In the Southwest, bilingual stories in Spanish and English are very popular due to our close proximity to Mexico, the Hispanic influence and a general positive attitude of that culture among non-Hispanics. Two bilingual storytellers, Joe Hayes and Olga Loya have gained much popularity as they tell tales of New Mexico and México. So, how do they craft their stories? My years as a teacher of English as a Second Language have given me some insight on this process. Here are my best tips for storytellers.
Tip #1: Build comprehensibility around the 2nd language; it is not necessary to translate. Use body language so that the unknown words are clarified thru a physical action. For example: Quieres casarte conmigo? is understood when the boyfriend is on one knee looking love lost holding an engagement ring. “Te voy a matar” might be accompanied by a quarrel ending with a knife penetrating a person’s heart. Using physicality versus translating.
Tip #2: Build in context clues Ask a question in the 1st language and answer it in the 2nd language or vice versa. If the teller says, “Estás perdido?” and “ I can’t find my way back home.”, we can deduce what the question means. Or ask the question in English and answer it in Spanish. If the teller asks “Did you come far?” and answers with “Sí, tengo quince horas manejando.” You will not lose your audience; as a matter of fact, the challenge is exhilerating.
Tip #3: Use cognates: words with similar pronunciations. “Perdon, necesito más fruta” is easily understood without the need for translating. “La princesa no promete una solución” is almost self-evident.
Tip #4: Build in to your story the Spanish that an acculturated Arizonian might already know: “por favor”, baño”, “cerveza,” “gracias” “hola”, “de nada” “está bien”. Having lived in an area where Spanish is ever present and Rocky Point a mere 3.5 hours away, most natives have acquired a few basics. Use those basics in your bilingual stories.
Tip #5: Finally, if you would consider yourself a novice speaker in a second language, take up other storytelling styles. Bilingual storytellers are overall fluent, error-free and acculturated to the 2nd language and culture.
Take a test to see if my tips work for you.
Directions: Based on the Spanish found in this blog, match it to its English translation.
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l. ¿Quieres casarte conmigo? 2. Te voy a matar. 3. ¿Estás perdido? 4. Sí, tengo quince horas manejando. 5. Perdón, necesito más fruta. 6. La princesa no promete una solución. |
a. Yes, I have been driving for 15 hours. b. Are you lost? c. Excuse me, I need more fruit. d. I’m going to kill you. e. The princess doesn’t promise a solution. f. Do you want to marry me? |
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