Pensando en Espanol

Trip Start Aug 08, 2008
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27
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Trip End Oct 12, 2008


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Flag of Costa Rica  ,
Thursday, September 25, 2008

Somewhere along the line, I started thinking in Spanish. My thoughts are always very verbal; it's like I have an ongoing conversation with myself in my head. Now those thoughts are at least in Spanglish: Spanish grammar and phrasing with the occasional English word thrown in to fill the gaps in my vocabulary. Sometimes it's actually difficult to switch back to English; when I do, I keep arranging the words wrong. Today Stephanie wanted me to just chat with the students in English, and I heard myself asking them if they "like a lot the beach."
 
I'm also getting better at picking out cognates in conversation, which means my understanding is passing my speaking ability. But thinking in Spanish means my thoughts frame themselves in terms of the vocabulary I already know, so it's getting easier to find a way, even if it's not the most correct or expedient way, to get my point across.
 
This morning I managed to navigate three errands around town in less than an hour before I had to leave. I dropped off my laundry, and explained why I was back so soon (remember my faceplant into the gutter?) and why Anna's dog was following me. I then went to the pharmacy, because that's the only place to get even regular OTC cortisone creams and antihistamines. They're very much on the other side of a counter here, and even though I was seriously lacking for terminology, I managed to convey the concept of needing cream for bug bites and pills for allergies. Then I went to the post office to finally mail those postcards I bought in Monteverde, and that bill I meant to pay before I left Boston. The office wasn't open yet, but there was someone inside. I explained that I had some letters that were already stamped, and could I just leave them here? He smiled and opened the door. Sweet. Three things I couldn't have accomplished without those years of Spanish classes, done without any outside help.
 
Thanks, Mom, for talking me out of taking French instead.
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