Do I Have to be Able to Speak Spanish in Ajijic?

By Kay Davis

No. Not at all, especially if you are visiting a popular tourist area. English is a required subject in Mexican schools, and many people are eager to practice their English with tourists. But they will be delighted if you attempt to communicate in Spanish, even just a word or two within a jumble of English.

For example, “I would like huevos y tocino, scrambled, por favor.” You just ordered bacon and eggs. Now, revueltos is scrambled, but that’s harder to say unless you know how. If you maintain a sense of humor, together you build a friendly relationship. And notice that, in resort areas, menus are usually in both English and Spanish. Try ordering from the Spanish side from time to time. It’s good practice and good manners. If you start traveling around Mexico, you’ll need to read some Spanish.            Another good idea is to buy a phrase book, or better, an electronic translator ($40 – $50) before making the trip. There is one at $550, but that’s not necessary unless you plan to become a globe trotter. That pricey little unit is multi-lingual.

Whether you prefer the simple phrase book or something digital, practice some simple phrases in Spanish. Buenos Dias. (Good morning.) Gracias. (Thank you.) Que tenga un buen dia. (Have a good day.) Carry the phrase book or pocket translator with you. Language can be a challenge or an adventure, but if you find ways to communicate, you’ll also have a few laughs with your hosts as well.

You can travel the entire country on English even though Mexico recognizes 68 indigenous languages besides Spanish. Having said “no, you don’t need Spanish” (and that’s true), the longer you choose to stay, the closer you come to the answer, “yes, you need to go beyond pocket conveniences”. You will need to speak Spanish better because life anywhere requires more than basic greetings.

I know a lady whose decision to live in Mexico was based on an old-fashioned pioneer spirit. She came alone, and she didn’t speak a word of Spanish when she arrived. When I met her, she had a thriving business she had built on her own and she was fully bilingual. All it took was exposure and a desire to learn. Remember, Mexicans are very polite. It’s part of their culture to try to help.

Since I live on the north shore of Lake Chapala, one of the popular tourist areas, I can testify to the ease of communication. When I first arrived, knowledge of Spanish was a strong recommendation, but now there are retirees who never learn more than a few words of Spanish.

Lakeside we have many conveniences, like WalMart and other supermarkets. There are many restaurants offering the foods North Americans prefer along with traditional Mexican foods. But try a few of their foods. You might find some real treasures.

Doctors speak English. Car mechanics speak it too. You’ll also find that shopping here is wonderful for those items that catch your eye, and the clerks speak English. Art and music abound, and there are delightful functions to attend, including Lakeside Little Theater, where performances are in, you guessed it, English.

You also don’t have to know Spanish to recognize some of the Mexican love songs because they were translated into English for our enjoyment, so when we visit Mexico, we ask the troubadour musicians for our favorite songs and enjoy them in the outdoor setting with sunsets over the lake and a cool breeze wafting through the palm trees. Some means of communication are universal – smiles, music, body language, humor. C’mon down. See for yourself.