We were going through the PowerPoint, and this is what it said:
-New L1 words are created using L2 base forms (foreign base and native inflections)
To me, this is also known as Chinglish, where I mix Chinese and English (in my case) to form new words.
The slide gave this as one of the examples:
Ay te wacho
My professor, having no background in Spanish, asked people to explain what this meant. She had taken this slide from another professor who taught the course last semester. Basically, one student in the class said:
I will be blunt. It's basically the Spanish equivalent for nigger. So if you aren't Spanish, don't use it.
The professor cracked up. She said, "This is why you don't put up anything you don't know the meaning of!" (She was referring to putting up artifacts/posters in the classroom to make students feel welcome).
I sat there thinking about all the times that I accidentally used cuss word or off humor vocabulary... you know... all the times I thought people misspoke or miss-typed...hahaha. Just don't do the same thing as me! One of my other problems was when I would just reply "Yes" to everything. For your own sake, no matter what the circumstance is, do not do that. Always ask for clarification if you need it. It is not stupid or ignorant to ask for clarification.
One time, my host mom made this sarcastic remark about it being a shame to not be able to see naked men at the pool. I was about to fall asleep during the conversation (she had just picked me up from an activity and it was midnight), so I wasn't paying any attention and just said "Yeah." I didn't process any of what she said. Needless to say, HUGE mistake. She never stopped making fun of me for that.
Sometimes, I honestly think it is better to learn the slang vocabulary first. That way, when people are using it, you have a context. I wonder how the heck I got through life not knowing common cuss vocabulary. I grew up hearing it all the time, but it just never crossed my mind that people would want to say things like that. But I mean, if it's used as a de-stresser or to emphasize a point, then it's fine. Well, not completely. But you get my point.
So in summary:
1. Use vocabulary you know.
2. If you don't know, ASK (the right person).
3. ACTUALLY ask the question. Yes, we all know it in theory. Theory is never enough.
Other Thoughts in Relation:
Germans really appreciate it when you ask questions (for the most part). Make sure you think your question through, though!
If you have a problem, confront it (hello, misscommunication-- due to vocabulary or otherwise). Ignoring an issue is never the way out. Letting it drag on is certainly never the way out. And you are only in Germany for a year, so don't you dare let it drag out. End on a good note (at least on your part). Oh yeah, and when talking, be calm. It doesn't help when both people or parties are like fireballs. I know this well from my family experiences...just don't.
The one thing I appreciate so much about Germans is that they will take the time to talk it through with you. You may not reach a compromise, but they are usually willing to talk (yay for maturity :)). Humor is always a great way to diffuse a situation, but make sure you know German humor well before attempting it :) I will never get German humor, but that's just me :D
Words are interesting to me. What if I just made up a word and told everyone it meant something bad and people started to use it? I think it all comes down to where your heart and motives are when you use words. If it was a bad motive, then it doesn't matter. It was bad. Humor is great when the heart behind the joke is wholesome, no matter what the joke is! Laugh. It's always good for you! :D If you can't laugh, you need to change that attitude and perspective. Exchange is not easy, but there sure are a lot of opportunities for laughter.
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