Language in itself is representative of culture and thought. “The cultural context determines the way people interact and make perceptions regarding any situation or the object of life. Thus, the existence of language into culture serves as the means of communication among the individuals of a society.”1 In the process of acquiring a foreign language, it is imperative to delve into expressions, for they convey an extra meaning that may not make sense in the native language, but they will help understand attitudes, ideas and values in the target language and consequently, make communication more effective.
As the current edition focuses on leadership, H.O. staff have compiled a list of expressions commonly used in many parts of Latin America and Spain that are directly related to the one in command.
Example: Aquí solo [mis] chicharrones truenan. (used adapting the possessive adjective and verb to the person in question)
Literal translation: Here only [my] chicharrones thunder/make a loud sound.
Chicharrón: Pork skin, fried until crunchy.
Meaning: Here, I’m the only one in command.
Example: Aquí, soy el mero mero petatero (used adapting the subject and verb)
Literal translation: Here, I’m the only, only petatero.
Petatero: Person that sells or makes petate.
Petate: Mat. Also, a big pack of clothes.
Meaning: Here, I’m the one and only leader.
Example: Expression used as it is.
Literal translation: The one who divides and distributes keeps the best/biggest part.
Meaning: He who takes the lead takes advantage.
Example: Expression used as it is.
Literal translation: The one that pays the mariachi is the one that chooses the songs.
Mariachi: Mexican music genre.
Meaning: The one that pays the price is entitled to make decisions.
Example: Tomás tomó el toro por los cuernos y resolvió el problema. (used adapting the subject and verb)
Literal translation: Tomás took the bull by the horns.
Meaning: Someone bravely takes the lead to tackle a problem head on, without hesitation.
Example: Expression used as it is.
Literal translation: Where the captain is in command, the sailors are not.
Meaning: Where there is a leader, the followers should obey.
Example: Juan lleva la batuta. (used adapting the subject and verb)
Literal translation: Juan holds the baton.
Meaning: Only one person at a time runs the show, directs and organizes.
Example: Expression used as it is.
Literal translation: When the cat is absent, the mice play.
Meaning: When there is no leader, people do as they please.
Example: Expression used as it is.
Literal translation: The one who is a rooster sings in any coop.
Meaning: The one born to be a leader will be so in any situation.
Example: Expression used as it is.
Literal translation: The one who knows, knows; the one who doesn’t is the boss.
Meaning: Leaders are not always qualified to do their jobs. This expression focuses on leaders placed in managing positions as a result of political favors.
Example: Expression used as it is.
Literal translation: Noble masters make noble servants.
Meaning: Good leaders inspire their subordinates to do their best.
Example: Expression used as it is.
Literal translation: He who makes the law cheats
Meaning: The ones in charge of enforcing the law do not follow the rules.
Example: En esta casa, Marta lleva los pantalones. (Used adapting subject and verb)
Literal translation: In this house, Marta wears the pants.
Meaning: older expression generally used for households and applied to the alpha leader (male or female).
Example: En mi trabajo, el Sr. Pérez corta el bacalao. (Used adapting subject and verb)
Literal translation: At work, Mr. Pérez cuts the cod.
Meaning: The one in charge makes decisions.
Example: Quiero hablar con el dueño del circo, no con los payasos/monos. (Used adapting subject and verb)
Literal translation: I want to talk to the circus owner and not to the clowns/monkeys.
Meaning: Generally used in anger to get access to the person in charge.
References:
1 & 2 Soomro, Sheeraz and Kazemian, Bahram and Mahar, Israr, The Importance of Culture in Second and Foreign Language Learning (September 6, 2015). Dinamika Ilmu: Journal of Education. 15(1), 1-10 (2015), DOI:10.1080/j.dl.joe.2015.15.1.1.10. , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2656713 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2656713
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