Nicraguan Spanish

Submitted by suehansen on 23 August, 2005 - 08:45.

My daughter just had her first baby and is hiring a Nicaraguan lady as Nanny. She speaks a little Spanish and Mariana speaks little English. I am nearly bilingual but live far away; however I am always available by phone.

One word Mariana uses which I had never heard before and have been unable to find a translation for is "chinar" with tilde over the "n". She uses it while making a rocking motion while holding the baby in her arms. I assume it means something like "cuddle" or "rock", but am curious to know more about it. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Sue

‹ Nicaraguan dialect nuance?
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It's "chinear"

Submitted by NicaNix on 23 August, 2005 - 09:55.

The term is common to Nicaragua and is "chinear". It's root is a "china" or swing. Means to cuddle or carry in one's arms.

More on chinear

Submitted by Zompopo on 25 August, 2005 - 09:52.

If anyone is searching for a comprehensive source of the Nicaraguan dialect I strongly recommend Carlos Mantica’s 1997 book, “Introduccion al habla Nicaragüense. Mantica spent much time and effort to compile the material it contains. For what it’s worth, on p. 40 you’ll find: “Chinear, señala el oficio propio de la china: cargar al niño. Chinearse, sin embargo, significa cargarse, acumular bienes mal habidos.” ("la china" was in italics, which I can't seem to cut/paste)

Smug, eh?

Submitted by NicaNix on 25 August, 2005 - 11:15.

I imagine you're feeling like a smug little Zompopo right now, eh? Good quote. I've seen the book at the check out stand in La Colonia grocery store, and thumbed through it some. However, I do not own it. From what I've seen, I'd reccommend it also.

Chineando isn't just limited to the household maid. It is a very comprehensive term that I've heard used by Nicaraguans from all walks of life.

One interesting use of it is when one wishes to imply that someone is to good or too lazy to do something that they ought to be doing, and instead, expect to be "chineado".

Introduccion al habla Nicaraguense

Submitted by suehansen on 25 August, 2005 - 10:17.

thank you very much for this reference. I think it will be very helpful to us.

Chinear

Submitted by Zompopo on 25 August, 2005 - 08:12.

Interesting .. I always assumed it was from "china", a catch-all word for female household help. That is, the china would be the one holding and cuddling the baby.

Another language question

Submitted by tjadams on 23 August, 2005 - 10:13.

I was listening to a CD of songs of the Revolution - what is the translation of "Cancion sin Rodilla"?...Song without Knee???

Cancion sin Rodilla

Submitted by nicoya on 23 August, 2005 - 11:54.

No arrodillarse ante el enemigo...

Cancion sin Rodilla

Submitted by tjadams on 23 August, 2005 - 14:17.

en ingles, por favor. No hablo espanol bien.