Each month we will review a smart phone travel app for South America, if you have an iPhone, Blackberry or Android keep an eye on this feature.
Technology is changing the way we travel and in some cases making it a lot easier, especially if you are not fluent in a country's language. When I traveled to Argentina and especially Buenos Aires I struggled with the language. I am not fluent but as an intermediate Spanish speaker it was challenging to understand what people were saying to me.
While I did understand that Spanish was spoken with a different accent, there seemed to be a lot of phrases that I had never heard before and words that were not common in other South American countries. After a few weeks I picked up on the slang but I wish I had done a bit of work in advance.
I did not have a smart phone at the time but if you are traveling to Buenos Aires you may want to consider this app.
What is it
Porteño Spanish by Online Language Help
Price
$0.99
Who is it for
Those already fluent in Spanish who have travel plans for Buenos Aires and surrounding areas.
Details
Many Argentines will tell you they do not speak Spanish but Castellano which is considered to have its own Italian-like pronunciation of Spanish and in Buenos Aires it also includes its unique slang known as Lunfardo.
This app guides you through the language with a vast dictionary of commonly used phrases.
Features Include:
- Dictionary of Porteño Lundardo phrases
- Study quizzes to test your knowledge
- Ability to send phrases to friend or make additional suggestions
What we love about it
For Americans you'll learn little nuances from the Mexican Spanish you learned at school, which is not well received in Argentina. For example "Como estas, ese?" is said differently in Porteño Spanish, and would be better phrased as "Que hacés, che?" And while Argentines will still understand most Spanish, you'll receive more smiles for attempting to use the local dialect.
The guide is also quite practical as it also uses common adult phrases used in dating and dealing with the opposite sex.
What could be better
Final thoughts
While it is not the most complex app, it does not over promise and for 99 cents it is a great dictionary of commonly used phrases to help you fit in with Porteños.
If you have a suggestion for a travel app for South America please feel free to contact me for review.
