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I see it as a matter of trade offs. I know some Nicaraguans and they are very straightforward. Nothing wrong with that. On the other hand there is a lot of violence and bloodshed in Nicaragua’s history, and this could explain why. On the other hand the Costa Ricans seem historically and presently more concerned with peace and building a peaceful and just society. Costa Ricans are also very polite. To some this might seem fake or passive agressive. Nicaraguans (and Americans, and maybe certain Canadians, and also an awful lot of Germans and Dutch I have known) can be very blunt and straightforward. Some people find this kind of behaviour rude and offensive.
Me? I try to appreciate both. We’re not all alike. We all have something to offer out of our diversity as cultures and as individuals. Anyway, that’s my last word on the subject. Looking forward to meeting y’all. See you in April. Pura Vida!Hey Diego and rebaragon.: Maybe when I’m in Alajuela this coming April we can meet and have coffee together. I will be staying at Jardin Tropical Bed and breakfast, where I’ll also be working on some paintings for this good establishment. Thanks again for all your advice.
all good things
AaronGreat article, Lois. I’m the Canadian who submitted the “getting along well with Ticos” inquiry. And I particularly appreciate the entries from rebaragon and Lotus. It seems that Ticos are a lot like Canadians (who are quite unlike Americans in a lot of ways) so I don’t think I should have a problem adapting. Getting used to the lack of punctuality might be a bit of an adjustment, but I think if I maintain the attitude that I’m in someone else’s home that should help in a lot of ways. I also agree that when you show people respect and humour wherever you meet them, that this is one of the surest ways of making new friends. As far as the need to be authentic goes, Diego, well, maybe it doesn’t hurt to give others a gentle introduction so that they don’t feel gobsmacked. Even if surface kindness seems dishonest, I find in my own experience that when I’m courteous towards people even if their behaviour offends me that this also keeps my own negative reactions in check, often helps defuse things for them, and increases the likelihood that we could actually get to like each other.
Thanks rebaragon. This sounds like great advice. I’m assuming by “monetary value” you are cautioning me to not think in terms of the cost of the gift, (and for that matter not to go overboard on spending) but to present it as a token of appreciation?
I think that would work out okay, since I try not to think in terms of money values anyway.Thanks again Scott and everybody. I didn’t realize I would kick up such a storm of comments (many very helpful, by the way), but this is greatly appreciated! I would just like to add here that in Vancouver, where I live, we have seen public civility and good manners get flushed right down the toilet in recent years, and it is not uncommon for perfect strangers pubilcly cussing each other out over the pettiest infractions. Having heard that Ticos are not at all like this, I only look forward to experience being among people for whom civility and good manners are the rule, and I also want to take good care that I will not carry any of the gross, discourteous behaviour that is taking over my city there with me. (the Ticos deserve better!). Thanks again.
AaronOh yes, and by the way, I have also found that working on it daily is essential for making progress in learning a new language. Buena suerte.
I can’t recommend a course but I can offer, based on my own experience, some suggestions. First of all, no one can master a new language in ten months, so please cut yourself some slack here. Where do you live? Are you in a large city? Is there a substantial Latino community there? If so, then that would be a good place to begin. Public libraries and community centres are also great resources. Are there Spanish radio and tv programs or stations in your area? If you are needing to get the basics first, then you would want to enroll in a beginners Spanish class. The internet is a wonderful resource of information for this. And let me share with you my own experience:
Though I had three years of high school Spanish, I lost most of it over the years. I became serious about learning the language properly in 1999, when I bought a book of Spanish for beginners, and a Spanish-English dictionary. Then I enrolled in a course for Spanish for beginners. As I asked qustions about Spanish in my every day interactions with others I soon learned of a plethora of resources in my city (Vancouver). On my own I studied Spanish grammar and worked on my vocabulary. I also listened daily, if possible, to Spanish language broadcasts on the radio and became acquainted with Latinos in my community, some of whom have become good friends. I soon began to read Spanish language publications, newspapers and books.
Seven and a half years later I am now fluent in Spanish, and I feel confident about using my language skills in my daily encounters with Spanish speaking people who have little or no command of English, and I am looking forward to my upcoming trip to Costa Rica. I hope this helps. Please keep me posted about your progress. Ojala, a dentro de los poquitos meses hubiera dominado usted los elementos basicos por el castellano.
Aaron
