In the photo you see Ivan on the left and Cocky on the right. Cocky’s name is actually Jorge, but as it’s popular in Mexican culture, this is his nickname. Just like I have chosen Grigor for my nickname, his is Cocky. But the word cocky has a particular meaning in English that I learned is translated much differently in Spanish. What I found interesting is that Cocky’s personality fit his nickname. When I told Cocky what the Google translation was from English to Spanish, he laughed. The word Cocky as translated into Spanish by Google translate is Chulo which according to Collins, dictionary, is a dandified, effeminate man or pimp. In reality, The translation is correct. But, Cocky and I laughed because we found the cross-translation funny. We were completely lost in finding some meaning for the words. Language can be problematic. Even worse when learning a foreign dialect. Sometimes in English I have difficulty being understood even if I have all the words. But if I don’t have the words in a foreign language, or don’t understand the context, my meaning or intention can be completely changed. What’s most important is that I can make a mistake and laugh about it. Over the years of learning Spanish I’ve made many.. Sometimes I talk about the mistakes I’ve made in Spanish, just to make other people laugh.
This is the joy of traveling in a foreign country, and learning the language. Making stupid mistakes, laughing, and making new friends. This is what I love about traveling to Mexico. I learn about other people, but mostly, I learn about myself.
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