Living in the Dominican Republic?

Question

I have been learning Spanish in school now for about five years, and I am no where near fluent, but my Spanish class is conducted entirely in Spanish and we always have to talk in Spanish in class, and I am (for about 90% of the time) able to understand and communicate. I am nervous though because in about 5 months I am going to live in the Dominican Republic for a month with a family, and they will not speak English, and I'm really nervous that I'm not going to understand them and that they will think that I'm some stupid kid who doesn't take learning Spanish seriously (which I do). Does anyone have any tips that could help me get over my fear?

Answer 1

You may not understand much at first, but by the end of the month I bet you will understand almost everything. I think you're putting way more pressure on yourself than the family will put on you. Latinos are typically very welcoming people and I doubt they'll think you came that far because you don't take learning spanish seriously. Relax and prepare for an experience you'll probably think happily about for the rest of your life!

PS You might find this helpful:

Dominican Hospitality

• Dominicans pride themselves on their hospitality.
• When someone visits, Dominicans go out of their way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable
• Houseguests are treated royally and Dominicans attempt to cater to their every desire.

Appearances Matter

• In Dominican society appearance is very important.
• People are extremely fashion conscious and believe that clothes indicate social standing and success.
• They take great pride in wearing good fabrics and clothes of the best standard they can afford.
• Designer labels, particularly those from the USA, are looked upon favourably.

Class in the Dominican Republic

• Racial and economic issues determine social stratification in the Dominican Republic.
• The upper class are descended from the European settlers and have lighter skin than the lower class who are darker skinned and descended from African slaves or Haitians.
• The middle class is comprised of mulattoes who are of mixed African and European ancestry and form the majority of the population.
• Social class determines access to power and position, although in the large cities, the lines of demarcation often blur slightly.
• Status is defined more by family background than by absolute wealth.
• There is little social mobility.

Religion in The Dominican Republic

• The Dominican constitution guarantees freedom of religion.
• Over 90% of the population is nominally Roman Catholic.
• For most people religious practice is limited and formalistic.
• Popular religious practices are far removed from Roman Catholic orthodoxy.
• People respect the advice of their local priest, or their bishop, with regard to religious matters; however, they often reject the advice of clergy on other matters on the assumption that priests had little understanding of secular affairs.

Etiquette & Customs in the Dominican Republic
Meeting Etiquette

• A handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile is standard.
• Maintaining eye contact is crucial as it indicates interest.
• When shaking hands, use the appropriate greeting for the time of day – “buenos dias”, “buenas noches”, or “buenas tardes”.
Gift Giving Etiquette
• If invited to dinner at a Dominican’s home bring a gift such as chocolates or pastries.
• Avoid gifts that are black or purple. They are considered mourning colours.
• Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a Dominican’s house:
• Dress well - Dominicans take pride in their appearance and judge others on their clothing.
• Although punctuality is considered a good thing, guests are not expected to arrive on time for social occasions. Arriving between 15 and 30 minutes later than the stipulated time is considered on time.
• Often several generations live in the same house. Show deference to the family elders.


Watch your table manners!

• Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit. There may be a seating plan.
• Table manners are Continental -- the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
• Meals are generally served family style or buffet style.
• Guests are served first.
• The host says “buen provecho” (“enjoy” or “have a good meal”) as an invitation to start eating.
• Always keep your hands visible when eating, but do not rest your elbows on the table.
• You may leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.
• When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.

Answer 2

I understand the feeling. I went to Costa Rica to live with a family after only a year of studying Spanish. Try not to worry about it. Any family who takes in foreign students like this knows that you'll not be completely fluent. Believe me, very seldom will you actually have to talk to them if you can't handle it. Sure, it's nice to speak their language - and some thing will be easier if you can - but not necessary. They take brand-new beginners, too.

However, don't underestimate yourself. Sure, you have a hard time understanding what people say on TV - so do I - but I would bet that your host family will be willing to speak a bit slower and more plainly, and I bet that will make all the difference. I think after 5 years you should be fine for most purposes. You won't understand their jokes and little "in" things, but don't worry about that. For me, I don't like asking people to repeat, and I get nervous, which is my biggest problem.

And they won't think you're stupid or don't care. They know how hard it is to become fluent in another language. A little experience with you, and I know that they can tell you care. I mean, it comes through in your message - how can it not come through in person?

Answer 3

the best thing you can do is try to meet and talk to people who speak spanish. i took 3 years of french and as soon as i got out of school which was only last year i forgot everythinbg i learned i have a lot of hispanic friends and i have been learning spanish for about one year and i am pretty fluent so the best way is not to learn it in school it is by talking to people who speak that language