Not the same Spanish

Since I was kid, I knew there were different Spanish accents. However, it wasn’t until I got to talk to another Spanish speaker that I realize how different our dialects are. The first thing that I learned, and it completely changed my world, is that I don’t have a “neutral accent” –fortunately- and that my dialect is not the “right one.” This is a commonly held belief throughout Latin America. I would dare to say there’s a silent war going on to prove what the right way to speak Spanish is.

My second learning is that, when it comes to Spanish, the only similarity is the Castilian roots. Many things change depending on the country: speed, expressions, slang, pronunciation and so on. There are differences, yes, but we can easily understand each other -although sometimes it gets confusing and I do need to ask for a translation, or provide one.

There is such a thing as a “neutral Spanish,” but, in my opinion, it's a terrible attempt to reach to the majority of Spanish speakers. Neutral Spanish doesn’t sound like the way we naturally speak; it sounds overly rehearsed and even fake. If you are marketing a product in Latin America, you really need to tailor your message and speak our language. Otherwise, you won’t connect with the audience.

For us, the only “acceptable” neutral Spanish is the one that’s used in some TV shows (novelas), but even this is changing. We are really embracing TV shows in their Spanish dialect, like in the case of narco novelas. Sometimes it’s preferable in that way, because you get to learn and laugh at the accent –not in a negative way.

Living in a multicultural country like Canada has enriched my understanding of the Latin culture. I enjoy listening to other Spanish speakers and I have fun trying to guess where they come from –similar to English, you can tell people’s nationalities by their accent. Sharing with other Latinos is a fun experience: we try to learn, we imitate our accents and we make fun of each other.

Some facts…

• Spanish is the language of 19 Latin countries; therefore, there are at least 19 different Spanish dialects.
• There are over 320 million native Spanish speakers.
• Spanish is ranked as one of the top three most spoken languages worldwide.
• The Spanish spoken in Spain is called Castilian and it sounds to us like the British English sounds to North Americans.
• The main difference is the “s” sound, which in Spain is pronounced as "th." In Spain, "gracias" (thank you) becomes "gratheas" (as opposed to "gras-see-as" in Latin America.)
• The Spanish taught to English speakers is closer to this dialect; therefore, communicating with native speakers from Latin America can be challenging.
• Spanish dialects use the same written standard. 

Remember, variety is the spice of life -en la variedad está el gusto!

It's hard, but it's not impossible

When you decide to move abroad, looking for better opportunities, you are off to a rough start. The trick is remaining realistic and determined.

The current generation of Latino immigrants to Canada has different characteristics than previous waves. Most of us are professionals and speak the language. Having a bachelor’s degree leads us to have different priorities. We are not here to settle for less and we are not looking to simply survive. We are coming to countries like Canada because we want a better quality of life, we want a chance to realize our potential.

Our expectations are different and sometimes unrealistic. Among some, there is an aspiration to keep certain lifestyle. We've been accustomed to going out and sharing quality time with friends. We enjoyed long holidays and lots of spare time. Most importantly, we are used to having the constant support of our family. All of this changes when you move to a different country.

The reality is that, unless a company recruits you, when you get here you are Mr. or Mss. Nobody. No one knows you and your fancy degree is pretty much worthless, unless you prove what you can do. This means you have to start from scratch, be open and flexible cause chances are you will end up doing things you never imagined doing in your home country.

Your first two or three years in a new country, like Canada, will test your ability to adapt. You need to work hard to make your way into the culture and the society. There won’t be long holidays to share with your family, and there won’t be much spare time to hang out with your friends.

My advice is to be realistic, keep your feet on the ground because it is all worth it. No matter what you are doing or how difficult things are, don’t lose sight of your goals. It’s hard to leave your family and friends behind, to start from zero, to prove yourself and others that you can do it... but it’s not impossible! It just takes hard work. 

The Latino face of the Super Bowl 50

Super Bowl Half Time Show

This week’s post came to me while watching the Super Bowl 50 Half Time Show. I heard that a great Venezuelan musician and conductor was going to be part of it, but it wasn’t until I saw him that the question hit me: how did he get there? So, I started doing my research.

I must say it: this post is close to my heart. I had to grab the opportunity to write about Venezuelan talent making a positive difference outside my home country; writing good things about my country.

Let’s get to it… Of course, I know who he is. I even had the pleasure to see him conduct the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela when he was just starting his path to success. The question remains, how did he get to the Super Bowl Half Time Show next to Coldplay, Beyonce and Bruno Mars? The answer is “El Sistema.” Let me walk you through it.

Leaving all the controversy aside, Gustavo Dudamel has become a world renowned musician and conductor. He conducted the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) and he is leading the Los Angeles Philharmonic, among others, but he wouldn’t have gotten there if it wasn’t for El Sistema -as we know it in Venezuela- or the National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras.

YOLA's rehearsal

This is a music program created in Venezuela in 1975 by Jose Antonio Abreu. This program managed to attract over half a million kids from different communities and change their life for the better. Dudamel is one of them, and the Simon Bolivar Orchestra is one of its best products. The program has touched the life of kids, as early as age two, and transformed them into great musicians, while getting them out of poverty.

Despite some criticism and backlash, the system’s success has been replicated in many countries, the United States being one. The YOLA is one of its best examples. The program, inspired by el Sistema and led by Dudamel, provides free instruments and music training to kids from underserved neighborhoods in Los Angeles. YOLA’sperformance and Dudamel’s conducting are a huge hit for causes like this, and for the positive efforts of Latinos abroad.

That’s what we like to call Talento de Exportacion.

It's Carnival season!

While up North we freeze, down in the South of the continent is Carnival season! So, here are a few survival tips to navigate this celebration successfully…

How to survive Carnivals (in Latin America)?

1. Pick your costume or a nice swimsuit: in some countries of Central and South America, February can be one of the warmest months of the year. This is the time to dress-up in fantasy costumes and take the streets, or get into your swimsuit and head to the beach.
2. Be prepared to dance: no matter how good of a dancer you are, just be ready for it. I never learned to dance Samba –carnival’s anthem-, but I was always prepared to hide or run away from it. 
3. Be prepared to drink, a lot: Carnival is meant to be a wild celebration; you should surrender to the “pleasures of the flesh” during those 4-5 days before the beginning of the Lent. Good enough reason to party and drink!
4. Enjoy the entertainment: Carnivals are celebrated throughout Latin America. You’ll see all the main streets of all main cities and towns beautifully decorated. In some cases, like Brazil, it takes almost a year to put everything together. No matter where you are, you’ll see colourful floats, parades and costumed dancers taking public streets.

   

   Barranquilla's Carnivals, Colombia

5. Practice your Portuguese: I can’t write this post without mentioning Rio de Janeiro, the Carnival world capital, and worthy of its world record. This is the 5-day celebration we all aim for, and the best example of what it means to us. It all sums to samba, costumes and magnificent floats. No matter where you celebrate Carnival in Latin America you’ll hear and you’ll want to sign samba –you can start practicing with the word “caipirinha”. 

Here is a short demonstration...