Lima/ Lim?n-
Steve-
Your questions don't always have to be grammar related. Questions that relate to vocabulary usage are just as valuable. I am not sure why people don't take the opportunity to discuss and compare. I have thought about it for a while and IMO, I don't think lima (lime) and lemon (lim?n) are interchangeable or vary from country to country as far as I know. It could be that when you asked for one or the other the person was not really paying attention to what you are asking for or as you said it may be that you got what they had in stock at the time.
We have had discussions like this before about fruit and vegetables and vocabulary in general definitely does vary in the Spanish-speaking world but this does not compare IMO. Personally, because I don't limit my exposure I have become so used to having to know many ways to say a word either generic vocabulary or country specific.
In this forum many ask for the Dominican way to say XYZ, which I can understand why but I also think the generic way is equally important since the Spanish language is extremely broad and diverse. As well, Spanish spoken in the DR only represents an estimated 3% of the world's total Spanish-speaking population. IMO, it's more valuable to have a wealth of standard vocabulary and if there's a local word someone will tell you.
Just to give some examples of what I mean as compared to your question:
Bus- varies from country to country ranging from the Caribbean guagua to ?mnibus (Peru), colectivo (M?xico), micro (Chile) or simply autob?s. The usage of autob?s in the USA or Canada would be perfect because Spanish speakers are from different countries. A country specific example as referenced may not be understood by all depending on their exposure to the Spanish language.
(Black) coffee- Colombians are very specific. They never say "un caf?". Coffee in Colombia is "un tinto". Although I don't drink coffee I know that when I speak to a Colombian it would be best to use the local word not to say they would not understand the generic "caf?".
Trunk- this word varies quite a bit ranging from ba?l to maletero to cajuela. I tend not to accommodate with this word. I use "ba?l" and if someone does not understand I will say "maletero". "Cajuela" is Mexican.
Money- referenced in another thread titled "Regionalismos". By choice I use "plata" which is common all over South America but not in the Caribbean.
The ground floor (of a building)- the next time when you are in a Latin country observe the usage. I use what I believe to be the standard "la planta baja". However, you will hear "el primer piso" or possibly another variation. It's all about making observations which makes language learning interesting and fun.
I could easily provide more examples, however, I am sure you understand the point of my comparison. As far as I know, lima and lim?n don't vary unlike let's say the word for watermelon compare "sand?a" (standard) to "patilla" used in Venezuela.
-LDG.
PD. Norma, regarding your examples and the uasge of "de m?s" in the other thread etc. I agree with you 100%.
