Mariachi Songs and Learning SpanishCan listening to mariachi songs help you learn Spanish? I read on The Linguist on Language blog recently this common question."How long does it take to learn a language?" He answered: I never ask myself that question. I ask myself how can I most effectively and most enjoyably learn a language? As long as I am enjoying the process, I will continue to interact with the language and continue to learn. You never master another language, you just keep on getting better, as long as what you are doing is effective and you enjoy the process.” I strongly agree with his answer, and one of the ways that Spanish continues to be enjoyable to me is listening to mariachi songs. Many a traveler to Mexico has experienced being encircled by these elegantly dressed musicians, enjoying their peppy rhythms while hearing the classic Mexican cry-shout during a song. Locally in Boise, you can hear a group of quality musicians playing these familiar tunes at the Mexican restaurant - El Gallo Giro on Glenwood Ave. across from the fairgrounds. You can call the restaurant to check the days they are there at (208)321-0355. The origin of "el mariachi is uniquely Mexican. However, many other countries thoroughly embrace it. Troupes of these musicians along with dancers give well received performances in Europe as well as Asia. The ensemble is usually dressed in the Mexican rodeo style clothing known as “charro”. The pants have metal buttons down the sides, and women have skirts with the same adornments. Often they wear large fancy sombreros and wide bow ties. The instruments used most often include violins, trumpets and guitars of various sizes. The huge guitar that serves as the bass, is known as a guitarrón. These artist are known to sing and play a variety of styles of music such as ranchera, the jarabe tapatio aka The Mexican Hat Dance, ballads and polkas. These lively bands are hired for every type of fiesta. You can hear them at birthdays, graduations, weddings, farewells and funerals. Romantics use them to serenade a loved one, and it’s not just a boyfriend for a “novia”, but also a son for his mother on her birthday or Mother’s Day. Depressed romantics love listening the sentimental songs that go down well while nursing a tequila. These songs can cover being jilted, pining for a girl or Mexico, and being truly macho. Though the roots of mariachis have a male dominant thread with famous singers such as Pedro Infante, José Alfredo Jimenez and Javier Solis, there are also famous female singers in this genre as well, such as Lola Beltrán, Lucha Villa and María de Lourdes. The popularity of these singers rose around 1940 - 1960. Vicente Fernandez, whose idol was Pedro Infante, continued the musical Mexican tradition from the late 60’s to present. Luis Miguel, Mexico's most well known current superstar, recorded several of the traditional serenade songs on his 2004 album, Mexico En La Piel. These ensembles are now common throughout the US states, especially states that have large Hispanic communities. The familiar trumpet and violins can even be heard playing during Catholic mass, usually at the Spanish speaking service. Older masters have passed on this lively musical tradition to the next generation. (Independent Lens on PBS did a story on one of the first female groups in the US at http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/companeras/film.html ) Listening to mariachi songs can be a very pleasurable way to improve your Spanish and partake in the traditions of another culture. I think what I like most about mariachi songs is how they are a reflection of a passionate people. The songs speak with raw feelings and evoke strong emotions and memories. The violins can tug at your heartstrings, the trumpets can be happy and wailing in the same song. When the songs are sung aloud, it doubles the drama and pulls out the stops on feelings that can cause some to whoop out a shout of joy or leave some crying in their beer.
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