Posts tagged Spanish English
Did You Know That the Three Most Prevalent Languages in Panama Are Spanish, English, and Chinese?
Nov 2nd
It comes as no surprise to most that the second most used language in Panama (a Spanish speaking country) is English. After aiding Panama to get its independence from Columbia in the early 1900s, the United States built and controlled the Panama Canal for 85 years. The presence of so many Americans speaking English for all those years makes it easy to understand why English is the second most used language in Panama. In many areas of the country there still remain large concentrations of English speaking expatriates.
Even though the United States turned over control of the Canal and the former Canal Zone to the Panamanian government in 1999, the contacts with the U.S. and other English speaking populations continue to be of importance. As an international trade language, English will probably continue its importance in the commerce of Panama, regardless of the number of native English speakers actually living within the country.
However, it is less commonly known that Chinese have had an active presence in the country of Panama for about 150 years and Chinese is the third most commonly spoken language in the country. It has been estimated that more than 90% of the 200,000 plus individuals of Chinese heritage speak Cantonese, but many of the 80,000 plus new immigrants who have arrived since about 2003 from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan speak Mandarin, the official language of mainland China.
The earliest Chinese came over about 1854 to help build the Panamanian railroad and have been a significant presence ever since. The number of Chinese in Panama City’s Chinatown is the largest in Central America. These Chinese Panamanians are the largest and most influential minority group in the country, and have been a significant influence throughout the last century.
Their influence has increased in recent years due to their role in the running of the Panama Canal; and most recently, in the construction of the third set of locks for the Canal. The new locks will make it possible for the world’s largest ships — that now have to go all around the tip of South America — to get from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts with ease. Until these new locks are completed, the size of ships (known as Panamax) passing through the Canal will be limited to the length and width of the present locks.
The influence of the Chinese people is likely to continue for some years into the future, increasing rather than diminishing the importance of Panama’s third most prevalent language, Chinese.
Costa Rica 101
Oct 23rd
Costa Rica extends 200 miles wide from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean and it borders Nicaragua in the north and Panama in the south, with the land portion occupying 20,000 square miles. When you travel throughout the provinces of Costa Rica, it’s easy to notice the many landscape and climate variations. This small nation is one of the most visited destinations by tourists from all around the world, with the majority of tourist coming from the United States.
The country of Costa Rica is divided into 7 provinces, which are: San Jose (capital city), Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Puntarenas, Guanacaste and Limon. Each province has their own distinction either by climate, landscape or cultural. Between all the provinces you will find all sorts of attractions, like: rain forests, volcanoes, national parks, beaches, museums and restaurants.
Population: 4,100,000 (Over 2,000,000 tourists for 2008)
Language: Spanish (English is spoken in a lot of tourists area)
Currency: The official currency is the Colon. The dollar is widely accepted and the exchange rate is roughly 500 colones to $1 USD.
Climate: Costa Rica’s year round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring breezes, cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and mountains are cool; sometimes it might reach the low 60′s, while on the beaches it’s a bit warmer, reaching the low to mid 90′s. The only seasons that exist are the wet and dry season, the difference between the two is the precipitation, while the temperature stays about the same year round.
Entry Requirements: U.S. and Canadian citizens holding valid passports are permitted to visit Costa Rica from 30 to 90 days without a visa. Once in the country, it is possible in some cases to apply for an extension. Certain nationalities require a visa before arrival; make sure to check with a Costa Rica consulate or embassy in your country to confirm what exactly is required for legal entry.
Communication: Telephone, internet and cable television is found almost in all parts of Costa Rica. If you plan on bringing a mobile phone from the U.S., AT&T is the most recognized service provider in Costa Rica. If you plan on sending back a post card to family or friends the postal system is efficient enough to get it there for you.
Transportation: There are many forms to get around this beautiful land, from public buses, taxis, private shuttles, airplanes and helicopters. In certain areas ATV’s, golf carts and bicycles are a popular way of transportation. Most methods of transportation are very affordable and safe. If you want to drive your own way around the country you have many rental car companies to choose from, let it be a franchised or local company.
Food and Water: The water is safe to drink in most areas of the country, if you aren’t sure if you should drink the water you can always find bottled water at a local store. The food has a slight exotic flavor in most dishes but it isn’t spicy, which is great for all ages. There really isn’t a meal you shouldn’t try, almost all dishes are worth at least trying and figuring out on your own if it’s something you enjoy or not. A common lunch or dinner includes: rice, beans, some type of salad, and a choice of beef, chicken, fish or pork.
This small country is very peaceful with wonderful people, places and food to enjoy. It’s no wonder why this small but attractive country has become one of the most popular destinations in the last 20 years. Start making plans to make a getaway and see exactly for yourself what Costa Rica is all about.
