SPN506 BLOG

I absolutely adore the fact that Spanish-speaking countries are more friendly and openly affectionate. Being raised in Texas means a lot to my family, and one of the important things is having that 'southern friendliness'; so for me, it is a welcome adjustment. Each time I meet one of my Spanish-speaking friends' moms, it makes me feel so loved and welcome when I am greeted with a smile and a kiss on the cheek! When I first met my best friend's mom, who is from Chihuahua Mexico, I felt as though she loved me like family from the start and it was because when she met me, she did so with a smile and a kiss on the cheek. I think it is a fantastic way to make the person you are talking to feel welcome in your life, or welcome even just for a moment. I like making people feel comfortable and I wish that there was a way to integrate that part of the culture into my life without the effect of whoever I am talking to not only be uncomfortable but slightly confused. I believe this would be the effect because just walking on campus, if someone looks at you and you happen to look back at them, it is an instant reaction for them to avert their eyes as quickly as possible. I would like to be able to acknowledge the presence of someone I know without making each of us feel more awkward and I think that the Spanish-speaking culture has the idea just right.
I am also a big fan of the fact that Spanish words are spelled how they sound, without the superfluous letters, like in the word superfluous. It is much easier to pronounce and to spell words in Spanish. Things are spelled just how they sound and spell check is not necessary, like it is for me and the word necessary (que triste, yo se).