Quote:
Originally Posted by Queserasera
Guadalajara is known to have a large community of English speaking expats. Some things I've read indicate you need a good knowledge of Spanish to live there. On the other hand, I've read blogs by some Americans who live there who don't seem to have a very high level of Spanish.
I'm considering Guadalajara among several possible places to retire in Mexico, but I have quite a ways to go and therefore plenty of time to improve my Spanish. Based on my last Spanish class a few months ago, I'd say I'm an advanced beginner. I'll probably do just fine getting around on vacation but probably would have a hard time calling a plumber if I were living there.
Is there anyone who lives there who can enlighten me?
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Welcome to the forum! I am living in the US and plan to move to Mexico during 2010. In my opinion, you should have a conversational knowledge of the Spanish language. Like English in the US, each area of Mexico has its own dialectal Spanish. You should assume that you will require an "every day" or "street level" proficiency in Spanish. You note that you have sufficient time before you retire to Mexico, I would suggest that you use that time to your best advantage to learn the Spanish language, both written and spoken. Your cultural inclusion is always best when you are proficient in the native language! I am proficient in written Spanish but I am muy mal in spoken Spanish. I would suggest that you learn the basics of the language and then attend a language school when you make the move to Mexico. I will be moving to Cuernavaca which has several excellent language schools. A good language school would be an asset to whatever location you choose.