Wow, it's been almost 6 years in Guatemala, and for me, Stephanie, it has been 6 years of language learning. I'm not naturally good at learning language, so reaching my current level has required a tremendous amount of time, effort, and a healthy dose of courage. I describe my proficiency as conversational but not sophisticated. As I've become bilingual, I've enjoyed observing how language reveals small truths or insights about culture. For instance, in our village in Guatemala, many Q'eqchi' words are still in use, highlighting a strong and vibrant Mayan culture. I will never forget the time that my bilingual husband didn't understand our neighbor explaining that our "chucho mató mi chunto" ("Your dog killed my turkey" both words not native to Spanish). Moreover, many modern terms like "internet," "smartphone," "software," "marketing," "basketball," and "K-Pop" indicate things that existed in English-speaking countries before Spanish-speaking ones. Over time, I have a list of my favorites that I thought I would share with you that highlight my cultural learnings.
"Aguantar"(to endure, to withstand, to tolerate, to hold on"
This is my favorite Spanish word and it's commonly used. I enjoy hearing "Voy a aguantar" (I will hang on). "No me aguanto" is often heard from children when they need to use the bathroom, but I've also frequently heard it in the context of very challenging relationships - "no aguanto el dolor" (I can't handle the pain) or "no aguanto esta persona" (I can't stand this person). I love it because it contains the word "agua" (water), as there is nothing stronger, more enduring, and powerful than water. Water can flow around nearly any obstacle and has the strength to carve canyons. Water transforms but never disappears; it simply changes state and always returns when the conditions are right. While in English, I feel like I only use the words "withstand" and "endure" sparingly, I feel that I hear this word nearly daily here, perhaps reflecting the hardships and difficulties that I find are more common to life here.
"Esperar" (to wait; to expect; and to hope)
In English, we might say: I wait for cake at the party, I expect cake at the party, and I hope there is cake at the party. In Spanish, we would say "Yo espero el pastel en la fiesta," which encompasses all three meanings, requiring more context for clarity. I believe that this suggests that in Spanish-speaking countries, expecting, hoping, and waiting are more intertwined. Culturally, I've observed that in Guatemala, people are more patient with waiting. In the U.S., an unexpectedly long line often leads to at least 20% of those waiting becoming visibly upset. In Guatemala, lines form everywhere without causing a stir. Events start 1,2 or 3 hours late, and no one complains. While it might be different in the capital and other Latin American countries, here in our part of Guatemala, waiting is not a big issue, perhaps because it's intertwined with expecting and hoping.
"Avergonzado"(Embarrassed)
The most frequent error English speakers make (including myself!) is using the word "embarasada" (pregnant) instead of "avergonzada" (embarrassed). Ask any Spanish-language learner, and they have a story about saying "Yo estoy embarasada" (I am pregnant) when trying to say that they are embarrased. I pondered why this happens and realized that while "avergonzada" is the correct term, it isn't commonly used. Most young children don't use it. Embarrassed is a common emotion I teach in my English classes to young children along with happy (feliz), excited (emocionado), sad (triste), nervous (nervioso), etc., but the word embarrassed (avergonzado) is extremely difficult to explain since "avergonzado" isn't in their vocabulary yet. Even among adults, it's not widely used; at least, it's not as common as English speakers using the word "embarrassed." I think it's because people are more subtle or indirect when discussing things that caues them embarrassment, focusing less on the emotion and more on the event, like "Qué pena," or "me dio vergüenza." In my experience, I find that in Guatemala, we don't like to talk about shameful things, and people take a long time to open up due to a huge fear of being judged. It is very liberating when people find a place, like our church, where they don't feel judged.
"Mañana" (Tomorrow) or Ahorita (Now)
In English, "tomorrow," is a simple reference to the next day, it is extremely clear what it means. If someone will deliver a package tomorrow that means tomorrow or they will send a message with a reason they couldn't. "In Spanish, however, "mañana" can mean "tomorrow", it can mean "morning" or it can mean some indefinite time in the future. Same with "Ahorita" (now), for some reason it can mean now, a little bit later or an indefinite time in the future. A package delivered "mañana" or "ahorita" has some level of uncertaintity to it. There is definitely more fluidity with time and puctuality here in Guatemala. But, somehow we know, that a package delivered "ahorita" will come faster than "mañana," but it's not 100% clear when it will arrive. With my friends in the states, I find I have to schedule weeks or months in advance, and there is a certain rigidity to people's schedules and routines. However in Guatemala, you can schedule birthday parties, weddings, big events, and parties with only 1 day notice (and cancel with the same swiftness!). I've learned to adapt and I no longer view this uncertaintity as a bad thing (though it caused me a lot of frustration in my first few years!). With the unpredictability of life, why do we adhere to strict timelines that we impose on ourselves?
Primero Dios (God Willing)
When I invite someone to an event or place, a typical reply is "Voy a estar, primero Dios," (I will be there, God willing). This not only shows the significant role of religion in people's lives, but also highlights what I believe to be the most profound spiritual gift here: Faith. In our church, we conducted an evaluation of spiritual gifts, and Faith emerged as the most prominent. It underscores a powerful humility and trust that, regardless of our efforts, some things are beyond our control and are in God's hands. This contrasts with Western culture, where many admit to a spiritual weakness of relying on themselves rather than on Jesus (a struggle I personally face!). It has been incredibly impactful to witness so many here placing their trust in God during challenging situations and observing God act in powerful ways, healing illnesses, mending families, marriages, and more. It has been a blessing to be part of so many lives here and to witness God's miraculous work. And "Primero a Dios,"
I hope to continue learning more about the culture, language, and God's magnificent work here in Guatemala.
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