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How Bilingual Siblings Argue
A photo of kitty siblings fighting, because it's cuter than human boys fighting.
Image source: Tambako the Jaguar
(Overheard conversation between my two sons yesterday.)
13 year old: Ugh! My hair is being so stupid! It won’t do what I want it to!
10 year old: I hate when I can’t style my hair, too.
13 year old: Ha! I wish I had your hair! You have good hair!
10 year old: Does that mean you think I’m bonito?
13 year old: No, you’re still feo.
10 year old: What?! … Well, you’re feo-er!
13 year old: You’re the más feo del mundo.
10 year old: Well, you’re feo to the luna and back!
You realize how badly you want your kids to be bilingual when you make no attempt to break up the argument but instead smile that they’re insulting each other in Spanglish.
2012 Billboard Latin Music Awards CD Giveaway
While nothing can compare with actually attending the Billboard Latin Music Awards in Miami, which I was fortunate enough to do last year, this CD es bien buenísimo. All the songs on this CD are by finalists, so you know it’s got to be good. Chécalo!
SHAKIRA – featuring El Cata – Rabiosa
PITBULL – Bon, Bon
MANA – Lluvia Al Corazón
PRINCE ROYCE – Recházame
JENNI RIVERA – featuring Marco Antonio Solis Basta Ya (Pop version)
ROMEO SANTOS – You
RICKY MARTIN – featuring Natalia Jimenez Lo Mejor De Mi Vida Eres Tú
WISIN & YANDEL – Estoy Enamorado
CAMILA – De Mi
ALEJANDRA GUZMAN – Día De Suerte
GERARDO ORTIZ – Amor Confuso
CHINO & NACHO – Tu Angelito
ALEXIS & FIDO – Energía
DON OMAR – Taboo
This year The Billboard Latin Music Awards will be live on Telemundo, Thursday April 26th at 7 pm. Target has remained the exclusive retail sponsor of the Latin Billboard Music Awards show for 8 years, so this CD will be sold exclusively in Target stores and on Target.com, but here’s how you can win one!
-GIVEAWAY CLOSED – CONGRATS TO WINNER: All Things Pit -
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Prize description: One lucky winner will receive the 2012 Billboard Latin Music Awards Finalists CD
Approximate value: $9.99
How to Enter:
Just leave a comment below telling me which song or performer on the CD is your favorite. (Please read official rules below.)
Official Rules: No purchase necessary. You must be 18 years of age or older to enter. You must be able to provide a U.S. address for prize shipment. Your name and address will only be shared with the company in charge of prize fulfillment. Please no P.O. Boxes. One entry per household. Make sure that you enter a valid E-mail address in the E-mail address field so you can be contacted if you win. Winner will be selected at random. Winner has 48 hours to respond. After 48 hours, a new winner will be selected at random. Giveaway entries are being accepted between April 23rd, 2012 through April 27th, 2012. Entries received after April 27th, 2012 at 11:59 pm, will not be considered. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. If you win, by accepting the prize, you are agreeing that Latinaish.com assumes no liability for damages of any kind. By entering your name below you are agreeing to these Official Rules. Void where prohibited by law.
Disclosure: This is not a paid or sponsored post. I received this CD for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Sopa de Res
I’m not usually one to deprive Carlos of a food he is craving if it’s in my abilities to make it. As old-fashioned as it may seem, making food for Carlos and the boys and watching them enjoy it is one of my favorite things. That being said, when Carlos requested Sopa de Res the other day, (something I make for the family often in the winter) I found it strange enough that I didn’t want to make it.
“Sopa de res?” I said, “But it’s summertime! It’s hot out!”
“What’s wrong with that?” Carlos said.
“You don’t eat stew in the summer – that’s just weird. Soups and stews are for fall and winter. They warm you up and comfort you when you’re cold.”
“Well, I don’t think like that,” Carlos reminded me. “In El Salvador the weather is always hot so when are we supposed to eat soup?”
I realized he had a point and bought what I needed to make Sopa de Res on Friday. As I make it right now, the weather seems to have obliged with my “soup eating rules.” It has been cold and rainy all weekend.
SOPA DE RES
Ingredients:
1 to 2 lbs. stew meat
2 tablespoons Canola oil
salt, pepper to taste
1 onion, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
14 oz. chunky salsa (whichever kind you like)
1 to 2 cups baby carrots
2 cups chopped potatoes (whichever kind you like)
2 to 3 corn cobs broken in thirds, (1 cup frozen/canned corn can be substituted)
1/2 small cabbage chopped in wedges
sliced pickled jalapeños
handful fresh cilantro, washed and chopped
fresh lime wedges
Method:
Brown meat and onion in oil in a large soup pot. Season with salt and pepper.
Add broth and salsa. Meat should be slightly covered, if not, add water until it is.
Bring to a boil then lower heat. Simmer, loosely covered until meat is cooked and tender.
Add carrots and potatoes – Continue simmering until these are tender.
Add corn cobs. Simmer until corn is cooked.
Add cabbage and cook until tender, (not soggy!)
Ladle into bowls. Add cilantro to each bowl. Serve with a wedge of lime to squeeze on top and warm homemade tortillas. If you like it spicy, add some pickled jalapeños.
Recipe adapted from: Caldo de Res
Spanglish Mentiras
For years my younger son has had the habit of crawling into my lap at the dinner table after he finishes eating. I don’t remember why, how or when this started – I only know that he’s a big 10 year old now with unwieldy limbs, and this tradition is becoming uncomfortable. This is the conversation we had at breakfast this morning.
10 year old: Let me sit with you!
Me: No, ahorita no, this chair isn’t built for two people. La silla se va a quebrar.
10 year old: Por fa? I’ll wash the dishes!
Me: Mentira!
10 year old: I’m not mentira-ing, I really will!
I love his Spanglish, but his Spanish is getting better when he chooses to use it – His bribing skills though, are quite advanced. Check out a post I wrote for SpanglishBaby called, The Lesser Known Dangers of Bribing a Bilingual Child.
Online Translator Fail
Today is Spanish Friday so this post is in Spanish. If you participated in Spanish Friday on your own blog, leave your link in comments. Scroll down for English translation!
Cosas extrañas suceden en el trabajo de Carlos – A veces la razón es porque la mitad de los empleados son inglés-hablantes nacidos en Estados Unidos y la otra mitad son hispano-hablantes nacidos en México; Carlos cae en el medio – un bilingüe salvadoreño.
Usualmente el jefe y la gente que trabajan en la oficina, utilizan a Carlos como traductor cuándo necesitan mandar un mensaje a los que trabajan en el taller, pero recientemente la secretaria ha querido hacer traducciones solita con la ayuda de un traductor en línea y ella le gusta colocar carteles en las paredes para todos los temas imaginables.
Aquí hay una cartel en la puerta de un baño. Por alguna razón el jefe quiere que sólo utilizan este baño para orinar.
Un buen recordatorio: Si tienes acceso a un hablante nativo, por favor, confíen en él en vez de usar un traductor en línea.
[ENGLISH]
Strange things happen in Carlos’s work – Sometimes the reason is because half of the employees are U.S. born English-speakers and half are Spanish-speakers from Mexico; Carlos falls in the middle – a bilingual Salvadoran.
Usually the boss and the people working in the office use Carlos as a translator when they need to send a message to those working in the shop, but recently the secretary has wanted to do translations alone with the help of an online translator. She likes to put signs up on the walls on every imaginable topic.
Here’s a sign on the door of a bathroom. For some reason the boss wants the employees to use this bathroom only to urinate.
A good reminder: If you have access to a native speaker, please, trust in them instead of using an online translator.
¡Obama!
The bilingual Latinos For Obama website has launched and I have to say, it’s pretty chévere.
From the slogan/logo:
To some of the merchandise:
To the way President Obama pronounces the word “Latino”:
Es obvio que the Obama campaign knows what gente like.
Google Translate Say What?
Photo adapted by Latinaish.com / Image source: Joe Benjamin
When I read this article about Google Translate giving some funny translations on German idioms, I knew I would have to try some Spanish dichos. Here we go!
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Dicho: Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente.
Google Translate: Shrimp that falls asleep, he takes power.
Google Translate has apparently translated the word “corriente” as electrical current rather than the current of the tide. A proper translation would be “Shrimp that sleeps is taken away by the current” – which has the same meaning as the English idiom “You snooze, you lose.”
______________________________________________________________
Dicho: A mal tiempo, buena cara.
Google Translate: A cloud has a silver face.
I can not even begin to tell you what Google Translate did here. The literal translation should be, “In bad times, good face.” The meaning is to put on a brave face during difficult times.
______________________________________________________________
Dicho: A quién madruga, Dios le ayuda.
Google Translate: Who gets up early, God help him.
This one isn’t quite wrong exactly, but the tone of it makes it funny. It could be read almost like it means waking up early is so awful, one would need God’s help to do it. (Like, “Ugh, the alarm clock is going off! God help me, I want to sleep in!”)
A better translation would be, “He who wakes early, God helps.” The meaning is similar to the English saying, “God helps those who help themselves” or “The early bird catches the worm.”
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Dicho: Más vale ser cabeza de ratón que cola de león.
Google Translate: Better be the head of lion-tailed mouse.
What?! No, no, no. I have no idea how Google Translate could screw up such an uncomplicated phrase. This should say, “Better to be a mouse’s head than a lion’s tail.”
What in the world does that mean? That it’s better to be a leader at a lower level than to be one among many at a higher level.
______________________________________________________________
Dicho: A las mujeres bonitas y a los buenos caballos los echan a perder los pendejos.
Google Translate: A pretty women and good horses spoil assholes.
When I entered this one into Google Translate I was hoping for something funny but never imagined it would come up with this!
Here Google Translate has translated “echan a perder” to “spoil” (as in rotting food), but in this context it means “to lose.” Also, Google Translate went with “assholes” for “pendejos” … That isn’t wrong, but I would use idiots/fools in this context. The real translation: “Beautiful women and good horses are lost by idiots.”
______________________________________________________________
Got your own favorite dicho you want to try out? Head over to Google Translate and let me know if you get anything funny!
Dichos de Espinoza Paz
Image source: Lunchbox LP
Aside from being a talented composer and performer of Regional Mexican music, Espinoza Paz, (born Isidro Chávez Espinoza), has a surprising amount of wisdom to offer fans and anyone else willing to listen. Here are some of my favorite quotes, dichos or frases that I’ve taken down from various interviews and from tweets from his Twitter feed.
Espinoza Habla Sobre Raíces Humildes / Espinoza on Humble Beginnings
★ “También los ‘nacos’ tenemos derecho a oportunidades, a triunfar, a lograr nuestros sueños y a ser respetados.” (Después de haber sido llamado “naco” por un reportero.)
Translation: “As ‘nacos’, we too have the right to opportunities, to succeed, to achieve our dreams and to be respected.” (Said after being called “naco” by a reporter.)
(Language note: “Naco” is a slang derogatory term for an uneducated person who comes from the country.)
Espinoza Habla Sobre Humildad / Espinoza on Humility
★ “Yo creo que hay gente que canta mucho mejor que yo.”
Translation: I believe that there are people that sing a lot better than I do.
(After being asked if he believes he sings well or badly.)
Espinoza Habla Sobre Racismo / Espinoza on Racism
★ “Por qué cuando alguien quiere ofender a alguien utiliza [la palabra] ‘indio’? Los indios no son seres humanos? …Yo soy indio para demostrarles a los que no lo son cómo se llega lejos siendo un indio.”
Translation: “Why is it that when someone wants to offend another, he uses [the word] ‘Indian’? Are Indians not human beings? … I’m Indian – to show those of you who are not, that you can go far being an Indian.”
(Language note: The word “Indian” in Spanish is often used to insult someone and call them “stupid.”)
Espinoza Habla Sobre Chisme / Espinoza on Gossip
★ “Yo nunca voy a vivir de hablar mal de los demás. Yo voy a vivir haciendo a los demás felices con mi música.”
Translation: “I’ll never live to speak ill of others. I’m going to live making people happy with my music.”
Espinoza Habla Sobre Criticismo / Espinoza on Criticism
★ “Yo no me siento mal cuándo hablan mal de mí. Por qué? Porque yo sé quién soy.”
Translation: “I don’t feel badly when people speak badly of me. Why? Because I know who I am.”
Espinoza Habla Sobre Fe / Espinoza on Faith
★ “Mientras más me atacan, más Dios me ilumina con cosas buenas… Pues, que me sigan atacando para que me siga iluminando.”
Translation: “The more they [critics] attack me, the more God enlightens me with good things … So, I say go ahead and continue attacking me so I continue to be enlightened.”
Espinoza Habla Sobre Defenderte / Espinoza on Standing Up For Yourself
★ “Cuándo alguien me quiere pisotear, cuando alguien me quiere humillar a mi, yo no lo puedo dejar…No puedo hacer eso. No lo puedo permitir. ¿Por qué?”
Translation: When someone wants to trample me, when someone wants to humiliate me, I can’t leave it be. I can’t do that. I can’t allow it. Why should I?
Espinoza Sobre el Pensamiento Positivo / Espinoza on Positive Thinking
★ “Si pasa por tu mente, pasa por tu vida.”
Translation: If you believe it, you can achieve it.
Note: Images legally used and adapted from photos available through creative commons and Lunchbox LP. Use and adaptation of photos does not signify their endorsement of Latinaish.com.
Going to Miami? 10 Tips
This past week I got two E-mails from two different people asking me advice on traveling to Miami. The thing is, I’ve only been to Miami twice and as much as I loved immersing myself in the culture of the 305, I wouldn’t exactly consider myself an expert. That being said, I did manage to think up 10 tips with a little help from my friends. So, are you going to Miami? Not sure what to expect? Here are 10 things you should know.
#1. Perfect Bodies
As Miami-native Pitbull says, “Ella es una bombona y su cuerpo, dos siliconas” and “Body is all great, 26 24 28, body parts fake.” That isn’t to say all or even most people in Miami have had plastic surgery to look the way they do – maybe they were born lucky, maybe they’ve worked hard for it, but whether it’s natural or not, the psychological result is the same: Being surrounded by so many perfect-looking people who appear to have walked straight out of a music video can make one feel just a little insecure.
Even the mannequin? Image source: Martin Allen
My only advice for you on this one is to be prepared for it, accept it, and try to look your best without comparing yourself to everyone else. Why spend your trip moping that you can’t bounce quarters off your ass? Serious waste of time which could be spent simply enjoying the eye candy.
#2. Cuban Culture & Español
Being in some parts of Miami is kind of like taking a trip to Latin America without ever leaving the country. Experience Cuban food, music and more – soak it up. If you don’t speak Spanish, be prepared to be in the minority. If you do speak Spanish, you might feel like you’ve died and gone to Heaven. The casual Spanglish thrown around here, the way people assume and expect you to speak it, is something pretty special.
#3. Bright Colors
Image source: Jules Gervais
From the natural bright blue of the ocean and the sky to architecture and fashion – bright colors are everywhere.
#4. City & Beach
Miami has everything from gorgeous tropical beaches to sky scrapers.
Image source: Marc Averette
#5. Humid & Sunny with a Chance of Rain
The weather is gorgeous but at times you will experience some hair-do destroying humidity. Veronica of Cid Style File says to make sure you bring your anti-frizz products – you’ll need them. (And don’t forget the sunscreen.)
#6. Expensive
Depending on where you’re visiting from, prices – particularly in South Beach, might be a little shocking. If you’re the type to buy items at your destination rather than try to fit them in your luggage, you may want to reconsider this time.
#7. Party Atmosphere
Maybe it was because both times I went to Miami I was there to attend special events, but I can’t help but think a “party atmosphere” permeates Miami year round. Get some sleep before you arrive – you’re going to need it.
#8. Rudeness
Okay, now I didn’t personally experience this to any extreme where I would say Miami is any more rude than some other places I’ve visited, but apparently the city does have a reputation. Readers of Travel + Leisure magazine apparently voted Miami the 2nd rudest city in the nation, but you can decide for yourself.
#9. Celebrities
Miami is second in something else – celebrities. I imagine only Los Angeles has a larger movie star population, although New York might be a bit of competition. Don’t believe me? A few famous faces that make their home in Miami include Gloria Estefan, Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, and Pitbull, among others. While some celebs don’t live in Miami, many keep vacation homes there or just come to party.
Be prepared for celebrity sightings wherever you go – especially Spanish-speaking celebrities. Telemundo studios is in Miami and they’ve been known to shoot on location.
#10. Fashion
Ah, the topic you’ve been waiting for. What do you wear in Miami? I’m not a fashionista so all I can tell you is, when in doubt, use fresh, clean colors. Show some skin but be classy not trashy. Here is what some of my friends have to say.
Miami style? This chick's got it.
Image source: Alejandro Amador
“Fun dresses that are lightweight and make you look put together. Dresses that can transition from day to night with the change of shoes and accessories and that can be layered with a lightweight sweater or denim jacket for the air-conditioned indoors. Don’t forget sunblock and a killer pair of shades.” – UnknownMami.com
“Colorful. Tropical. Skin. Sexy shoes. Perfume. Lipstick. And a Smile.” – Carrie / TikiTikiBlog.com
“You can wear nice jeans and a sexy top too. Miami is tropical. Or just all black.” – MiCaminar.com
“Something colorful or flashy with a simple, but very clean look. People in Miami know how to dress.” – Chantilly / BiCulturalMom.com
Bonus Tip? Have fun! Miami awaits!
Perritos en la Cancha
Today is Spanish Friday so this post is in Spanish. If you participated in Spanish Friday on your own blog, leave your link in comments. English translation in italics!
Image source: Kate Lokteva
El título lo dice todo. Este post combina dos cosas que me encantan – los perritos y el fútbol. No sé cuál es más lindo, los perros que se divierten en la cancha, o los jugadores que sonríen mientras tratan de capturarlos. Chécalo!
The title says it all. This post combines two things I love – puppies and soccer. I don’t know which is cuter, the dogs that have fun out on the field, or the players who are smiling while trying to capture them. Check it out!
Y un vídeo para los que aman a los gatos! (And one video for the cat lovers!)
