The Secrets to Thriving in Argentina.....

[Mira Vos!]

one of the best tips i can give is, don't expect to have everything exactly as you had it in the US. if you come here with that expectation, it will either stress you out or eventually force you to change your ways or expectations.

once you start to accept that, life becomes a little easier. but you will still be faced with the rest of the general BS and chaos of argentina

That makes sense, any specific examples you noticed once you moved ?

 

[EL_TIGRE_de_Tigre]

Appreciate the advice Tigre, definitely makes sense. Have definitely found myself the last month really focusing on people speaking Argentine Spanish (Dustin Luke, shows like TyC Sports, Argentinian TV on YouTube). My Spanish is maybe 6/10, but do you think the locals in BA appreciate foreigners trying to speak more local (slang words like tranqui, re copado etc) compared to "Gringo Spanish"?

My opinion regarding "PARROTING" ... "MIMICKING" ... whatever you want to call it:

Unless you get to a ridiculously high level of a local language along with a near complete knowledge of local life, customs etc ... you will be easy to spot as a foreigner, wherever you go. And there is nothing wrong with that as long as you have respect for the place you are and the people who make up the community there.

Having said that, it is my strong belief that one should try to fit in, wherever they may be, whatever the situation. I practice it always. In as much as I try as best I can to speak with the local accent, using the local words / slang and gestures. Most people who observe this will respect you for trying to fit in and do well. There will always be someone who will have a problem with it, but remember, they have a problem with everything that comes their way in life. They are negative people. And negative people are to be avoided, if possible.

So, ask yourself this:

What was my reaction whenever I encountered a foreigner in my country try to communicate with me or someone else in my native language trying their best to communicate like a native?

Chances are, if you are an open minded, fair person, you had no problem with it. And it is quite possible you recognized the incredible effort they were making to be accepted and understood how awesome it was that a person could function in a second langue / second culture.

To me, the ability to communicate in another language and thrive in another culture is a major feather in one's cap.

WEAR IT PROUD! You can do something not everyone else can!

 

[Ceviche]

Would definitely look local for something like that! Same if I was looking for a Boxing or Muay Thai instructor. How common is Tango with locals that are 18-35 years old? That's another thing I'd be possibly interesting in, whether it's going to free classes or actually getting a teacher.

Will be easy to find a trainer for "boxing" and "tango". I doubt you will find a local trainer for "Muay Thai" ; instead try looking for a trainer for "Brazilian Jiu Jitsu".

 

[Alby]

Appreciate the advice Tigre, definitely makes sense. Have definitely found myself the last month really focusing on people speaking Argentine Spanish (Dustin Luke, shows like TyC Sports, Argentinian TV on YouTube). My Spanish is maybe 6/10, but do you think the locals in BA appreciate foreigners trying to speak more local (slang words like tranqui, re copado etc) compared to "Gringo Spanish"?

The secret to learning another language (or perhaps, the secret to getting from 6/10 to a higher level) is to learn about the things that are only performed in that language. Which are, more or less by definition, the things that only occur in the countries where that language is spoken. Learning a language is as much about learning to talk about the things that speakers of that language discuss, as it is about learning vocabulary and grammar (and, in fact, learning to talk about the things the speakers of the language discuss will, almost automatically, improve vocabulary and broaden one's control of grammar).

When in Argentina, for example, we have to learn to talk with Argentines about the things that Argentines are competent to discuss and are interested in discussing. So, switch off from home. The world is full of language students wasting their time doing a semester overseas, going to classes but hanging out with each other in their native language and communicating with people at home in their native language. So, my tip would be: no social media in English, and no following US or Floridian politics/sport/culture/economics/current affairs/or whatever else it may be that interests you at home. Instead invest in learning about their Argentine equivalents, so that you have something useful to say to Argentinians which they will be interested in and able to respond to, which will then lead to deeper conversations about how those things work in Argentina, which will in turn teach you more language, whilst at the same time making you more interested in those topics, which will in turn make you research more about those topics, which will in turn lead you into more conversations, and so it goes--a truly virtuous cycle.

 

[Ceviche]

The ability to communicate in another language and thrive in another culture is a major feather in one's cap.

WEAR IT PROUD! You can do something not everyone else can!

Indeed. I always tell people, that I have many achievements in my life starting from coming from an extremely poor and 3rd world country. However, my biggest achievement in life is being able to communicate in Spanish.. I make 1000's of grammatical errors in Spanish. But I can communicate non stop for 7 days with a person who speaks only Spanish and without using absolutely any tool or app. I consider it the biggest feather in my cap.

 

[Mira Vos!]

Indeed. I always tell people, that I have many achievements in my life starting from coming from an extremely poor and 3rd world country. However, my biggest achievement in life is being able to communicate in Spanish.. I make 1000's of grammatical errors in Spanish. But I can communicate non stop for 7 days with a person who speaks only Spanish and without using absolutely any tool or app. I consider it the biggest feather in my cap.

That's awesome Ceviche. Where are you from?

 

[Mira Vos!]

The secret to learning another language (or perhaps, the secret to getting from 6/10 to a higher level) is to learn about the things that are only performed in that language. Which are, more or less by definition, the things that only occur in the countries where that language is spoken. Learning a language is as much about learning to talk about the things that speakers of that language discuss, as it is about learning vocabulary and grammar (and, in fact, learning to talk about the things the speakers of the language discuss will, almost automatically, improve vocabulary and broaden one's control of grammar).

When in Argentina, for example, we have to learn to talk with Argentines about the things that Argentines are competent to discuss and are interested in discussing. So, switch off from home. The world is full of language students wasting their time doing a semester overseas, going to classes but hanging out with each other in their native language and communicating with people at home in their native language. So, my tip would be: no social media in English, and no following US or Floridian politics/sport/culture/economics/current affairs/or whatever else it may be that interests you at home. Instead invest in learning about their Argentine equivalents, so that you have something useful to say to Argentinians which they will be interested in and able to respond to, which will then lead to deeper conversations about how those things work in Argentina, which will in turn teach you more language, whilst at the same time making you more interested in those topics, which will in turn make you research more about those topics, which will in turn lead you into more conversations, and so it goes--a truly virtuous cycle.

Love this Alby, great advice.

 

[Ceviche]

Where are you from?

Congo.

 

[Mira Vos!]

Thankful I'm a huge Futbol fan. To the point that if possible (might need a DNI card which I don't have) I would be interested in becoming a socio (which is a way to buy season tickets for home games).

After months of research my team is River Plate (who play tonight). I'm sure months of listening to commentary, listening to analysis, and watching games will help me get ready for July if things are better by then

 

[antipodean]

From an economic standpoint:
(1) Understand that costs always catch up with FX devaluation and inflation in the end - and all of this is driven by politics and linked to USD, hence the national pastime of political chatter and speculation. Sometimes Argentina will be "expensive" other times it will be "cheap" meaning it balances out over time. The trick is to know when to buy and stock up on things while FX allows you to buy more pesos and use said pesos before they are devalued or inflation is applied to prices. At the same time don't obsess about watching the FX rates to make a $2 gain but DO keep yourself informed.
(2) Lower your expectations - Argenquality is a thing more often than not. To minimise the frustration, think of it in relation to point 1 - ultimately you get what you pay for.
(3) Do your homework. Argentina can be an incredibly complicated and expensive tax trap depending on your situation. Rules change five times a week but with time only gets more expensive, complex and difficult to "exit" from once your time is up. Save your sanity and your hard earned wealth.

From a cultural standpoint:
(1) Make local friends and have a local circle - get out of the expat bubble to understand real Argentina and appreciate the simple pleasures in life.
(2) Make an effort to learn the local language and use it. Things suddenly start to make more sense.
(3) Leave the paranoia at home. For many new arrivals their first months are spent in fear. By all means keep your wits about you regarding the inherent risks but keep perspectives in check and your time will be much more enjoyable.