Aztec&Taino

1. Breathe.

2. Have faith in your love.

3. Do not lie.

4. Be polite; smile, say good morning, dress business casual.

5. Have the Brugal or Presidente chilling at the hotel to be ready for your celebration.

6. Breathe again!

In addition to what everyone else has said, I just want to say that many times in high fraud countries (such as Jamaica and my husband's country, the Dominican Republic), officers are suspicious of beneficiaries' intentions if the petitioner is originally from that country. Why? Fraud often occurs between families and/or circles of friends. In consequence, these relationships are scrutinized higher as the motives could be "for immigration purposes" rather than having a bona-fide relationship.

To the OP: You could seek the consulate-specific advice of other people who have gone through the process in Jamaica. Best wishes!

Greens beans (peas) = guandules

beans = habichuelas

porch = galleria

garage = marquezina

Dominican spanish... gotta love it

We still "fight" about galeria and marquesina. Porche y garaje! I say!

In Ukrainian, chapa, chap (чап) means roughly small/baby steps. The derivatives are chapaty (to make baby steps) and chap-chap (sort of like come-come).

Interesting!

If you wish to obsess about the possibility of denial, you could read the interview experiences of people who interviewed at the Santo Domingo Embassy.

Another question: What do you call "greenbeans" in Spanish in your country? How about "beans"? This is a constant topic of coversation in my house. Also, what is the Spanish word for "porch" and "garage" in your countries?

Here are two new questions:

1. Mrs. T-B. informs me that, at least in Ecuador, galleta means either "cracker" or "cookie." I asked how one indicates that one wants a cookie versus a cracker. She went vague on me, but I gather that it's rendered by phrase, si man. So, question, si man: In other Spanish lingos, does "galleta" mean both, or is there a separate word?

B. In the Mexican supermarkets here, a lime (the fruit) is a lima, and a lemon is a limon. Conversely, in Ecuador, a lime is called a "limon verde" (green lemon) and the term "lima" isn't used, except perhaps to refer to the capital city of Peru. So, question, si man: Which is the more common way to refer to a lime... or, how do they do it in other countries?

Also, still waiting for Indian people to join this thread, per A-Bone's post of earlier.

Galleta salada would specify cracker (literally translated as "salty cookie").

Galleta by itself would refer to cookie.

In a related culture-specific note on meaning, in the Dominican Republic to give somebody una galleta may mean to give someone a slap on the face! i.e. Esa mujer le dio una galleta a su hombre frente a los muchachos del barrio.

Yes, the issue of limas y limones caused me confusion as I learned English. You would think that limon would be lemon since it is the closest in spelling, but no! In Mexico what we mostly use are limones. We, Mexicans, use lime juice for almost everything: as a dressing for salad, squeezed into soups and caldos, as a marinade and "spice" for meat, etc. However, limas are not widely sold or consumed. I do not recall seeing lemons in the mercados in Mexico. Yet, there are a common product in Americans supermarkets.

Sounds crazy but American English vs British English and the accents involved can make for interesting days as well....the slang especially! I think the word that is used most in this house is "What???" or "What did you say????"

I have a funny anecdote about British English. I used to have a university classmate who was from England (I don't remember what area, but not from London). Anyway, her accent was lovely and she was very nice, too. One day we went to a local restaurant for lunch and I placed my order with the cashier first, my friend placed her order second. Well, the cashier got my order but she could not understand ANYTHING my friend was saying. I had to "translate" the order (repeat it) to the cashier so she could understand it. The funny thing is that I, too, have a very marked accent since English is not my first language. However, the cashier could understand me and not my friend.

I also remember that my friend told time in the British way and not the American way, thereby confusing most people. I, however, understood her right away and she was surprised at this. Well, having had to learn American English I am used to "reading" the nuances of language so it is easy for me to see and understand different uses. I have also become more fluent in Spanish of different countries and regions since I have been living in the US.

Sent Wife’s AOS package off and work auth application also , check cashed and no RFE’s.. we did get a letter for an appointment on the14th of October in Baltimore MD I’m assuming for biometrics?.. just wanted to know if this is normal practice?... as I noticed in reading some of the threads some applicants did not have to go to an interview?.. any and all insight would be great , thanks in advance

For AOS ALL beneficiaries are required to have a biometrics appointment. They will take your wife's picture and digital fingerprints. Generally, this appointment takes place within a month (more or less) of sending the packet. The actual Adjustment of Status may be processed without an interview. The picture that they will take at the biometric appointment will be the picture that will be used for your wife's permanent resident and employment authorization cards and NOT the pictures you submitted with the paperwork. Make sure that she is happy with her hairstyle, earrings, and overall appearance that day. My husband forgot to remove his earrings before the picture was taken and now complains that he looks unprofessional with his zirconia studs in the cards...

I was bored at work while waiting for carpet to be installed in my office and decided to check my case status. I almost fell out my chair when it said post decision activity. I really wasn't expecting anything until November. Then I went home for lunch and the hard copy was in the mailbox. Approved with no RFE's! Thank you to those that helped with information. You may not have known you helped me but you did!

Congratulations!

Good things sometimes come when you least expect them...

For my part, I remain deeply impressed that the Spanish language enables one to refer to a pedito (a small fart), a pedo (a regular fart), or a pedote (a major fart), si man. Had I not been exposed to Mrs. T-B.'s rich cultural background, I never would have known this, no man. Once I was blind, but now I can si, man!

It is also interesting to note the richness of meaning of the word pedo. You can also use the word to express a familiar greeting, as in "que pedo, guey?" The word can also be used to explain trouble and worry: "Estoy en un gran pedo" (I'm in big trouble). Yes, it can also mean a fart and, of course, you can denote the degree of loudness or stinkiness of the subject.

New question, si man: Does every Spanish-speaker here know exactly what a "calzoncillo chino" is?

I have NO IDEA. Would you please enlighten me?

I have no idea if it's the fear of dealing with USCIS again and dealing with all that waiting game or losing the life I've been working so hard for and finally got and getting deported,but I'm scared ###### less about filing for AOS.I keep postponing it to when I get my license so I can take care of it myself,but in reality I'm just scared.

Is it normal?did it happen to you?

Why would they deport you? You are better of by completing and sending the AOS as soon as possible, especially if you have an interest in working in the US. Also, what is this idea of postponing it until you get your license? What license? A driver's license? What would a driver's license have to do with this at all?

The AOS is not that complicated plus you or your husband should already have some of the necessary documents prepared and you would only need to modify them to reflect the changes. For example, you would already have the affidavit of support prepared and the biographical information sheet would only need updating. You have already completed your medical, and if it has not yet been a year since you had it, then you do not need to have another medical completed. Even if you did made a mistake with the AOS paperwork they would send you a RFE, not deport you automatically... There are enough real fears in life to be worried about fictional ones.

1) If in Ecuador "chapa" refers somewhat derogatorily to the police, what word in YOUR (or your SO's) Spanish dialect is used in that sense? Does anyone call them "puercos" (pigs)? In Mexico you could say "la chota" to refer to the police force.

B) For firemen, does everyone also say "bomberos"? Si, bomberos.

iii) Are Americanos/Americanas chiefly referred to as gringos/gringas, or are there alternate terms? Funny that you mention this because I learned of a new way to call Americans from fellow Mexicans living here in the US. The word "bolillo" refers to the white bread (like a hard roll with a soft inside) AND to white Americans. I personally like gringo better and think bolillo is more offensive -not to mention discriminatory to other races/colors of Americans (other than white).

d) Besides in Ecuador, Peru, & Colombia, is guinea pig (cuy) eaten? What?! These are pets, not food! Pobres cuyos...

The weirdest thing: Would you ever imagine a Polish understanding what you are saying (well, more or less)? Turns out that Polish has many Latin and French origin words, and many (and I mean many) are the same words that we Spanish (Castillian) speakers use!

At same time, would you imagine catching words in Polish and knowing what they mean? I kid you not!

Our situation is possibly not as strange among VJrs but amusing to many of our friends: One of my brothers is married to French, my sister to a Salvatrucha (El Salvador) and I am to a Polish. None of us (originally Peruvians, live in Peru. So, in any family reunion, there is at least 4-5 languages going on at same time, our native ones and often an 'in between' language (and sometimes 2 'in between', for example: French to Spanish to English to Polish) that is common to 2 or more. And sometimes there is a 'translation chain' of sorts. Results are often funny to say the least.

Luckily, growing up in South America is very much like growing up in Europe, thus, habits and gestures as well as things we do day to day and how we conduct ourselves are surprisingly similar.

Talk about a multi-cultural and multilingual family! This is the spirit of America; the idea of the "melting pot" at its finest.

So.....for those who aren't familiar with my visa process (headache).....I originally applied for a K3 for my husband....the I-129F was sent to DR and they began the process in August. Then I was told by NVC that they had administratively closed the I-129F and that they would go forward with the I-130. So we waited for that info and I thought I was coming to the end of the I-130 process. Little did I know, the I-129F was still active in DR and they were proceeding this entire time. So, after I come home yesterday from being in DR seeing my husband, I find a letter in the mail from the DR embassy with an interview date and forms to be completed. I was very surprised, then confused, and unsure what to do. After calling NVC and speaking to someone for over 20 minutes, she informed me that it was more beneficial for me to take this interview date for the K-3 as opposed to wait for the I-130 to be completed, as they are very behind and it may not be until 2012 that we receive an interview. Obviously I'm going the K3 route because I'm not waiting until 2012 or anything. She also explained the Adjustment of Status process which is fine.

My question is, we never received a Packet 3. I keep hearing about and see on my timeline this Packet 3 and it appears this may be false. I'm worried that because if the confusion of which visa was going to be done this whole time caused us to not receive a Packet 3???? I just want to make sure there really is no Packet 3 and that everything he needs is in Packet 4.......any help with this would be great. \

Thanks in advance

There is only one packet that is issued by the Santo Domingo Embassy. Such a packet we never received. It was through my calling to the visa specialist that I found out the interview date and then had to request a "duplicate" packet since my fiance never received it in the mail. It is good that you are already on top of things by calling and asking questions. Do not trust the mailing system in the DR!

Also, about the K3, it sure is a bad choice. Why? Basically, you have to go through the trouble and expense of Adjusting Status even though you are already married! Also, your husband would not be allowed to work soon after arriving to the USA. Which is, believe me, quite an additional expense for the sponsoring spouse/partner.

Best wishes!

Peru is indeed in the same 'hood, si man.

Chapa, n. - a speed-bump; something that impedes one's progress.

Chapa, n. - a policeman, security guard, or other irritant who acts to impede one's progress.

As we drove by the puerco-station, I told my mother-in-law (Mama-Mrs.-T-B.) "La casa de las Chapas" and she actually understood me without alarmedly pointing me to the nearest bathroom.

I asked my Dominican husband and he said chapa meant a piece of something such as fruit as in "dame una chapa de mango."

Ecuadorians from Guayaquil drop the ends of their words, whereas Ecus from Quito typically might not.

Mrs. T-B. recently announced, "I bought you cheap." I said, "Well, that's a typical price for a cochino gringo, but what the devil are you talking about?" She said, "Cheap, CHEAP! I bought you CHEAP!" After some detective-work, it turned out that she had been to the supermarket and had purchased a bag of potato cheaps for me, si man.

Funny! Cheap and chips... Maybe she did get you cheap, too!

Well, here's a question, Aztec, si ma'am: Consider the word chapa. What does it mean in Mexican Spanish, and what does it mean in Dominicano Spanish? Answer, si man, and then I'll tell you what it means in Ecuatoriano Spanish, see man.

I shall ask Mrs. T-B. tomorrow what differences she notes in terminology. I do know that there are differences even between Ecuatoriano and Colombiano Spanish, and they're neighbors.

TBoneTX,

To me, the word "chapa" means key hole. I do not know what it means (if anything) to my husband. What does it mean to Ecuatorians?

I have had the opportunity to talk to many different Spanish speaking people, though most of the Latino population here is Mexican. I have talked to Dominicans, Hondurans, Salvadoreans, Colombians, Ecuatorians, Venezuelans, Chileans and very few times to Spaniards. We do speak very differently and use different words.

Thankfully I am Dominican American, so my husband and I don't have any problems in terms of Spanish. However, I remember one day I was on the phone with him and told someone around me to "** off". I had previously told him the word was sometimes used to say when you have sex with someone in a vulgar way. Needless to say, he was so confused and was conviced that I was saying something about "fukcing someone", which we all know is something totally different!!! It was so hard to explain to him that it can be used in so many different ways.

Funny! That's why I love that word, it is very flexible and can be used in a variety of ways.

Why was he referred to a Psychiatrist? This is not a routine part of the medical exam...

Hello everyone!

I thought I would start a topic about a really important issue that ALL couples face -but particularly important to us- people in the Visa Journey. How do you manage language differences?

By language I do not only mean the actual set of words and sounds that construct and convey meaning (English, Spanish, French, etc.) but I also mean to include in this word the regional differences and idioms particular of a specific tongue, specially those languages that are spoken in different countries and regions. Have you had to learn your spouse's language, along with his or her particular and specific cultural myths -meaning the values, behaviors, and attitudes that are the social norms of a particular culture-?

For me, it has been an interesting journey. My husband and I are both native Spanish speakers. Therefore, you would think that we both speak the "same" language, right? Wrong! I have had to learn the Dominicanisms and he has had to learn the Mexicanisms appropriate to our regional Spanish. To me, it is interesting that we have both have to become "bilingual" (in a sense). We have had to learn the cultural myths, ideas, and idioms specific to our different native countries. Added to this mix has been the added complication of living in this country.

Can you share an anecdote of your journey as related to these language differences and adjustments?

I could share many instances, but my current favorite is my husband's adoption of the word "chingada," which is a word that we, Mexicans, use. He knows how to mandar a alguien a la chingada, which is the English equivalent to sending someone, well, far away. F* off? Maybe? This is a word which is not used in the the DR, but has learned to use by his close contact with Mexicans in our city and common friends. On the other hand, he has learned some English, too. He has learned the also complicated meaning of the F word. How much of a couple's communication depends on language and how much of it depends on the specific meanings and use of words particular to a specific culture and region?

Comment away!

The cost of living varies GREATLY depending on what area on the country you will plan to live in. You could rent an apartment for US$500 in some areas while in other you would need at least US$1,500. Also, it depends on the level of comfort and/or frugality you are willing to endure. Do you plan on cooking all your meals at home and not go out at all? Should your budget include some going out and entertainment? How about transportation costs? There are really too many variables to give a figure.

How exciting! May the outcome be a positive one

Hi VJ,

I have been reading alot of posts and they dont all say the same thing.

here is my question: Does your spouse need to be with you at the interview at the consulate

This question is Consulate/Embassy specific. Take the time to read the reviews of people who interviewed at your Consulate/Embassy to fill in your particulars.

Great - thanks. We were worried. AS people have told him that he must stay here in the US for 1 year before he can travel back to the US.

He is free to travel outside of the country once he receives his permanent resident card. Be aware, however, that if he plans to be outside of the US for more than 12 months he will first need to apply for a re-entry permit before leaving.

OK HOW CAN I CORRECT ALL OF THAT???? KNOWING MY INTERVIEW IS ABOUT DAYS FAR FROM TODAY????????

You cannot correct the history of your relationship. What you can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Make sure that you take with you to the interview ALL POSSIBLE PAPERS AND PROOF that would show your marriage is bona fide and legitimate. You need to be prepared to defend your case as though your life depended on it. Therefore, take all of the proof you can gather (pictures, e-mails, letters, chart conversations, money transfer receipts, proof of joint accounts -if any, etc.)

Best wishes!

I sent 10 for my K1. I do not know whether that is a "make or break factor," but I think I would send at least 10 or a dozen showing different times, places, people, etc. Make sure to caption your photographs (you can simply write the people, date, and time on the back of the picture).