Formal vs. familiar
Most of the materials that I am using emphasize familiar over formal. The last time that I learned a foreign language (German) it was just the opposite. What's the situation in Spanish? Does it vary from country to country?
Gracias!
Also, I am planning to go expat in Mexico next year. Should I focus on learning the Mexican dialect or something more neutral e.g, Peruvian?
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Answers · 5
2
It does vary a lot. In Spain the formal treatment (usted) is only used in very formal settings or when you talk to a senior person. However, I think in Latin America this treatment is more wildly used. As far as studying the dialect or the standard language. I would recommend you not to worry about that when it comes to textbooks but have this into account when watching videos, listening to podcasts and specially, when working with tutors or professors, always look for Mexican content and conversation partners.
Good luck!
1
En todos los idiomas existen las situaciones formales: trabajo, negocios o escenarios que te obligan a manejar un repertorio lingüístico que sea a la altura de ese contexto y las informales que son con las familiares, amigos, que permiten desenvolverse de una manera menos rígida. En el español pasa lo mismo, es decir no hablo igual con mi jefe, que con mi hermano.
En cuanto al dialecto, se ha tratado de manejar un dialecto neutral, que sería el de las telenovelas, sin embargo esto no quiere decir que un dialecto sea mejor que otro, simplemente depende de los modismos de su región o país.
¡Espero haberte ayudado y buen viaje a México! saludos.
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