Are Latin Americans as sarcastic as Americans? ~ Learn Spanish language fast | free memory tricks | Spanish vocabulary lessons.
-->

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Are Latin Americans as sarcastic as Americans?


While we are busy learning Spanish to be able to communicate effectively in a Latin American country, it is also imperative to understand that the sense derived out of something spoken can be drastically different in different cultural contexts. In all of the Latin American countries I've either lived in or visited, the people react to el sarcasmo (sarcasm) very differently than they do here is the U.S.


Here in the U.S., sarcasm is very widespread and is used as a common, daily form of communication. For example, if a friend or family member purchased a new shirt that was obviously a little strange, you could tease them by saying "Nice shirt!" Of course, when you say "Nice shirt!" what you really mean is, "Wow, that shirt is a little wild or strange".

In Latin America, people usually aren't accustomed to hearing or using sarcasm with each other. For example, I was working with a native speaker who was wearing a very interesting sweater. It was definitely out of the ordinary and a little strange. I said, "Nice sweater!" He looked at me with a thoughtful look and said "Thanks". He didn't get the fact that I was using sarcasm with him. He thought I was serious and was giving him a nice compliment about his sweater.

As I lived in Latin America for two consecutive years in different countries, I began to get accustomed to this new attitude of not using sarcasm. It took quite a while, but soon I didn't use sarcasm at all. Because of the lack of sarcasm in Latin America, it seemed to me that there was generally more respect between people.

Then, after two years of living among the natives and adopting this new mentality, I met up with an American. We were put on a project where we would have to work together every day for a month or so. He had just arrived in Latin America and wasn't used to the language or culture (without sarcasm). Quite a few times, I found myself getting offended when he used sarcasm with me. I had become so immersed into the Latin culture that I found his sarcasm offensive. It took me a few weeks to get back into the swing of things and realize that he wasn't actually trying to be rude or mean. He was just using a similar type of sarcasm that I had used previously when living in the U.S.

Now, some of you may be saying, "I know some Latin people in the U.S. that are sarcastic." If you do, it's probably because they have already begun to adopt some of our cultural behaviors, just like I adopted their behaviors while I was there. Just remember that most native speakers living in Latin America itself usually aren't sarcastic.

I would love to hear from you (newsletter subscribers) in different countries to find out if you use sarcasm in your countries.

Moral of the Story: When visiting Latin America, for business or pleasure, it's important to know about their mentality on sarcasm. On the other hand, even though many Latin people living in the U.S. may have adopted sarcasm and use it frequently, be careful when talking to them, sarcasm still may offend them. Although a world without sarcasm was very different to live in and get used to, I grew to love it and found the people to be very respectful towards each other.

¡Hasta luego! (Until later!)

Cited from spanishprograms.com

vibram five fingers said...

In fact ,it is also imperative to understand that the sense derived out of something spoken can be drastically different in different cultural contexts.

mac cosmetics said...

Then without any doubt exercise is the best way to do it. Is this is what this article is about? Yes, this article will tell you five weight loss exercises that will aid you in losing weight faster than any other practice. What is the first weight loss exercise then? The first one is swimming. What does it provide? It’s fun to lose weight through it, and it also keeps you refreshed. What should be done in this exercise? Spend about thirty minutes in the swimming pool and look after what you eat after the swim that’s all.

Tiffany jewelry said...

Kuna Yala, also known as San Blas, these 365 plus islands offer crystal clear blue-green waters, tiny, palm tree lined white sand islands and a traditional, strong willed people, the Kuna, who fiercely cling to their traditions and customs.

Christian Louboutin said...

Because of the lack of sarcasm in Latin America, it seemed to me that there was generally more respect between people.

NFL Jerseys said...

This is a great post,which has a lot of readers.
Such kind of post giving us various knowaledge,it worthy to read.It is so wonderful.

Tiffany Jewelry said...

Thank you for sharing, you're right, you're just for me is very useful. I really like your post.

Rosetta Stone Spanish said...

Now many such society, is a realistic society

gucci shoes said...

I think the first weight loss exercise is swimming.Such kind of post giving us various knowaledge,it worthy to read.

asics shoes said...

We provide you with a fun and hassle-free shopping experience; if you know what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it in a snap with our signature navigation system.

gucci outlet online said...

I think this article was probably a good kick off to a potential series of articles about this topic. So many writers pretend to know what they’re talking about when it comes to this topic and in reality, very few people actually get it. You seem to grasp it though, so I think you ought to take it and run. Thanks!

Moncler jackets said...

I think your blog post was secretly a awesome beginning to a potential series of blog posts about this topic. So many people pretend to comprehend what they’re talking about when it comes to this topic and generally, very few people actually get it. You seem to grasp it though, so I think you ought to run with it. Thanks a lot!

asics shoes outlet said...

I began to get accustomed to this new attitude of not using sarcasm. It took quite a while, but soon I didn't use sarcasm at all. Because of the lack of sarcasm in Latin America, it seemed to me that there was generally more respect between people.

Coach Outlet Store Online said...

Spend about thirty minutes in the swimming pool and look after what you eat after the swim that’s all.Such kind of post giving us various knowaledge,it worthy to read.It is so wonderful.

gucci outlet said...

This is a great post and makes me think of where I can fit in. I do a little bit of everything mentioned here and I guess I have to find my competitive advantage.

Ray Ban Sunglasses Sale said...

The world needs a fair, the United States no big deal.

Anonymous said...

25 years of marriage and I have never looked at it this way.

fleet tracking said...

The amount of fun through the renewed. Very few people actually get what should be done this exercise in and I think I should run, but, it seems to grasp.

oakley outlet said...

Every man in the world would follow your awesome idea to accomplish the premium quality book reports or miscellaneous essay.