BTN News: In a recent speech, the president repeatedly uttered the phrase, “Invítemen a tomar una cerveza” (Invite me to have a beer). This grammatical slip might have been more than just an oversight; it could have been a deliberate choice to connect with the common people. The incorrect form “invítemen” instead of the grammatically correct “invítenme” might have been employed to mirror the everyday language of the populace, who often use this incorrect version. This approach is not without precedent—many writers and public figures have intentionally used colloquial or incorrect forms to create a sense of authenticity or relatability with their audience. However, for those curious about the correct usage, it’s essential to understand the grammatical rules governing such phrases. The imperative form of the verb “invitar” should be “invite” (singular, formal) and “inviten” (plural, formal), with the pronoun “me” remaining unchanged. Thus, the proper expressions would be “invíteme” (singular) and “invítenme” (plural).
This technique of adopting colloquial language has been utilized by notable writers throughout history. For example, the great Spanish author Benito Pérez Galdós wrote “reló” instead of the correct “reloj,” mimicking the pronunciation common among ordinary people. Similarly, Juan Goytisolo chose to write “Madrí” instead of “Madrid,” reflecting the everyday speech of Spaniards. In his novel “La rebelión de las ratas,” Fernando Soto Aparicio has his character Rudesindo Cristancho ask, “¿y eso pa qué?” instead of the grammatically correct “¿y eso para qué?”, capturing the character’s regional speech. David Sánchez Juliao’s character El Pachanga uses the phrase “faltaba má, permitadió” instead of the correct “no faltaba más, permita Dios,” to give a realistic voice to his character. In a similar vein, Leopoldo Berdella de la Espriella wrote “maiz” instead of “maíz” to reflect the pronunciation of the farmers in his stories. Even Argos, a meticulous grammarian, would end his corrections with “ahi les dejo la inquietud” instead of the grammatically correct “ahí les dejo la inquietud,” deliberately echoing the pronunciation of his audience.
The use of such linguistic devices is not only a matter of style but also a way to connect more deeply with an audience by speaking their language—literally. Whether it’s a president using colloquial language to resonate with voters or a novelist employing regional dialects to bring characters to life, these choices are powerful tools in communication.
Shifting gears to a different topic, a reader named Camilo Neira Montes recently brought up an interesting point about the Olympic flame. He noted that while journalists often describe the “llama olímpica” as if it were flames carried by athletes across Europe, the athletes actually carry the “antorcha olímpica” (Olympic torch). Moreover, in the opening ceremony in Paris, it wasn’t the “llama olímpica” that was lit but the “pebetero,” a cauldron suspended in a balloon. This distinction, while subtle, is important in accurately describing the traditions and symbols associated with the Olympics.
In another inquiry, reader Milena Alvarado asked about the correctness of the term “mamagallista.” According to the Dictionary of Americanisms by the Association of Academies of the Spanish Language, “mamagallista” is indeed a recognized term. It is a common noun used in Colombia to describe a person who makes fun of others or who talks a lot, often in jest. The verb form “mamar gallo” is also documented, used in Colombia, Honduras, and Venezuela to mean ‘teasing’ or ‘deceiving someone with evasions and false promises.’ In this context, “mamagallista” is synonymous with ‘caramelear,’ a term also used in some Latin American countries.
On the subject of punctuation, reader Xiomara Atehortúa asked if a comma was missing in a caption from Radioaktiva: “Dos de los más importantes son David Ospina, nuevo arquero del Atlético Nacional, de Medellín y Falcao García, el delantero estrella de Millonarios.” The answer is yes, there is indeed a missing comma. The phrase “de Medellín” is an explanatory clause and should be set off by commas, even if it is followed by the conjunction “y” (and). This mistake is common, as the comma is often omitted before “and” when it should be used to indicate the close of an explanatory clause.
These linguistic nuances, whether they pertain to grammar, punctuation, or vocabulary, play a crucial role in clear communication. Understanding and applying them correctly not only enhances clarity but also enriches the texture and authenticity of language. Whether in formal speech, literary works, or everyday conversation, these elements are key to effective expression.
