[Jazzy Jeff]

Good day to all. What is the difference in the traditional spanish that is taught in high schools and the spanish that is spoken in Latin America, and will those differences prevent me from communicating once I arrive? Thanks.

[FretDancer]

Probably the main difference would be slang words, words that 'normally' mean something but are used in different context. Obviously (as far as I'm concerned at least) this is never taught in schools because it is not formal and because it varies between countries, even if it's spanish for all of those countries.

Also not only slang words but complete expressions or phrases that when traduced to english would sound very weird, stupid or even lame. Again this will vary in some countries guaranteed.

I don't think they will prevent you from communicating, but you will definitely have less advantage because you might not understand some jokes, or maybe you will lack the ability to create more productive and delivering lines/jokes/openers etc.

Don't worry about it though, these things are learned with time (if you stay long enough that is).

By the way, which country in Latin America are you planning on visiting?

[Jazzy Jeff]

Thanks for that good info FretDancer. After gathering information from this forum as well as others I've decided to try Cartagena as my intro into Latin America likely the early part of March. Thankfully I have a litttle time to get the proper resources to ensure a good time.

[maestrobaires]

beyond yeismo / voseo and a bit different grammar in spanish spoken in argentina and uruguay, there is not much of differences between dialects. it's actually slang and pronunciation that makes up the major difference. getting used to a local jerga (slang / colloquialisms) take a while, doesn't matter how good you spanish is. mastering it makes a whole new experience and opens you many doors