ChicanoBlogs » Tu Lengua

“What is the first thing that catches your attention about a person? Several people these last few days have mentioned that with me, it was my Tejano / Chicano accento. I have never really considered the fact that I have one; it’s just the way I talk okay! The first time I read about the notion of Calo was in Gloria Anzaldua’s libro, Borderlands/LA Frontera: The New Mestiza. She mentioned it in one of the stories / poems in the book, and I was intrigued. Naturally as with anything that intrigues me, I wanted more. I googled the phrase. And was surprised at the results.

I had no idea someone actually studied the way I talked. I grew up using words like, Jefe, Jefa, La Jura, La Chota, Calmate, Que Onda, Aye te watcho, Aye te miro, placas, placaso, tatuaje, just to name a few. Along the years I have picked up some as well, Guey, Buey, Mamon, etc from my Mexican friends”

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