Speaking Spanish in the U.S. vs. Mexico

I know very little Spanish. Much less than I thought I would know by now.

However, I no longer find myself saying "hello" or "good morning". Saying "hola" or "buenos dias" has become first nature.

So, when in the U.S. and ordering food at Chipotle, I found myself saying "hola", "gracias", etc. But, I was not confident enough to do my whole order in Spanish. When I went over my order in my head, using Spanish, I figured I could do it fine and they would understand.

But, is it rude to use my broken Spanish in the U.S., when speaking to a bilingual Mexican? Especially if I am just saying "hola" or "gracias"? Part of me thinks it is. Especially, since I don't know if the Mexican is a first or second generation Mexican-American. For all I know, they don't even speak Spanish.

Mexicans are very proud of their culture and heritage. So, I am pretty sure that the parents and grandparents make sure the kids grow up speaking Spanish. They may not be able to write in Spanish, but surely most know how to speak the language.

But, I don't want to assume and be rude.

So, while I wanted to practice my Spanish in the U.S., I was very hesitant to do so.

In Mexico, when I am speaking my broken Spanish, I feel like people don't hold it against me. I feel like they are happy that I am at least making an effort to speak Spanish. Clearly, everything would be easier, on both sides, if I knew more Spanish. But, I am not hesitant to try to put sentences together.

Going forward though, I need to put a much larger emphasis on learning Spanish!

Living in Mexico without Speaking Spanish

For four months now, I have been getting along just fine living in Mexico City, speaking very little Spanish. It has been surprisingly easy and people have been VERY nice about it!

I have just experienced my first slightly negative experience though!

I was checking out at the grocery store the other morning and the cashier kept asking me if I needed my parking ticket stamped. (You have to pay for parking everywhere that you go in Mexico City). As I walk to the grocery store, I don't need my ticket punched/stamped. So, I said no to the cashier. She proceeded to ask two more times. At which point I said, "no hablo Espanol." The woman behind me then translated for me. I told her "gracias", then told the cashier "no" again. The woman behind me then said, in a more snotty tone, "you live in Mexico and you don't speak Spanish?" I smiled at her and said "si". Then, went on my way.

While this is not a horrible experience by any means, I was a bit taken aback by the tone of her voice. Most people ask "cuantos mesas in Cuidad de Mexico?" or something to that effect...asking me how long I have lived in Mexico City. And, all those people have been very friendly.

I cannot imagine translating for someone in the U.S. and taking a negative tone of voice. I am sure there are plenty of U.S. citizens that would, as we are by no means perfect, but I have not come across it. You can be sure that if I ever do, I will remember this experience and shoot daggers from my eyes at the mean translator!