Stereotypes:
I guess my main stereotype about the Mexican people is that they will be just as impatient with us learning their language as we so often are with those in our country trying to learn our language. After reading our ML250 book about the possible insects in our bedrooms, I am beginning to worry about the cleanliness in Mexico. Also, I am beginning to perceive their culture as one that revolves around alcohol.
Expectations:
I am thrilled to be travelling to Mexico to study Spanish! First and foremost, I expect to greatly improve my language skills. I hope to learn more about Mexican as a culture, and in turn learn more about U.S. culture as a whole. I am hoping to establish solid relationships with both those travelling with the group and those I meet while in Mexico.
In Merida:
Cocimos al dueño de una tienda en el Mercado. Se llama Chafí Dajdaj Alam. El ha trabajado en su tienda por 40 años! Es un negocio familiar que fue empezado por su papa. Tiene una empleada que es su ayudante. Tiene un hermano que trabaja con él también, pero está enfermo.
El vende huipiles, fustanes, y mucha ropa típica de Yucatán. Sus materials son de los pueblos. La gente del pueblo hace la ropa a mano y también a máquina. Hay mucha competencia con otras tiendas: con diez tiendas, más o menos.
El es un hombre bueno y agradable. El nos ofreció un buen precio por todas las cosas, especialmente a Molly y a Tomás. La cosa favorite de é les el huipil. No tiene otras tiendas. El nos dijo que vende más los sábados y menos los miércoles. Lo pasamos bien y queremos regresar pronto.
After Merida:
Expectations:
Looking back on my stereotypes essay from fall quarter before we came to Mérida, I find I was wrong about some ideas I had, but right about others. All of the Mexicans I met were extremely patient with me while I was struggling to learn Spanish- in fact, they seemed to enjoy helping me! I was definitely correct about the insects and animals, however- we’ve seen two mice and one lizard, not to mention MILLIONS of ants in our house. I was also correct about the drinking, although I don’t feel like the people in this culture drink THAT much more than we do!
Stereotypes:
Reading the expectations I had about Mexico, I think I was completely correct. My language skills did greatly improve, and I certainly learned much more about the Mexican culture than I expected to! I am so excited about the friends I have made; I feel like I’m returning to Athens with a whole new set of friends!