caleb & family Sara on 11 Dec 2006 04:39 am
Gamblercito
When I listen to John and his friends or family speak, it amazes me how they move between Spanish and English without even knowing it. As one who began learning foreign languages as an adult, I will never know what it feels like not to have to struggle to choose the right word or verb or over-think my pronunciation. This evening we were talking about someone who had bought a race horse and Sonya described the man as a “medio gamblercito.” I laughed out loud and the Mexicans looked at me not realizing why. It sounded funny. It is obvious why my older son says “mas please” and “sientete down tu.”
on 11 Dec 2006 at 6:03 am 1.Pig Nose said …
But can they speak either language correctly?
on 13 Dec 2006 at 6:40 pm 2.Nikki said …
My family in Canada does this too and it’s freaky. Speaking both French and English, I understand what they are saying but I can’t join in the conversations… (for me French and English are so separate,having learned French as an adult and in France at that). It’s like a different language that I can understand but not speak. With my Parisian French, I’m like a monkey with an accordion there, so I just speak English with everyone (which they are used to).
on 14 Dec 2006 at 12:02 am 3.Jackie Pike said …
I say, “monkey Ve, Monkey Haz”
or “Mono See, Mono do”
although in correct Spanish it wouldn’t make any sentido.