Edit Log

"Twists and turns of language and labels: Our daughter (a Yucateca) is in her late 20's, and has lived in the USA for 2 yr., 4 yr., and 9 yr. stints, and self-identifies as a Mexicana and Yucateca. She graduated with honors from colegio here in Merida, and speaks beautiful Spanish and good English. Her family roots are Maya, Libanese (Arabe), Tenerife, Puerto Rico (negrito), Basco, y Castillano.

She has beautiful black hair and dark eyes, yet her friends and acquaintances around Merida often affectionately call her: güera .

It can sometimes be really important for expats to remember Mexican's reactions to outsiders and even emigrants - (other Mexicans who have emigrated from one Mexican state to make a home in a different state). Mexican emigrants are often quietly identified as foráneos even decades later, when being introduced. e.g. Almost universally, after being introduced to a spouse of a family member, the Mexican state of origin for spouse will be quietly pointed out - "Oh, she is a Campechana." or "He is a Tabasqueño." These people are clearly much loved, but on some level they will always be labeled as outsiders.
A happy Yucogringo,"
steve


Steve this is what I have found also.