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English improving by leaps and bounds in Chile (snark!)
20 September 2012
10 comments
I have been unfair.
Often, I make fun of strange English I see here in Chile. There are apostrophes from space, misspellings-a-million, Starbucks name-writing fails, and this gorgeous set of errors contained in one word that still makes one of my (Chilean) friends laugh whenever we say it, madafaca.
But it seems there’s been a recent across-the-board improvement in the grammar and slang usage among the scrawling set, the people who adorn Santiago’s beautiful historic buildings (and occasionally, posts) with offensive language. Shield your eyes, I warned you.
For example, here’s one that is “sweet” and to the point. Ten points for accuracy, five for color choice.
This one serves the dual purpose of both demonstrating the fine education being received hoy en día (nowadays), through perfect grammar and spelling, and also makes me feel just a little less welcome here than I did just the other day.
And then we have yesterday’s favorite. Technically I believe it is missing a comma, and it is certainly not a full sentence, but it demonstrates a superior mastery of slang, or at least an assiduous attention to detail to daytime talk shows or similar. And for that, the puntaje (point value) is through the roof (which is not, but could shortly be, on fire).
I look forward to your child’s continued progress in class, and his repeated vandalism on my fine city.
No doubt, people have more and more access to internet slang and memes than before. Varias de esas frases, en especial la última, son de uso común en páginas de ocio. Un ejemplo reverso y curioso es que en inglés hay un meme que dice “me gusta” en español, no tengo idea por qué.
De todas formas, tampoco entiendo bien por qué la gente querrá escribir esas frases en una pared en la calle.
Eileen, this is a hilarious article. You’re on fire!
I remember these instances quite well. I enjoyed seeing “F**k Lavin” in the background of one of my photos. Though it was only one word in English (and a four-letter word at that), it still made me chuckle.
I’d add blank sheets of paper beneath the statement and a pen – wonder how many would get it and list their grievances. *smirk*
Haha this made me laugh out loud too! 2/2 tonight.
wheee! so glad I could bring you a smidgen of joy. Any good graffiti in NC?
Nice job. Last week I took my kids for a walk through the fields and the hills and as we returned to the sidewalk it read ” Smoke One N1gga”. Yep, I’d like to see jr. try that line on a brotha’ in da hood.
Hey Susan, I actually edited your spelling to make the n-word ungoogleable, a personal policy. Um also, yeah, that’s one of those “don’t try this at home” things. I have had to explain the in-group, out-group use of that word many, many times. Also, hi!
I enjoy your blog so much! I was born in NYC, grew up in Santiago, Chile (lived there for 10years). I’m going for a visit next month, can’t wait!
I often wonder what it would be like to leave and come back. But I don’t plan on leaving any time soon. I wonder how you’ll find it. Please report back! And actually, I’d be interested in meeting up to find out what’s different from your perspective.
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