It Wasn’t the Accent That Gave Me Away
My aunt was talking to my nephew — a 19-year-old who just moved to Miami from Havana — about accents. The fast talk of the Cuban, the elegant Venezuelan, the sing-song of Mexico. To make a point, she told a story about an encounter with a vendor in Mexico City who tried to figure out where she was from based on her accent.
Well, it wasn’t the accent that gave her away and identified her as Cuban.
I couldn’t believe my ears because I had a similar experience during a trip to Cuba. In fact, I purposely told a man I was just an americana because I didn’t want to get into a conversation with him. Yeah well, he figured it out and how he did is a story I love to tell.
Can you guess how we got identified as Cubanas?
Watch the video essays for the stories…and proof that there is a definite family trait in my familia.
Have you had similar experiences?
(A special thanks to my Tia for being game enough to let me record her and post her fabulousness on the Tiki Tiki. And, by the way, she did it all wonderfully on the first take.)
Yeah! prima I ssssooo remember that trip….Is it that obvious? I mean the cubita thing? I guess we are that blessed…..At least some of us….
)
Carrie and Mirtha, I really enjoyed your stories. We cannot hide the fact that we Cubans are a combination of Spanish to the front and African to the back and proud of it! Great videos.
OMG
That’s soooo funny!
Thank you for sharing this.
I’m Cuban/Colombian.
So I always get the following, “Ouch! What a mix.”
I always joke that I am American from the waist up and Spanish from the waist down.
But my accent is usually what gives me away.
Hee, that’s hysterical! Unfortunately this caribbean latina was cheated from her identifying feature. Instead I have the family upper arms that women in my family are blessed with.
That is an awesome story
Growing up with my Cuban grandparents, all I learned is “Cuban” spanish…on a recent cruise to Mexico, I figured I was doing well conversing with the natives until one of them asked me where I learned my spanish! Oops. The accent gave me away too!
Love your blog!
Pues yo no se que coño me paso ami po’que de atras soy una tabla de planchar chica jaja.
I wouldn’t trade in my nalguitas for ANYTHING! (Even if they are Mexican)
Haha! About two years ago, I had a really bad flu and I lost about 15 pounds. I guess I was looking a little under-fed, because one day when I was leaving Sedano’s, a persistent churros salesman kept offering me churros. Since my stomach was still sensitive I was reluctant to put deep fried dough in my system. As I politely declined his offer and walked away, he yelled (quite loudly), “Oye Mami! No de verda que no quieres churros, mira que hay poner carne en eso huesos!” Needless to say, the Cuban trademark was gone and I made it a point to gain some weight that month.
Your video made me laugh so hard, I cried. Funny thing is, we Cuban men often have pronounced posteriors as well. If I find a pair of pants that fits in the seat, the pants usually swim around my waist — and vice-versa. I can’t wait to share this video with mi mama y mi hermanita. Thanks, Carrie!
Both are funny stories!! Thanks for sharing girls!
I recently had a similar experience: http://www.prettypinkchandelier.com/2009/06/17/clerk-questions-my-nationality/