Working in Spain-vocabulary

Continuing on about issues of language when working in southern Spain (in my case, working as a cinematographer):

One of my favorite fountains.

 People here in Jerez de la Frontera not only speak very rapidly and have a strong accent, they use a different vocabulary from the one used in Mexico and other parts of Latin America.  For example, in Spanish classes in the United States, you are taught to always use the "Ud." ("usted") form of a verb when meaning "you."  In southern Spain, people rarely use "Ud."  They use the "tu" form, which in Latin American is often rude and disrespectful, but here you use "tu" not only for good friends but also for people you've just met, for your banker, and your doctor.  Not always, but ALMOST always.

And then there are words like "coger," which here is used all the time (to catch the bus, you "coger el autobu," and so forth).  In many Latin Americam countries, the word "coger" is really very rude--kind of like...well, maybe I shouldn't say.

A narrow street in the historic district

Then, there are the distinctive, slang words that you won't find in the dictionary--Quillo.  Picha.  Perhaps also vaya tela.  and so forth.

In my video-film world, what it all boils down to is that before you can shoot your film, you need to be able to understand the people you are talking to, and have them understand you.  You will need time to find out what does it mean, and to tell your people what does it mean.

So there.

Our NEXT BLOG will be about Ernest Olmos of Mexico, and his magical "flute of fire."