Spanish / Mexican Cultural Features
The following notes are intended to afford you a bit of insight into the
differences between American and Mexican culture.
Etiquette
•
“Old world” formality, but more personal
Family Relations
•
Families are typically large and are of great importance
•
Units on the border are affected by the division created by physical
separation
Food
•
Of great importance – sharing creates bonds
o Do not be afraid to accept offers
Language
•
Refer to God in everyday language
•
Terms of endearment often reflect personal appearance
Nationalism
•
Proud of long history and traditions
•
Reluctant to settle outside of Mexico
o Doing so only comes out of necessity
Personal Appearance
•
Dress and grooming are status symbols more than money
Personal Relations
•
Greetings
•
Very relaxed and friendly
o Shake hands
o Kiss on cheek – traditionally women with women, but at Cristo
Rey everyone does this in greeting
Religious
•
Roman Catholic tradition
Status
•
Title and position are more important than money in the eyes of society
Additional Notes
•
People will appreciate it if you make the effort to speak Spanish
•
Relax, breathe and enjoy being in community with your brothers and
sisters in Christ!
Spanish 101:
Commonly Used Spanish Phrases
Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey
Border Immersion Experience
2008-2009
Welcome to the border! Please keep in mind; the following is “border
Spanish,” which may differ from classroom Spanish or Spanish from
other Spanish-speaking regions.
Pay attention to what you hear – even if you’re doubting your language
skills, you probably know more than you’re giving yourself credit for!
Greetings
Hello.
Hola.
May God bless you.
Que Dios te bendiga.
Goodbye.
Nos vemos; Adios; Chao
Good morning / day.
Buenos días.
Good afternoon.
Buenas tardes.
Goodnight.
Buenas noches.
Introductions
What is your name?
¿Cómo te llamas? (informal)
¿Cómo se llama Usted? (formal)
My name is _________.
Me llamo _________.
Where are you from?
¿De dónde es?
I am from __________.
Soy de __________.
How old are you?
¿Cuántos años tienes? (informal)
¿Cuántos años tiene Usted? (formal)
I am _____ old.
Tengo _____ años.
Responses
Yes, please.
Sí, por favor.
No, please.
No, gracias.
Frequent Questions / Comments
How much does this cost?
¿Cuánto cuesta?
May I take your picture?
¿Puedo sacar su foto?
Where is the bathroom?
¿Dónde esta el baño?
This food is good.
La comida está rica.
Common Phrases
That’s okay.
Esta bién.
In a little while.
Ahorita.
I am sorry.
Lo siento mucho.
I don’t know.
No sé.
I don’t understand.
No entiendo.
Who knows?
¿Quién sabe?
Courtesies
Please.
Por favor.
Thank you.
Gracias.
What’s up? What’s new?
¿Qué paso? ¿Qué onda?
How are you?
¿Cómo está?
I am well, thanks to God.
Estoy bién, gracias a Dios.
Excited.
Emocionado/a.
Good.
Bién.
Okay.
Más o menos.
Bad.
Mal.
Embarrassed.
Tengo verguenza.
(Embarazado/a means pregnant.)