Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) – All kinds of videos go viral on TikTok, from self-help to debates about immigrants in Latin America. This time, it was an American in Puerto Vallarta offering free English classes to Mexicans on the street. An offer that some locals took offense to.
Of course not everyone took issue, and some Mexicans applauded the initiative, although they were sure the classes would only be free as an introduction, sooner or later he would charge for additional classes. However, the real controversy comes later when some suggested it would be better to teach all the foreigners the local language, after all, language is the most important thing to a culture.
“Let them learn our language!”
The fact that a foreigner was in the streets to offer the ‘mastery’ of the English language was already impressive, however, this generated friction between expatriates (Expats) and the natives of the Mexican people living in Puerto Vallarta.
“I had to learn English when I lived in Puerto Vallarta, they would be bothered when I spoke Spanish, not it’s time they learn our language!”, “It seems that he is discriminating against us”, are some comments in protest. However, a US user touched on the most sensitive part of this dispute.
“I think most of us [foreigners]can afford some Spanish classes, while the Mexicans who live here can’t afford classes,” he said, adding that Mexicans would have the ‘responsibility’ to learn the language of the country where they go, and not the other way around.
Although the American came to teach English to some people, he managed to gain almost 200,000 views for his video. However, probably not for the reason he had hoped.
Hundreds of responses tried to separate the fine line between ‘language classism’ and the desire to learn a dialect for pure pleasure.
In addition, the ‘feeling of inferiority’ towards the people who defended the foreigner who displaced the Spanish to a third plane was criticized: “Foreigners come to visit and learn, not to discriminate against us. No to xenophobic comments”, said a user.
Like in any country, there will be some Mexicans who may get upset or frustrated if they feel that foreigners are not making an effort to learn the local language.
However, it’s important to note that Mexico is a diverse country with a variety of cultures and beliefs, and attitudes towards language can vary depending on the region and the individual. In some areas, people may be more understanding of foreigners who don’t speak Spanish, particularly in areas that have a significant expat community, such as Puerto Vallarta.
That said, learning the local language is generally seen as a sign of respect and a way to better integrate into the culture. It can also be beneficial for practical reasons, such as being able to communicate with locals, navigating daily life, and potentially improving job prospects.
Since the pandemic, there has been a reversal in thoughts about foreigners in Mexico, with gentrification being the main cause of the growing negative view of foreigners in Mexico.
With the rising costs of rent, food, restaurants, and entertainment due to the stronger finances of foreigners, many locals have been pushed out of the city and have growing resentment of losing their land and now their language in many places where foreigners have bought up large amounts of Mexican property.
Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) - An American in Puerto Vallarta offering free English classes to Mexicans on the street. An offer that some locals took offense to . . .
