Use of the word "Gringo" and other cultural quirks.

[David van Harn]

I ended up sitting at a table for lunch today with a very pleasant pair of young Panamanians - a young doctor and doctora who live in Dolega and work at the clinic in Boquete by the Romero store.  During our conversation, I at one point referred to "my fellow gringos" and they were taken aback.  They asked my why I used that word, and told me that to them - and to many other Panamanians - the word is one that is typically used in a derogatory manner.

The meaning and usage of the word "gringo" has been discussed here at Boquete.ning in the past, at which time I researched it on the web, and ended up thinking it was benign.  I am aware that "gringo" it has different meanings for different people in different countries and regions.  To some is it derogatory, and others it is just a harmless descriptor, but apparently to many Panamanians, it is seen as a derogatory term. 

As a result of that conversation, I will in the future refer to myself and my fellows as "expats" and/or "Americanos" because that's what these educated and intelligent Panamanians - and likely many of their peers - agree is more appropriate. 

I learned  a second cultural etiquette lesson today from a friend with whom I went shopping in David - and that was to not make my first words after a greeting a Panamanian salesperson in a store "Habla Inglés?"  From now on, I will simply attempt to use my slowly improving, but still limited Español.  If the person whom I talking to speaks English and wants to use it, they will do it voluntarily.

Anyone else have "cultural tidbits" to talk about, or suggestions for better and more respectful communication with the locals? 

[Keith Woolford]

David, try pronouncing Expat in Spanish. The point I am trying to make is that the use of this word in Spanish conversation would be unlikely. Sometimes it's just easier to find another way to say things. For example, instead of trying to put a moniker on people from the States, you can just describe them as 'gente de los Estados Unidos'. Simplifies it.

[Keith Woolford]

OK so who is going to make a case about the definition and source of 'moniker'?

[wryawry]

Wasn't she on "Friends"?

[Keith Woolford]

Sure. Go ahead. Try using that term. The person will probably ask if you meant Extranjero. I give up.

[David van Harn]

Since the word "curmudgeon," like the word "gringo" has a wide range of meanings, it would certainly deserve its own thread, Walter.  Many excellent and famous writers are proud of their curmudgeonly comments and quotes.

However, I was think the Princeton University WordNet definition fits my usage of the term here the best:

"A crusty irascible cantankerous older person full of stubborn ideas"

And by local - perhaps not the best word - I meant the Boquete.ning community and people commenters here who visit or live in Boquete.

[Robert Berding]

Hi David. Van Ham is Dutch surname. As few people in the world speak Dutch, learning English is obligatory at school.
In the 50s/60s when I went school, we also had to learn German and French. In the past 20 years not anymore due to a lack of qualified French and German teachers. The more languages you know, the easier it becomes to master a new one. Of course you will feel more comfortable in Panama if you speak fluent Spanish. I have been an expatriate for 27 years, working and living in various countries. Before the company sent me to Spain I had a crash course of 8 hours a day individual classes, during 3 weeks. Pfffff, but it worked out very well. it was very expensive but the company paid for it. Anyway I recommend the English speaking community n Panama to work hard on their Spanish.

[David van Harn]

Your approach is typical of many Europeans I have met over my lifetime, Robert. 

My birth mother (maiden name Dykstra) and the couple who adopted me (van Harn) at age 10 were first generation Americans (there's that word again), and children of Dutch immigrants.  My maternal great-grandfather, Cornelius Hoogenboom, moved to the U.S. with his three daughters in the early part of the 20th century.  He arrived in the there in his 50's and lived to be 101.  He was a crusty old hellfire and damnation Calvinist Christian and not a happy person.  Grandpa Hoogenboom never learned a word of English, and he did not seem to enjoy life.  I have no desire to emulate his last years.

I agree Robert, that even though it is not absolutely necessary to learn English in Panama, and particularly Boquete, being able to converse in the local language makes life more fun and interesting - and earns respect from my new neighbors and acquaintances.  I have not worked on my Español as hard as I should so far, but I am currently trying to push myself to work at it a bit more - and to always play my recorded Español lessons when I am in the car. 

Aside from the testy comments of a few local curmudgeons, this has been a fun and interesting thread.  As a result of the comments, I know realize that "gringo" is a word that has different connotations for different people and groups, even among the citizens of a country like Panama.  In the situation I reported that started this conversation, "my fellow expats" (or "expatriates") would have worked fine. 

(And as for clueless "gringos" who think that expat is short for "ex-patriot" -well, that's another story.)

'

[Keith Woolford]

David, just because you've decided the term Expat is the most appropriate term to describe yourself, it doesn't mean you'll receive much of a response from Spanish speakers if you try and use it in conversation. I thought that was your original objective.

[David van Harn]

I was referring to the highly educated young adults who prompted me to initiate this discussion.  I believe that "expats" would work with them, but not with everyone, so whatever terminology one uses, it still has no guarantee of being the appropriate one for that particular situation.  . 

The discussion in this thread makes it abundantly clear that there is no one correct way to communicate with all Panamanians in particular, and Latinos in general, with respect to nomenclature for U.S. citizens.

As a Canadian, you, of course, don't have a similar problem. 

[Keith Woolford]

Have you finally given up on becoming a sex god, movie star, billionaire or genius during your life? You may be ready to become a curmudgeon! http://m.wikihow.com/Become-a-Full-Fledged-Curmudgeon