Posts from December 2007

Las Posadas Songs

Posted by Transparent Language 1 Comment
Dec 31 2007

Posadas is a wonderful Mexican holiday that brings neighbors and friends together for nine festive nights of singing and eating. Beginning December 16th and continuing through Christmas Eve, Posadas reenact the experience of Joseph and Mary as they wandered from house to house, looking for shelter (Posada means inn in Spanish) Traditionally, participants gather together to parade through the streets, carrying lit candles and led by the neighborhood children. The group pauses at various houses to sing a plea for lodging, only to be rejected by those inside the house in a sort of call-and-response carol. Upon arriving at the home of that night’s designated host, the song beings anew, but this time those inside the house relent and allow the pilgrims to enter.

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The History of the Piñata

Posted by Transparent Language No Comments
Dec 27 2007

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As the holiday season comes upon us, I felt it timely to clear up a misconception about the piñata. The piñata is widely viewed as a Mexican diversion and has become an indispensable attraction in children’s birthday parties throughout the world. However, in Mexico the piñata makes its most important appearance, not at birthday parties, but during the nine days leading up to Christmas. Starting on December 16th, families and friends gather to celebrate La Posada, a re-enactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter as they traveled to Bethlehem. In addition to enjoying food and drink, guests enjoy competing to break a piñata..

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The Meaning of “Ahorita”

Posted by Transparent Language 14 Comments
Dec 18 2007

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I have learned a curious thing about the word ahorita since living in Mexico for a couple of years. It has two seemingly contradictory meanings: “right now” and “in a minute.”

When I first studied abroad, I found that when my host mother asked my host sister to do something “ahorita,” she jumped to attention and performed whatever it was in that moment. Yet, years later, when my boyfriend would tell me he would do the dishes “ahorita”, I would stare at him, perplexed, as he continued to play a couple more rounds of Xbox. What was going on?

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The Preterite and the Imperfect: Part 1

Posted by Transparent Language No Comments
Dec 9 2007

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Ah, the dreaded past tense. Once the Spanish learner comes to terms with ser and estar, they are thrown the curve ball of preterite and imperfect. Here is a quick review of the main uses of each. However, keep in mind that as with any grammar “rule” there are exceptions!

The preterite is used when talking about:

Events that have been completed in the past. Compré unos pantalones en el centro commercial ayer.
A series of events. Vine, vi, conquisté.
Actions repeated a specific number of times. Hablé con él tres veces.
Actions occurring for a specific period of time. Escuché música durante media hora.

The imperfect is used when talking about:

Habitual actions in the past (as in the English “used to”) De niño, yo jugaba con mis amigos después de la escuela.
Describing or setting up a scene La habitación era oscura. El viento soplaba, y las hojas del árbol pegaban contra la ventana.
Characteristics of someone or something. El hombre era alto, guapo, y amable.
The time and weather Eran las ocho de la noche y hacía mucho viento.
Age Yo tenía siete años cuando nació mi hermanito.
Mental states and physical sensations Estaba enojada y tenía frío.

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