I’m pretty decent at Spanish. I can hold my own in a conversation if it’s spoken slowly enough and I have time to think about what I want to say. Being surrounded in Spanish 24/7 has done nothing but help my reaction time with answers and my understanding of the language. However, I am not yet fluent (I’ve been here for two weeks).

Because I can hold my own, people get excited and start talking super fast, but in reality I can't process what you're saying. I’m still a "gringa" learning the language. Please. Speak. Slower.

I also need time to think so please don’t try to finish my sentences for me, let me do it all on my own. And please, for the love of all things holy, DON’T switch to English. you may know English better than I know Spanish, but I’m here to learn. I got this.

There is a good chance I’m going to know most of the Spanish songs in the club. Last weekend when we all went out, both gringos and Ecuadorians alike were shocked at my knowledge of Reggaeton. I listen to A LOT of Spanish music so I can learn the language better. And yes, I can dance. I channel my inner zumba instructor and shake my hips like Shakira.

So if you are talking to someone learning a new language, please remember that they are learning. They probably need time to think so don’t get frustrated if the conversation is slow, they will get better with practice. They probably know a lot of music in that language, don’t be surprised.

In closing, be patient, speak the language the person is trying to learn, and break out some dope music.