"I love the 'Cuban dialect' and I'm not going to stop learning it, even if I face criticism," says Mayren Alejandra Trejo, a young Venezuelan who, through her TikTok account, @maytrejo1105, has shared her passion for the way Cubans speak.
In a recent video, Mayren responded energetically and with humor to the criticism she has received, much of it coming, as she claims, from Cubans themselves.
Among the comments that surprised her the most, one stood out: "I’m Cuban, I’ve never spoken like that in my life. For me, the people who speak like that are from the neighborhood, rough, or marginal." Without a moment's hesitation, Mayren responded in her signature style: "My dear, don’t tell me you’re that kind of overly uptight person. I’m going to keep learning just the same, even if they call me rough."
The video not only sparked conversation but also ignited a wave of support. Many Cubans came to her defense, appreciating her interest in the island's culture: "It's a point of pride that someone from another country wants to learn about our customs, keep it up"; "Not everyone speaks the same way, but what you're doing is beautiful, welcome to our family"; "The criticism comes from those who eat sweet potatoes and burp lobster, don't pay them any mind."
Others took the opportunity to reflect on the richness of the language in Cuba. "Not everyone uses that slang, but it's part of who we are"; "Even those who think they're more refined understand it perfectly, no denying that," they wrote. There were also those who congratulated her on her response: "You gave a good lesson, keep learning because you are very much appreciated here."
For Mayren, this goes beyond words; it’s a genuine interest in connecting with a culture that she finds fascinating. And even though critics may try to hold her back, her message is clear: "I’m not concerned with what others say; I’m going to learn anyway."
Frequently asked questions about the fascination with the Cuban dialect and responses to criticism.
Why does Mayren Alejandra Trejo want to learn to speak like Cubans?
Mayren Alejandra Trejo has expressed her love for the way Cubans speak and her desire to learn the "Cuban dialect." For her, this represents a connection to a culture that she finds fascinating, despite the criticism she has received from some Cubans.
How has Mayren responded to the criticism regarding her interest in the Cuban dialect?
Mayren has responded with humor and determination to the criticism, stating that she will continue to learn to speak like Cubans despite the negative comments. She has emphasized that her interest is genuine and that she will not be swayed by the opinions of those who label her as "chunga" or "marginal."
What has been the reaction of the Cuban community to Mayren's interest?
Although she has received criticism, many Cubans have supported Mayren, expressing gratitude for her interest in the island's culture and encouraging her to keep moving forward. They have pointed out that not all Cubans communicate in the same way, but they appreciate her effort to learn and respect Cuban customs.
Why does the Cuban dialect generate so much debate on social media?
The Cuban dialect sparks debate due to the diversity of expressions and ways of speaking that exist within the community itself. Some view certain jargons as coarse or vulgar, while others defend their use as an integral part of Cuban cultural identity. This topic often leads to discussions about identity, integration, and prejudice on platforms like TikTok.
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