NTC's Dictionary of Mexican Cultural Code Words: The Complete Guide to Key Words That Express How the Mexicans Think, Communicate, and Behave

by Boyé Lafayette de Mente

Book Overview

Explores the meanings of, and cultural context for, over 100 essential Mexican expressions, providing the reader with a map to the character and personality of the Mexican people. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0844279595
• ISBN13: 9780844279596
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

The lady doth protest too much, methinks

An excellent resource and worth every penny. I work extensively with the Hispanic migrant community in south Georgia, and the insights gained from this book have proven time and time invaluable.Sure some of his translations are shoddy at best, but he doesn't claim to be a linguist. I have spent a lot of time on the border and on the other side, and and wrapping up a degree in Spanish, and am frequently complimented on my cultural fluency. The book does deal in some stereotypes; however, honest people will admit that there is truth in stereotypes else they would not exist.View this book as a door opener to a wonderful world.

Very Good One

I'm a mexican who after reading some of the captions on the site bought this book for my dutch boyfriend and another dutch friend who is living in Mexico now, It has been very helpful for them to understand why we mexicans behave in a certain way. I don't find it insulting or dimishing the mexican culture. It is funny to see how others see us.

Accurate and entertaining as well as educational

I have lived in Mexico for 2 years. Although some seem insulted by this book, I have found it extremely helpful in aiding my family and I to understand how Mexican's think. It differs from our cultural view of things. It contains an excellent history of Cortez and the influence of the Catholic church which still plays a major role in the daily culture of the people. I am purchasing a second copy today. It's worth every penny. I also have NYC's Dictionary of China's Cultural Code Words. Mr. De Mente does an excellent job of capturing the flavor of a culture.

Mexico Lloyd says Thumbs up on this one.

This book is almost a bible. My friends and I who have traveled and worked extensively in Mexico found this book to be very entertaining. I have given away copies to new arrivals and have developed a list of topics not covered in the book, which should be included in future editions. Reading this book along with a good history book and perhaps "Aztec" would be a good foundation for your Mexico experience.

No better introduction to Mexican culture.

Ntc's Dictionary of Mexican Cultural Code Words occupies a treasured place in my collection of Latin American lore.This 'dictionary' is actually an alphabetical collection of insights into the 'what' and 'why' of current Mexican culture. The authors have purposefully chosen subjects that would normally confuse, dismay or confound a U.S. or Canadian citizen. These cultural customs, beliefs and practices all differ greatly from those in the rest of North America. Furthermore they illuminate and illustrate the differences. The book is organized in nightstand or bathroom sized segments, each requiring only a few interesting minutes to impart an important slice of cultural awareness.As an instructor in Latin American culture, I'm aware that most Americans view Latin America through the 'filter' of Mexico. Since their image of Mexico is distorted, this further perverts their impressions of Latin America. This book clears up a great deal of the cultural component of our distorted image of Mexico, and many of the insights apply to other Spanish-speaking Latin American cultures.Absolutely excellent, and worth every penny.