“There are the known knowns, things that we know that we know; and there are the known unknowns, things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns, things we do not know we don’t know.” – Donald Rumsfeld, who I don’t usually quote, but this is a good one
You’ve made it to Mexico!
Now what?
If you’ve landed in a place accustomed to tourists, chances are that you’ll be able to get by with the Spanish you’re still learning and enough people who (mercifully) speak your language.
If you’re somewhere where English isn’t spoken by too many people, things could be a little more tricky and…adventurous or nerve-wracking, depending on how you look at things.
Even when you find people who can talk to you in your native language, communication can still be tricky. Cultural blind spots on both sides can result in misunderstandings, and sometimes simply knowing what you want to say and ask is not enough; important things can be missed without either party realizing it.
That’s why I highly recommend using a translator with extensive lived experience with both languages and both cultures while you get your bearings in your new surroundings…especially for important, high-stakes transactions like immigration, housing, banking, and employment.
If you would like help not just with linguistic, but cultural translation, then I would be honored to assist you in-person in Xalapa, Veracruz. If you’re in a different location, live calls can also be arranged; travel arrangements can be negotiated.
For more information, please write me at devries.sarah@gmail.com.
Sarah DeVries 