There's a Word for It in Mexico

On a one year assignement in Guadalajara, Mexico, this book was one of the greatest prepatory tools I bought. Great two page descriptions of commonly used words that don't translate directly. I can't count the number of times I heard something during conversation and thought back to this book.

Most people do not realize that the country of Mexico is a very different place than the United States. Probably because the two countries are next to each other, those in the US think they pretty-much know how Mexico is and what's it's like. Basically, they cannot be further from the truth. Mexican culture and thought are very different on a very fundamental level, and Norte Americanos who travel to Mexico or deal with the Mexican people on a personal and/or business relationship need to know this.This book is a great help in understanding these differences. Basically, if you do not want to stick out like a silly-looking gringo when you are there, you should read this book.I wouldn't pay too much attention to that very strange negative review listed. There seems to be a hidden agenda there that doesn't have a whole lot to do with the contents of the book.

I am so glad I have this book. I wish I had read it when first working at a Maquiladora in Tijuana from 1974 - 75, and from 1984 - 1994. Now that I am working in Mexico again, I am able to further understand, appreciate and benefit from the information in this book. For all those who work in Mexico, associate with Mexicans in the United States and care about how Norte Americanos are perceived, please do yourselves and our dear Mexicanos a sincere favor by reading this book.

I am headed off to Mexico to be a diplomat in the US embassy. On my bookshelf are some 25 books: language, travel, and culture. I have read them all. This is by far the best of the culture books. One reviewer said it offends. Well, I suppose that could be true in a few cases. I certainly do not want to helo institutionalize stereotypes. But based on a year of study, I think this book will be very valuable to you, particularly if you are headed to Mexico to do business. One of the best features is it's snippet style. You can pick it up, read a few hints, and put it down. Compared to CULTURE SHOCK, MEXICO, this book is fantastic. One of my language instructors is native Mexican. I have tested out several of the nuances from this book on him, and have not been steered wrong yet. Cheap at twice the price.

Brilliantly organized: Spanish(and native)words are listed alphabetically and a chapter explalins their significance in Mexican culture. This is a valuable guide uninhibited by political correctness that includes a variety of topics(such as love, sex and male-female relations)not found in more run- of- the- mill efforts. De Mente's frank approach and inclusion of an array of subjects are a refreshing change from both travel guides(which barely scratch the cultural surface)and more anthropological books(which focus on more traditional topics such as historical context.) This makes for a refreshing change and is sure to provide a rich source of information not readily available to either travelers or other interested parties.