In the bustling city of Guadalajara, there lies a secret group that meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 6 pm sharp in a secluded café to practice their Spanish skills called ‘Chapu Speaks’. The group was started by a Mexican-American man named Chapu who wanted to create a space where people could comfortably practice their Spanish without fear of judgment or ridicule. The group’s first rule is simple, “You don’t talk about Chapu Speaks” not only does it create an air of mystery, but it also protects the privacy of its members.
Every meeting, Chapu greets every member at the door with a warm smile and a friendly “Bienvenido!” After everyone orders their drinks, the group gathers around a large table where they share stories and chat in Spanish for the first hour. If someone is struggling with a particular word or phrase, the group is more than happy to help, making everyone feel included and welcome.
After the first hour, Chapu makes an announcement, “Y ahora, cambiaremos a decir media hora en inglés!” which roughly translates to “And now, we’ll switch to speaking English for half an hour!” This rule ensures that everyone gets a chance to practice both languages, making sure they’re well-rounded in their language learning. The group also uses this opportunity to discuss English grammar and vocabulary, amongst other things.
As a member of Chapu Speaks, there are unspoken but essential manners that everyone adheres to, such as being punctual and respectful of everyone’s ideas and opinions. Anyone can join, regardless of their language proficiency, as long as they’re willing to learn and participate. One of the most exciting parts of the group is the exposure to different cultures, as the members come from all walks of life, making for a unique experience.
So, if you’re ever in Guadalajara, and you’re looking to practice your Spanish and meet new people, ‘Chapu Speaks’ might be worth checking out, just remember the first rule!
Puntos Gramáticales: Tips for Spanish Amongst Friends
- Use informal language when speaking amongst friends like “Tú” instead of “usted”.
- Use commonly used phrases like “¡Que chido!” which means “how cool”.
- When switching from Spanish to English, it’s helpful to start with a short phrase indicating the language change.
- Listen closely to slang and colloquialisms
- Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, that’s how you learn!