Speaking Spanish – Did I Really Say That?

Back in my school days I took a bit of Spanish.  I was surprised how little I remember 30 years later. My trick for getting it back – practice, speaking Spanish whenever possible and don’t worry too much about humiliating myself.

My girls, on the other hand, are a bit more cautious with their words.

Generally, I talk with my hands, even when speaking English, so face to face are my best communications.  The expression on the face of the person I am talking with is a great gauge of my success, or failure.  Here are a few of my funny translations:

Recently I attempted to buy a good pair of walking shoes, but instead I asked for “a good pair of shoes to eat.”

If you have been following our adventures, you might remember that I tried to tell someone my husband was sad, but instead I said “my husband is small.”

I have used the wrong gender pronouns, publicly accusing hubby of doing something my daughter actually did.  And worse, when he got his hair cut, I thought I told the women to leave his curls, but instead she cut them all off and my average/long haired hubby ended up with practically no hair.

I will admit, speaking the native language was a bit easier for me in England.  (Not so much in Ireland and Scotland).

I finally decided it was time of the girls to throw caution to the wind and start using more of the Spanish they know.  Part of their homeschool curriculum was a year doing a self-study Spanish course and then a term with a brilliant private Spanish tutor.

Now, I will be the first to admit, that I am a huge part of their lack of conversational opportunities stems from my taking over their Spanish conversations with adults.

Today was different.  Today was my teens turn.  I was going to zip my lips.

All was going well.

She obtained a map, found the key tourist points, found the best place for food and even found out where teens hang out in the evening. Then we learned of a free tour in the old city.  All we had to do was call up and register.  So I dialed the number, and then quickly, before she had a chance to run away, handed the phone to my teen.  Here is what transpired:

Pause

Hola, Habla Ingles? (Hello, do you speak English?)

Pause

(Spoken In English) Here, my mom wants to talk to you . . .

In the interest of fairness, I will say that I was proud of her, and overall she did a good effort, and no surprise to me, she discovered that she can in fact ask simple questions, understand responses and get what she needs.

Albom Family Travel Counter:

We are in the fifth month of our 250 day overseas adventure. We are currently spending two weeks in Galicia region of Spain as part of a home exchange. If you don’t want to miss any of our adventure you can:

• Click HERE to have each new post sent to your e-mail box.
• If you prefer your reader, click HERE to subscribe to Laugh Quotes feed

Related Links:

• Save 20% Home Exchange using code: cdispatch10. Swap your homes for your vacation now!
• Not enough laughs here today? Check out Things Which Make Me Laugh on Facebook
• The book my girls are using: Spanish, Middle / High School (Skills for Success), by Cynthia Downs

If You Laughed, Please Share This Page: