I recently came across an interesting article about language barriers that Cubans living in Puerto Rico face(d). As I stated in previous threads one of the common elements of Caribbean Spanish- Cuba, DR and PR is the syntax structure. However, I rarely mention the lexical (vocabulary) similarities and differences. Via my own observations and research I have always believed there are closer lexical similarities in the DR and PR and Cuba is the country that is less similar from a lexical standpoint. The vocabulary (excluding slang) similarities are due to many factors but the key aspect is proximity. The DR and PR are closer in proximity therefore this aspect lends itself to a shared vocabulary. Again the aspect of linguistic drift discussed by many linguists comes into place. The DR and PR share many lexical properties and Cuba usually is the country that has a unique equivalent to the DR or PR word.
As well, the author of the article commented on the noted speech differences in various parts of Cuba: el acento y la entonaci?n eran muy peculiares y me llamaba la atenci?n (especially the Eastern part of the island) and in Puerto Rico: los puertorrique?os como caribe?os e isle?os tambi?n tienen su manera ?nica de llamar las cosas muy diferentes a como los cubanos le llamamos en nuestra patria.
Here some interesting lexical comparisons (with some DR similarities):
Cuba vs. Puerto Rico
Frijoles= habichuelas
Naranjas =chinas (both common in the DR)
Mamoncillo= quenepa (both common in the DR)
Fruta bomba= lechosa
Catarro= monga
Mentira= embuste
Cola= fila
Refrigerador= nevera
Chisme= bochinche
Arroz con leche= arroz con dulce
Guajiro= j?baro
Ventilador= abanico
BTW abanico really intrigues South Americans. I remember the first time one of my non-Caribbean friends heard me use that word he had know clue what it meant. Apparently this is uniquely DR/PR usage.
There are more examples but I will conclude here. In spite of the differences I am familiar with all the Cuban vocabulary and it is always good to know the equivalent word. If you wish to read the article in full here is the link.
Articulo
PD. Note the title of the article is interesting which reflects the combination of 'cubanos que viven en Borinquen' (Puerto Rico).
LDG.
As well, the author of the article commented on the noted speech differences in various parts of Cuba: el acento y la entonaci?n eran muy peculiares y me llamaba la atenci?n (especially the Eastern part of the island) and in Puerto Rico: los puertorrique?os como caribe?os e isle?os tambi?n tienen su manera ?nica de llamar las cosas muy diferentes a como los cubanos le llamamos en nuestra patria.
Here some interesting lexical comparisons (with some DR similarities):
Cuba vs. Puerto Rico
Frijoles= habichuelas
Naranjas =chinas (both common in the DR)
Mamoncillo= quenepa (both common in the DR)
Fruta bomba= lechosa
Catarro= monga
Mentira= embuste
Cola= fila
Refrigerador= nevera
Chisme= bochinche
Arroz con leche= arroz con dulce
Guajiro= j?baro
Ventilador= abanico
BTW abanico really intrigues South Americans. I remember the first time one of my non-Caribbean friends heard me use that word he had know clue what it meant. Apparently this is uniquely DR/PR usage.
There are more examples but I will conclude here. In spite of the differences I am familiar with all the Cuban vocabulary and it is always good to know the equivalent word. If you wish to read the article in full here is the link.
Articulo
PD. Note the title of the article is interesting which reflects the combination of 'cubanos que viven en Borinquen' (Puerto Rico).
LDG.
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