000038 Visit since

Viewpoint ©

Languaje, Bargaining, Dignity An owner of real estate in Mexico can better appreciate their experience. May 4, 2003

An owner of real estate in Mexico can better appreciate their experience of living here when they know more about the local culture.

ESPANOL ranks as one the world’s most expressive languages. Mexican Spanish is not “Castilian”, but its own language. To become fluent in the language requires that you also become knowledgeable in the culture. There are subtleties of Mexican Spanish, which are especially important when conducting business and dealing with government offices. When you understand that much of the meaning in conversation is done in an indirect manner, you will realize that what you hear is often not what you get.

As a foreigner, you can save yourself a lot of confusion, by realizing that just because a person speaks Spanish and your native language, they are not necessarily a good interpreter. Interpreting on a business level requires special skills and requires knowledge of the subject that is being discussed. An untrained interpreter can influence to the negative, the outcome of a negotiation or conversation.

Unintentionally, the untrained interpreter can put his or her own meaning into what is being said or written. The wrong information is given to the foreigner, who will then make a mistake in understanding. This is where communication can really break down. It becomes important when you are conducting business matters to have someone who can interpret for you who has been briefed on the subject and capable of informing you clearly of what the conversation or written documents mean.

When you are using an interpreter, do not use slang or colloquialisms. There is almost no way the interpreter will know how to properly translate your meaning.

Humor in another culture can be the most difficult to understand. Humor is often based on unique experiences to an individual country. North Americans using dry humor or satire are often going to be misunderstood.

Mexican Spanish tends to be more formal than English. Speak as properly as you can to be on a similar level and increase your chance of being understood. Formal Spanish is also used for written legal documents, and not the same as conversational Spanish.

The use of the language denotes distinctions in business and social status. The use of the informal you, “tu”, gives a different message from the more formal, “usted.” Gender, age, personal and business relationships dictate the proper use of the word “you.” When in doubt, use the formal “you” or “usted”, to avoid misunderstanding or embarrassment.

Bargaining

The custom of price bargaining in one of the souvenir markets or on the beach is an opportunity to experience local culture.

If a foreigner doesn’t understand the reason or form for haggling or bargaining for a purchase, he can miss the meaning and purpose for the custom. One person sees the other as being improper, irrational or impolite. The other side sees a person who being rigid and uneducated in acceptable behavior.

Some foreign visitors may regard bargaining for a price of an item for purchase as bothersome, irritating or embarrassing. They will expect the seller to quote a “fair" price. The purchaser can be confused or uneasy, even when they succeed in obtaining an article for more than 50% less than the asking price. Why are they uneasy? With a bargaining system of which they are not familiar, they don’t know what the “true” or “fair” price should have been. They then view the system of bargaining as too unstructured or vague.

To the local citizens, the custom of bargaining is one of the most fundamental and enjoyable aspects of their culture. It is an opportunity to personalize an action with another human being. It is to make more interesting the mundane act of buying something. It is the chance to demonstrate knowledge and ability in friendly competition. If you are in a place where bargaining is the norm, to not participate in the “game” is to be misunderstood and miss an opportunity to do something different.

Bargaining in mercados or with street vendors is a microcosm of business in general. It is the custom of personalizing of relationships, or humanizing all transactions, including business ones.

Highly industrialized countries have discovered that rigid efficiency and automation policies, can take something vital away from the human spirit.
These countries now have to deal with problems caused by becoming so efficient.

The workplace, when it becomes dehumanized is experiencing change. Respect for individual dignity, nurturing, acknowledging employee’s lives outside of work, are being re-introduced into the North American workplace.

Dignity

When authoritarian methods are used in a government, citizens lose their right to personal beliefs. Behavior can become extreme in order compensate for the loss. The need for respect can become important at whatever cost.

When a society is authoritarian to the point of denying individual citizens their rights, a highly refined system of etiquette evolves. A lower level worker will use very formal manners with respect to his superiors.

There can also be hypersensitivity to one’s own need for dignity. To show lack of respect can be as simple as the failure to address a person properly, making a remark that can be taken as criticism, acting in a way that can be taken as a slight, not listening, interrupting someone when they are speaking, failing to praise a person’s efforts, or treating someone as if they are inferior. The person who is sensitive will use good manners and be polite during the interaction.

One of the most important reasons to become fluent in the Spanish language and in communicating nonverbally is to learn the appropriate vocabulary and behavior for the business or social situation. Foreigners can be considered insensitive, arrogant when speaking frankly, directly or aggressively. These actions are an insult to the other person’s dignity.

The Spanish word for dignity is “dignidad” and its importance applies to all levels of society. In a hierarchical society, the kind and degree of respect shown and given is based on the person’s position in the society. It is not always easy to know the social or business status of the other person. That best choice is to be polite and respectful to everyone.

A good rule of thumb is to be polite in the normal sense of the word, refrain from bragging or overstating, avoid irritating people with criticism that won’t do any good. Take a positive approach to all problems that are encountered. Don’t be negative.

This article is based upon legal opinions, current practices and my personal experiences in the PuertoVallarta-Bahia de Banderas areas. I recommend that each potential buyer conduct his own due diligence and review. Material has provided for this article by Boye De Mente.

HARRIET MURRAY

Harriet Murray, Broker
For additional information on properties for sale or lease within the bay, please call or e-mail me at: harriet@pvmirror.com

Thanks and until next week.

Archives by date