Hello all, first time posting here and apologies if the question has already been posted. I ALSO apologize in advance if any of my terminology is inappropriate or outdated, I have had very little South American cultural experience and am stuck with what I’ve been taught thus far as a southern US blue collar worker. Feel free to correct me on anything I say or imply, as it’s better than me accidentally offending someone in public. Onto my question; every job I’ve been on, it has almost been half “Latino” workers who speak none, or very little English. I don’t think less of them at all or judge them for it, in fact I love the Mexican culture I’ve been exposed to thus far. I have been wanting to learn Spanish as a way of learning more about their culture directly from those around me, but I am afraid that doing so might break a certain “privacy” that the language barrier provides for them. Learning the different words for tools/places/actions on a jobsite could also be a HUGE help with avoiding miscommunication and accidents as well. My question is, would I be overstepping by doing so? Thanks in advance!
PS could someone clarify if Latino is the correct term? I don’t want to assume they’re Mexican and I figured it would be the best term for explaining.
EDIT : Thanks everyone for the kind words, encouragement, and valuable insight. I’m gonna give it a shot!
Comments
I don’t think you’d be overstepping, they might appreciate it
Do it for yourself you can never go wrong by learning something new…
I think it’s a good idea. Take advantage of the opportunity because having someone to speak it with daily is the best way to learn. Just be on your toes about words changing in meaning depending on the country they’re from. Also, we love when others learn Spanish or get into our culture, we don’t gate keep it.
Tell them to help you learn.
Feel free to speak and grow your spanish talking to the workers, there is nothing wrong with that. They will many times answer in english, don’t be surprised, they’re trying to learn too. And in case you didn’t know, it’s generally much more difficult for a native spanish speaker to learn english than it is for a north American to learn spanish. Usually.
The best thing about this post is that you never mentioned your race which is a really great thing as opposed to other similar posts. With some of your question:
1-. Latino is a correct term but we prefer a little bit more “latin american” mostly because latin american is more about people who was born and raised here while Latino in english seems to be more related to americans with some heritage but it’s honestly personal preference and not a big deal.
2-. You wouldn’t be overstepping, we love to see english speakers take the time and effort to learn the language. But early warning, you would be learning the most neutral and formal type, the guys at your jobs will be teaching you more informal words or the dialect depending on where are they from. Just by asking Im sure they will be happy to help you.
3-. Yes, not all of them are Mexicans, US is filled with Latinos from all the region but for proximity sake, most common ones will be Mexicans, salvadorians, Guatemalans, Hondureans, etc. If you assume someone es from X country and it’s not, we understand it’s a dumb mistake because of your limited knowledge and not based on malice (im a Native from south america and Im also very ignorant in differencing the dialects and history of centro american countries)
4-. Take it easy with the language. You will make infinite mistakes because you are getting in new territory with things like gendered words and rules that are complex. This get’s more intere essting when you start talking with people and get close to them because they will use 50% of slangs during the conversations and it will feel like a new language from scratch but once you get in that wave, you will be waaay above the usual not native spanish speaker and that is a hell of an accomplishment
Unlike the French, people from latinamerican countries fucking love when you try to speak Spanish. It usually means that you have an interest in us.
A person who knows multiple languages is worth more than a person who knows just one. You can use A.I. like a ChatGPT to help you learn….its a good tool. And yes, the proper term would be Latin/Latino or Hispanic if you are certain they speak Spanish.
Honestly, go for it man. I think Spanish in the US is a great asset either way, whether it be to facilitate your professional life, to connect with people on a different level, to get into Latin American culture in general including certain aspects like the cuisine, dancing, etc etc and to consume online content in Spanish since there’s a lot of that on the internet !
Also, if you’re that non-latino guy who learns Spanish to be able to talk with the latino folks, they’re gonna love you hahaha 🙂 learning languages is a fun hobby!
I know this doesn’t address the question in your post and it wouldn’t be my place to answer a question directed at native speakers, but just wanted to share my experience as I was in a similar boat many years ago. I decided to learn Spanish to speak with my patients when I was a new nurse. 8 years later and I’m now fluent, and it’s been the greatest adventure of my life. Everyone has different experiences, but all of the Spanish speakers that I interacted with along the way were some of the most gracious and patient people. Even when I was a beginner, they were usually so excited to see me trying and to help me practice (very different experience from my trip to France, where people seemed deeply offended at how bad my French was, haha). Best of luck if you decide to learn, it’s hard work but learning another language is truly life changing!
As a brazilian, I’m sure if they were brazilians, they would like it. I’m not really sure about my spanish speaking fellows, but I’d bet they would like it as well. How come one wouldn’t like it? You must be kinda problematic to not enjoy the fact that a person who is from other country is learning your mother tongue Lol
I agree with everyone. I also wanted to praise your cultural awareness!!
The first time I was in the States, I wasn’t very confident in my English level and felt a bit embarrassed to speak in public. I understood everything people were saying, it was just my lack of confidence, out of fear of making mistakes while speaking.
I especially remember the people who showed interest in asking me questions and who also tried to speak Spanish, or who asked me to teach them things. These people were generally very nice and respectful, just like you’re being now. I really appreciated that, and it helped me feel more confident about trying to talk with them. Thanks to that, I met many people and made a lot of friends, and it was always fun to hear them say words they learned from me that only us Chileans use.
However, I think it also depends on each person and their personality. Some are simply more shy, others might find it hard to trust at first and could feel a bit uncomfortable. And well, there are also people who are just plain stupid and rude. But I’d say the vast majority would appreciate it
Personally speaking, I prefer “latin american” than “latino”. It’s more accurate. Do you want to stand out? Discover each one’s nationality and use the proper national adjective when needed, they’ll feel like you’re really polite and straight up well educated – both spanish language-wise and geographically wise.
Yes do it if you are interested, latin americans are not obnoxious about our languages, we didn’t invent them after all, at least the non creole ones. And since you have plenty of people to practice with you’ll learn pretty fast, search r/languagelearning for Spanish resources.
ABSO-FUCKING-LUTELY. Aside from communicating with your coworkers having ability in Spanish will literally open up a new world for you. That’s what I’ve learned since I learned Spanish; I’m also learning Portuguese right now.
You are very kind. I am not Mexican, I am Brazilian. I do not speak Spanish, but Portuguese. If anyone learned Portuguese and went to all this trouble to speak to me, I would not even sleep for a few days thinking about it. And with great affection and care, I would proudly speak about it to my friends.
Regarding Latino, I personally hate the term. I wish no one used it, and it is very difficult to explain why, so I do not talk much about my feelings about it.
Totally go for it; like others said, Spanish isn’t exclusionary, it’s a world language same as English.
Short answer: yes
Long answer: It is indeed most suitable for thy predicaments that thou shall learn the language of Cervantes and Marques. For it is the only way in which thy wisdom shall as god all mighty has rightfully mandated grow exponentially and so too shall the riches derive from thy toil and efforts.
They like it when you try. I married one of them, we’re very happy now for 5 years. Practicing how to speak with each other is how we formed our relationship, she spoke little English, I spoke no Spanish. Now shes fluent and I still speak little Spanish.
You’re missing out if you don’t
I learned Spanish to be able to communicate with coworkers. Of course it’s worth it not only will you get to make your life easier at work. You will get to know a whole knew range and class of people
I thought it was kinda funny speaking with people that barely speak English and I barely speak Spanish, so you do some makeshift sign language
Then we go to a Chinese restaurant for lunch
Most of us don’t identify ourselves as Latinos but at our nationalities.
Learn first which country they come from. Are you sure they are from Mexico? Then they are Mexicans.
Also, chill and enjoy… we don’t get offended by everything like Americans
Sorry bro, I know this is r/asklatinamerica but I am of the same demographic as you, I learned Spanish and everyone loves it and is quite impressed
The only people that get mad are American born Latinos, I usually feel like it’s because they’re insecure in their identity.
the main thing making them different from me is them knowing Spanish, so since I know Spanish and speak it quite well for someone of my origin they would feel insecure and often try to tear me down.
So anyone in my same situation should definitely watch out for this and don’t let dick heads tear you down
>Hello all, first time posting here and apologies if the question has already been posted. I ALSO apologize in advance if any of my terminology is inappropriate or outdated, I have had very little South American cultural experience and am stuck with what I’ve been taught thus far as a southern US blue collar worker. Feel free to correct me on anything I say or imply, as it’s better than me accidentally offending someone in public.
Relax 🙂
I think it is a good idea for you to do so. It might help make your cowerkers less isolated. Go for it!
¡Hazlo!