1. Friendship in the Spanish-speaking world

2. Here in the USA In the United States, we generally see that young people have a large circle of friends. These circle of friends spend a lot of time together inside and outside of school. Usually these groups spend time together apart from their families and many young people find themselves closer to their friends than their siblings or parents. Close friendships tend to develop quickly here.

3. In Spanish-speaking countries Generally we find that young people have a smaller group of people with whom they spend time. Others not in the group would be recognized as acquaintances but not friends. Young people would also tend to spend more time with their families than US teenagers would be used to doing. It also takes longer to develop close relationships there than it does here.

4. What do you think? These differences aren’t necessarily a matter of right and wrong but a matter of how people interact with each other in a culture. What are some PROS of the Spanish-speaking cultures’ view of friendship? CONS? How about our culture? What are some PROS and CONS?

5. Going back to the language… Think of all the terms we have for “friend” in English: Pal Buddy BFF Bestie Brother/Bro

6. Spanish has a lot of words for “Friend” Some words are widely known, but others are rather specific to certain countries or regions. Amigo (generic word) Hermano (lit. brother) Cuate (Mex.) Amigote (Spain) Compinche (Argentina) Compay (Cuba) Pana (South Am.) Compa (Costa Rica)