Conversation Partner 5

     If you’ve never seen a “Telenovela” (Spanish Soap Opera), you haven’t lived. I know this sounds extreme, but it’s true. If you think American soaps are dramatic, you won’t even know what to do with yourself after watching Telenovela. 

It’s no secret that Spanish speakers in general exaggerate- the entire language in itself is exaggerated. Spanish speakers are more expressive, loud, and theatrical as a rule than are English speakers. Take all of that into account and then add the ridiculously complex/dramatic plots of soap operas and you have the Nirvana of Drama. 

I’m bringing all of this up because Monica would like the world to know that speaking Spanish does not make you a character in those “horrible” (said in a thick Spanish accent) Telenovelas. We got on the subject because I shamelessly love Telenovelas and thought we could potential bond over this. I was wrong. We watched them weekly in my Spanish class in high school and it was easily my favorite day of the week. The over-the-top plot, the bad acting, and the crazy characters make my life seem mild and normal and I really like it. Monica, however, is of a very different opinion. I’m not kidding when I say we talked about how much she doesn’t like Telenovelas for forty-five minutes- this is real people. She feels like it makes all Spanish TV look stupid and she refuses to watch it. I asked her about American soap operas and although she doesn't like them either, she was not nearly as passionate in her dislike as she was with Spanish soaps. I guess we all have our things- mine being repetitive noises and mouth breathers- that just get under our skin.

To give you an idea of what I’m even talking about when I say “Telenovela,” I’m going to post a link to the pilot episode of one called Rebelde. This show is set at a Spanish speaking private school and it the most unrealistic, hilarious train wreck/hot mess you will ever watch in your life. This link is just 8 minutes of the first episode, but that’s more than enough to give you a feel for the rest of the show. Please- enjoy! Let me know when you get addicted.