Making Spanish Casual: Tips for Learning Slang

By Jada Li, MIT undergraduate, and Jake Li, high school Spanish student

¡Hola! We are Jada and Jake, hermanos (brother and sister) 5 years apart. We are both non-native Spanish speakers with goals of becoming fluent. We speak Spanish to each other 24/7 as on-demand conversation partners. Spanish sometimes feels like a secret language in our home!

When we speak to each other, we like to keep our Spanish conversations casual, just like in English. However, we recognized that using informal language in Spanish was sometimes difficult. Although we learned formal grammar rules and vocabulary in school, we occasionally struggled with finding slang to use in our everyday conversations. In this spirit, we became passionate advocates of teaching Spanish slang in schools.

Let’s dive into more first-hand examples of when textbook Spanish fell short.

I (Jada) had the opportunity to work abroad in Madrid for two summers. I struggled with…

• Literal vs. Idiomatic Expressions: At work before I gave a presentation, I was told by my boss, “tienes la palabra,” which translates literally to “you have the word.” However, it actually means, “you have the stage” (it is your turn to present).
• Abbreviations: Native speakers used “buen fin de” instead of “buen fin de semana” or “efectivo” instead of “dinero efectivo.”

I (Jake) also experienced challenges with linguistic shock. For example, I struggled with…

• Register and Regional Differences: During our family trip to Madrid, I didn’t recognize that a question as simple as “How are you?” in Spanish could have so many different variations. For example, “¿Qué tal?,” “¿Cómo te llevas?,” “¿Qué onda?,” and “¿Cómo te va?” are all equivalent ways of saying “¿Cómo estás?” (“How are you?”). This range is dependent on two factors. First, it depends on the register (are you speaking formally to a teacher or are you speaking informally to a friend?). It also depends on regional differences, as Spanish vocabulary can vary widely depending on the country or region.

Exposing students to idiomatic expressions, abbreviations, and expressions with colloquial and regional differences can better prepare non-native Spanish speakers to hold more natural conversations.

We wanted to spread our message of the importance of learning Spanish slang, so we decided to submit a proposal for the 2023 ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo in Chicago, an annual global language conference geared towards professional development and strategies to improve language education. We were accepted to deliver a round-table discussion: an unforgettable experience. These tips draw from that presentation, sharing our own reflections and advice on learning Spanish as non-native Spanish speakers.

There are many exciting ways for students to learn Spanish slang, whether formally in the classroom or casually with a Spanish-speaking sibling or friend.

In a more formal setting, classroom activities include…

1. Expression of the Week: Having an activity that features an expression of the week, including its literal translation, its idiomatic translation, and its background or the region that it is largely used in, can be very useful for students. It is important for both the students and the teacher to apply the expression naturally during class.
2. Language Partners: Having language partners is an excellent opportunity for Spanish learners to be paired up with native speakers. Partners can be native Spanish speakers in more advanced classes at the school. Language partners can practice conversational skills and/or written skills.
3. Cultural Activities: Having students study song lyrics from various artists (Bad Bunny, Maluma, etc.) can help them understand abbreviations and modern slang. Studying food and recipes is also an excellent way for students to be accustomed to the culture and traditions of different Spanish-speaking regions.

In a more casual setting, consider using…

1. AI Features: Certain apps contain a feature that allow learners to have a simulated written conversation. This is an excellent way for students to practice expressions with colloquial and regional differences. We're members of Duolingo Max, and we love to make the most out of the role-play AI simulated conversations.
2. Practice Conversations and Texts: The best way to practice Spanish slang is having real conversations with real people, such as with friends and family. We love to do this with each other at random times! If you'd like feedback, consider reaching out to have casual discussions with your teacher or a native Spanish speaker.
   

A more casual approach to learning Spanish has many benefits. It allows students to more easily integrate into a Spanish-speaking society, helps them keep up with popular culture and the “slang of their time,” increases their awareness of colloquial and regional differences, and reduces cultural shock when abroad.

Language advocacy is critical to make changes in classroom activities/curricula possible. We suggest that students and professionals take advantage of language conferences, learn from discussions taking place today, and speak on their cause. ACTFL provided us the platform and autonomy to do just that.

We invite you to join us: Together, let’s make Spanish casual!

Want more tips and motivation? Be sure to follow us @LangConnectsFdn on social media and check out LCF's Instagram!

Know a language learner with a story to share? Refer multilingual students and professionals to LCF for consideration in a future blog feature. And be sure to explore the LCF Student Ambassadors Program for post-secondary language learners.