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The first problem in coming here was learning Spanish but now the drill is to get it right. I have always found the people here to be extremely polite and helpful but even close friends will do little to correct errors or suggest a better way to say something. That just doesn't seem to be part of the culture and despite my urging that they correct me they will let pass anything if they feel they understand what I am trying to say.

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The kindness of Mexicans toward anyone who attempts to communicate with them in Spanish can be a mixed blessing: On the one hand, it encourages beginners to speak without fear they will be laughed if they make mistakes. On the other hand, as Peter mentions above, Mexicans are loath to correct your mistakes even if you ask them to since it would help you to improve. I think this is related to the Mexican uneasiness about saying "no" to requests or questions. That's why if you ask someone on the street if they know where such-and-such a place is located, they would rather give you the wrong directions instead of saying they don't know. Just part of the culture that you have to get used to if you're living here . . .


(This post was edited by La Isla on Sep 10, 2010, 10:48 AM)