Language Barrier

Last activity 30 August 2022 by planner

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Guest202225103Guest11 August 2022 18:02:23

214245

We are an English speaking Canadian couple. Will our inability to speak Spanish be a challenge?

polo1clubSerial expat11 August 2022 18:21:14

200

Hello, its always best to try and communicate in the native language. Look at this as an opportunity to learn Spanish! Dominicans are very helpful if you get stuck on any certain words as you try to communicate in Spanish! But it is an advantage if you at least understand what is being told to you! Good luck and embrace!

plannerDominican Republic Expert11 August 2022 18:22:07

17085

Welcome to the forums! The quick answer is - it depends!

Are you coming on vacation to a tourist area? No real issues

Are you moving to the country or long term stay? IF in a tourist area it wont be a huge issue.

IF you are coming long term or moving to a NON tourist area then it will be a bigger challenge!

In MOST areas that expats and tourists are found you can usually get by with little spanish. You will want to learn the language if coming long term. Think of it as part of the adventure!

ddmcgheeDominican Republic Expert11 August 2022 19:30:43

1725

Knowing the language definitely helps! Making an effort to communicate in Spanish is always appreciated. We are learning Spanish but it's not easy to pick up a second language later in life. We rely on Google Translate quite a bit. That works really well until you run into someone who doesn't do well with written communication. We had that challenge with a few of the workers on our construction crew, and found the Google Translate audio option works pretty well. But if their enunciation isn't clear (often an issue with Dominican Spanish), it's not always reliable.

We have a couple of people we can count on to help translate when needed. We had a dryer repair guy here the other day and he was hesitant to use the translate app (my guess was his literacy was limited) so I called a friend and put him on speaker to translate for us. Luckily, we don't have to do that very often!

Oscarsahony SanchezContributor11 August 2022 19:54:27

188

Hi,

My opinion as a Bilingual person myself, I have learned Italian, some Arabic, and learning French right now my own.

First, I try to learn the verbs on youtube for any language first as Conjugation is important.

Second, learn the pronunciation on line as well, there are many courses or tutorials on youtube that will help you with the basics to start with.

Third, don't be afraid to make mistakes or say something wrong, we all have made those mistakes learning

another language.

Fourth, enjoy learning and try this method - find balads in spanish with english subtitles and sing along as kids do, I do. this will teach your vocal cords to pronunce the words slowly.

I will be back in Santo Domingo hopefully end of Aug and will provide assistance if needed to anyone.

God bless everyone

youtube.com/watch?v=OCA-7Fgx8z0

this way you can stop the song and lookup the words that you don"t know yet. it is fun to sing like a kid or a crazy person by yourself lol

Oscarsahony SanchezContributor11 August 2022 20:02:13

188

I am - Yo soy

you are - tu eres

he\she - el \ella es

we are - nosotros somos

they are - ellos son

I want - yo quiero

you want - tu quieres

he\she wants - el\ella quiere

we want - nosotros queremos

they want - ellos quieren

etc, etc see where verbs come in very handy!

if you try to learn at least 3 verbs a day which is easy, you will get a good repertoire of words in no time.

verbs that we use in our daily life , want, eat, drink, walk, sleep, need, talk, buy, see to start with

I can send you basic verbs conjugated with Spanish equivalents to start you up

add me as a friend and we can chat off this page

plannerDominican Republic Expert11 August 2022 22:44:29

17085

Hey Oscar you should start a thread and copy that last message over!

Will help many.

Oscarsahony SanchezContributor11 August 2022 22:48:36

188

ohh yes mam!

I will do so...

have a great day

2VPsoldierSerial expat12 August 2022 11:55:52

553

@domacdonald - Lack of the local language anywhere, even French in PQ, presents a challenge as you are likely aware. As an English speaking Canadian, married to a a lady from Moca DR, I can tell you that once you learn some simple words and phrases, and attempt speaking them, the local folks in many places will soon help. I've been in major shopping areas in Santo Domingo, Santiago, here in Moca and of course areas like Sosua, Cabarete and other north coast areas. I've pointed, had written translations on paper (as no wi-fi outside hotels etc - in most areas - for phone translation apps) and have left with everyone smiling. Many times, in the most unexpected places, someone suddenly approaches and ask if they can assist - in English. In the tourist areas, language is not usually an issue. If you want to "get away" from the tourist areas to see the real country side, along with care and caution, stopping for fuel, food or drink can be accomplished quite easily and you'll find most folks very friendly - especially away from the tourist areas where friendliness more often than not means they want something - from you. So, study up words like please - por favor; I'm sorry - lo siento and others you can find easily. There are several free learn Spanish apps you can get on your computer/laptop/tablet or even phone... just as indicated on other replies above - which I didn't see before submitting this....

Oscarsahony SanchezContributor12 August 2022 13:49:03

#10

188

Thanks everyone! I know for a fact many people spend an lots of time just browsing on the net for silly tuff, videos etc, use the phone for a productive output for yourself, grab one of those spanish for dummies or othebooks and spend time learning while on the beach. it will make you feel better and as many stated, people will be happy to hear you try speaking their language.

I know i sound your Dad hahahahah just kidding

i used to tell this to my wife, use the phone in productive ways for you nost just waste time, it worked for me and her lol

Have an awesome friday and God bless you all!

dolphinzsplashNew member13 August 2022 04:37:18

#11

@Oscarsahony Sanchez

This was fun, I tried to pronounce in my translator sometimes it understood and sometimes it did not. But it was all on me. Thanks for the experience in English vs Spanish

dolphinzsplashNew member30 August 2022 01:47:23

#12

@Oscarsahony Sanchez where is the continuing post

plannerDominican Republic Expert30 August 2022 10:21:22

#13

17085

There is a language thread we created for this. I will find it and post it again

plannerDominican Republic Expert30 August 2022 10:23:49

#14

17085

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 90#5478042

That is the thread

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