and bought some food the other day from a nearly 100% hispanic community ..there was some distrust, and then most if not all thought it was cool
however
Be a little careful.
I would say your amigo likes you.
How much he likes you might get confusing beause it is very Latin to tell girls that one likes them.
!Que lastima .. tu ES muy bonita!
2006-12-04 00:43:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I'm sure anyone who doesn't speak the predominant language of a particular country appreciates any effort taken to facilitate communication, but it sounds like this guy is just plain 'ol flirting with you! Men are men...in any language!
BTW, I would suggest that you use the word "Latino" rather than "Hispanic". Not all people who natively speak Spanish are of Spanish descent, but they are all Latinos (barring those of us who just picked the language up in School or elsewhere).
2006-12-04 00:42:23 · answer #4 · answered by Nicole 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think people respond to any attempts you make to communicate with them. It lets them know you care about them and want to get to know them better. I remember a trip I took to Mexico years ago. The local people would seem very tense when I would approach but when I started talking to them in Spanish (very badly I might ad), they became all smiles and would help me with my pronunciation. I think they appreciated that I took the time to learn their language. As to your friend, I would say he's probably just play flirting, unless of course he asks you out. Then you'll know.
2006-12-04 00:42:44 · answer #5 · answered by Meridianhawk42 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would guess he is truly grateful for you being his friend and helping him with his English, we all need friends and they should come in many different packages,it would be a real bore if everyone we knew thought and acted the same
2006-12-04 00:41:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes defiently. I mean if you went to Mexico and knew no Spanish, wouldn't you appreciate it if people spoke English and wouldn't you love them for knowing it?
It's great that you know Spanish too. Bilingual people are awesome :-)
2006-12-04 00:39:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋