My Spanish language abilities are progressing little by little (poco a poco). However, one thing my wonderful and extremely patient Spanish teacher, Laura Olachea, has neglected to cover is Madre-isms; those too numerous to count and unique to Mexican Spanish, expressions that the mamas, hijas, and hermanas for the most part never use, at least not in mixed or polite company.
Of course, being that one doesn’t know what one doesn’t know, I was oblivious! Oblivious, that is, until I read Norma Hawthorne’s review of the new book, Madre: Perilous Journeys With a Spanish Noun, by Liza Bakewell. Intrigued, I purchased the book when I was in el norte in June and immediately plunged in.
In July, while I was immersed in the “madre” minefield, Liza arrived in Oaxaca for some much-needed R & R, to write an article or two, and to promote her book. I had the pleasure of getting to know her (she’s warm, smart, and funny), eat one of Aurora’s (you will meet her in the book) empanadas, and assist with setting up a couple of speaking engagements. The first, in English, was at the Oaxaca Lending Library, where the audience was overwhelmingly women and, as expected, mostly gringas. There was much surprise and laughter as Liza read excerpts from the book, expanded on points, and answered numerous questions.
The second speaking engagement, the following evening, was at the Instituto de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca (IAGO) and was conducted all in Spanish. And here, surrounded by the Rini Templeton exhibit, I looked around and noticed the majority of people attending were Mexican men. However, like Guillermo Fricke, Director of IAGO, people listened closely, occasionally chuckled knowingly, and stayed to ask questions and make respectful and thoughtful comments.
It was a much more reserved gathering than the day before, but no less attentive and appreciative. And, reflecting on previous events and observations and now reading Labyrinth of Solitude, by Octavio Paz, I’m coming to understand, except for fiestas, that is the Mexican way. Though, I wonder, if it had been all Mexican women in attendance, would it have been different? I think so. There is something about the bond women share that crosses boundaries and cultures….
However, thanks to Liza, at least while in Mexico, I may never utter the word, madre, again!
(ps) If your local library doesn’t have Madre: Perilous Journeys With a Spanish Noun, ask them to order it!
(pps) Another insightful review of Madre has just appeared on GlobetrotterGirls.com
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