Living and Working in Guatemala
By Bill Drake / May 09 • Categorized as Ebooks for Expats •
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“Cultural Dimensions – Guatemala” has been written for the expat or serious traveler who intends to go well below the touristic surface of this marvelously complex and subtle culture. The following is a typical passage, explaining some of the many linguistic curiosities and challenges facing even a fluent Spanish-speaker in Guatemala.
“As in other Spanish speaking countries, in Guatemala the foreigner needs guidance on the use of the formal, “usted”, or the familiar, “tu.” One can generalize: “usted” will never be wrong in Guatemala; “tu” may be . “Usted” preserves distance with one’s employees while granting them respect. “Usted” also is not so formal as to be unfriendly and may be used by two long-time Guatemalan friends, who reserve “tu” for their spouses and children. A third form of you in English strikes the foreigner’s ear immediately: “vos”. “Que tal, vos.” This form is totally divorced from the second person plural, “vosotros”. “Vos” in Guatemala is colloquial, very informal, and used by young people, drinking companions, and the like. It should not be used by the uninitiated, such as new expatriates still learning the verbal ropes…
