How to Fake It

When you are living among people who speak a language other than your own, there is bound to be some confusion. Normally, I would advocate asking for clarification if you don't understand something, but sometimes you  just don't feel like asking for clarification for the zillionth time. In times like these, the idea is to convince whomever is speaking that you are following the conversation when, in fact, you are not. Most gringas just stick to nodding and repeating, "sí," but I have developed a few other mannerisms that are much more convincing in my opinion. As Ursula the Seawitch once said, it's all about body language, so you want to lean forward slightly as if you truly are engaged, and you also want to purse your lips and furrow your brow a bit so it appears as if you are really considering everything they are saying to you. Also, I like to alternate between "sí" and "ah" just to keep things interesting. This formula works especially well if someone (for instance, a parent) is explaining something to you or telling you a story-- in other words, in conversations in which the other person does most of the talking and you are the listener. I would not recommend using these strategies when someone asks you a pointed question. And I CERTAINLY would not recommend this strategy with possible jotes.* If a boy/man says something to you that sounds like a question, there is an entirely separate set of mannerisms you need to learn. Do NOT employ the "nod and sí." In these instances, you smile very sweetly and say, "Lo siento. No Entiendo," or "I'm sorry. I don't understand." Then, as you wait for them to repeat or rephrase the question, you look at them expectantly and widen your eyes to show just how eager you are to understand whatever it is they are trying to communicate. This will no doubt endear you to them even more.

Me entiendes? No? That's okay.  

Some of us gringas with Alfonso, age 3. 

When I asked who was on his sweatshirt he said, "Mi amigo Pooh!"

*jote= creeper