I am learning Spanish. After two short months, I have an understanding of how complex and demanding the process of absorbing the nuances of an additional language is for a person fluent in another tongue (in this case ME). Yesterday, I studied the verb “to be” with my friend who happens “to be” at least three years ahead of me with his Spanish language development. After our lesson, I mastered the phrase: Dime otra vez por favor (Tell me again please).
For a moment, reflect with me about the subject and verb: I am (estoy). In Spanish, if I always am, then I should use “soy”. But, if I will be, I use “estaré” unless I always will be then the choice is “sere”. If I used to be, I would say “estaba” unless I always “used to be” then “era” is the proper selection. These verb tenses complícate further if I am talking about my friend (tu), then I should change “estoy” to “estás”. But, if I am addressing you (the readers of my blog) the choice is the plural “estais”. This “is” a minimal presentation that a fluent six year-old could verbally demonstrate for you (vosotros).
Following the above mentioned study session, I have decided that the next time I "am" annoyed when I call a customer service representative with a technical question (typically from another country and probably bi-lingual in a few languages) instead, I “will be” in awe.
No comments:
Post a Comment