As part of my Puerto Rico training and to get ready for our move, I started taking a conversational Spanish class at Aims Community College here in Greeley. It is 2 days a week and will be a good step in preparation for Puerto Rico. While I have gotten by in PR without knowing much, it will come in handy. In PR, most people know at least a little English, but Spanish is by far the preferred language. Cassie being fluent is a good crutch, but after seeing how much easier it is to get by for her I figure I should try as much as I can to learn before we move so I am not as dependent on her.
When my friend Matt and I went into Home Depot in Mayaguez, I needed to get crossco roof coating for the cabana. I didn’t even know the word for roof, so it made it difficult to communicate. It’s ‘techo’ by the way.
I know quite a bit of vocabulary just by living with Cassie, but I don’t know much of the basic structure of sentences. When people ask if I speak Spanish I still have to say “solamente un poco” or only a little. I haven’t ever had the formal foundation so kids’ Spanish books and texts have helped. Like the Perico book I worked with this winter.
Cassie tries to help me learn these things at home but it’s different when you are held more accountable in a formal classroom setting. Plus work does education reimbursement so I should take advantage while I can. It’s a win-win! I already feel like I am getting a better grasp on the language and I am excited to use what I learn in “real-life”!
Wish me “buena suerte”! 🙂