English ~ Spanish ~ Guaraní
July 2, 2012 4 Comments
I’ve been trying to learn Spanish for years.
It’s Goal #7 on my Bucket List. And when I found out that I’d be going to South America for the Peace Corps, I was excited because I might finally learn enough Spanish to consider myself fluent. This probably won’t be happening in Paraguay. While I’ll be learning Spanish and will have to use it frequently, the primary language I’ll be speaking is Guaraní, a tribal language.
Browsing through the translation dictionary I bought on Amazon, I’m blown away. It makes Spanish look like English. Guaraní looks so complex. It’s nothing like Spanish. I might as well be learning Russian. Not that any of this is a bad thing, it’s just intimidating. I expected to have an advantage with the Spanish background I have (as minimal as it is) but now I have to start from scratch.
I’m excited. Learning Guaraní will be fun, and probably frustrating. But maybe after two years of being in Paraguay, I’ll be able to pick up both languages well enough to function and to consider myself tri-lingual…something I’d never considered until now. That’d be pretty cool!
Steven,
I’m a current Agricultural Extension Volunteer in Paraguay. I just wanted to let you know that I am very much enjoying reading your blog (I have a Google Alert for “Peace Corps Paraguay” and your blog popped up). I especially liked your “When Will it Seem Real” post, as I remember feeling the same way when I was preparing to leave (or NOT preparing).
Regarding language, most people (at least out in the campo) speak a jopara (mixture) of Spanish and Guarani. So your Spanish language background will definitely help. Good luck with everything. Paraguay is a wonderful and incredibly unique country. I think you will learn to love it.
Suerte,
-Fiona Martin, PCV
Agricultural Extension, Paraguay 2010-2012
Hey Fiona,
Thanks for your comment. I’m sure I’ll love the experience, as difficult as I know (and can only imagine) it’s going to be. I checked out your blog…lots of interesting stories (especially the one about the spider!) Just curious, what’s been the most effective method of communication with the “Outside World”? Do you have regular Internet access? And what type of work are you primarly engaged in? Labor? Education? More blue collar or white collar in nature? Are you ready to come home, or do you plan to extend? Thanks again for dropping by!
Hi Steven,
For the first 8 months in-site (plus the 2 1/2 months of training) I did not have a computer that could support internet access. Now that I do, I use email and facebook (because it usually loads better than gmail) as my primary means of communication. My internet connection is still very week; Its not strong enough for Skype or Gchat. Before I had internet, I would make it into the pueblo near my site and use the internet cafe about once every 1 or 2 weeks. I could also call the states on my cell phone, but it was prohibitively expensive (I did about one 10 min call each month).
As an ag. Volunteer, I mainly visit families and talk one on one about improved farming technics and gardening strategies. I occasionally will work with someone in their garden or field if they are trying something new. I also teach gardening technics and English at the schools. A lot of my work goes on in discussions with individuals, and by living by example. I have a demo plot of nitrogen fixing “green manures” and demonstrate permaculture technics in my garden. Every volunteer and every site is different, but this has been my experience so far.
I am planing to apply for an extension, but I might not get it. Vamos a ver.
I would be glad to talk with you more if you like. You can find me on facebook or send me an email at fmmartin at gmail dot com.
Im glad you liked my blog!
-Fiona
Yes…more beautiful stories about Paraguay…Che Ha! I was a Volunteer in northern Paraguay in Bahia Negra in Alta Paraguay…I could see Brazil and Bolivia from my kitchen window! Guarani is fun…just close your eyes and pretend you are a bird talking, works for me. But I also miss my Terere, ice tea never tasted so special. I am now a Response Volunteer in Colombia, but miss my sopa Paraguayan…Bob