Worried about speaking Spanish perfectly? Forget about it! I was chatting with a Turkish guy in Brazil, and it got me thinking: Who decides what “correct” Spanish even is?

The Royal Mess

The Real Academia Española (RAE), the official authority, is made up of mostly older, white Spanish men. This group doesn’t represent the diverse Spanish-speaking world, from Mexico to Argentina. Why should their rules dictate how millions of others express themselves?

What “Correct” Really Means

For me, speaking “correctly” means communicating effectively. Forget perfect grammar! It’s about connecting with people, sharing your culture, and being understood. I was explaining the Three Wise Men tradition to my Turkish friend. My Spanish wasn’t perfect, but we connected, and that’s what matters.

Be Brave, Not Perfect

Drop the anxiety! Speaking another language is brave. Your accent is a badge of honor. Don’t worry about mistakes; embrace the journey. As a wise woman from South Africa once said, “I’m conscientious, and that’s okay!”

Smile and Connect

Forget your high school teacher who said you’re bad at languages. You’re brave! So smile, be yourself, and share your energy. People will connect with your vibe, not your grammar. Enjoy the ride! Spanish is your bridge to amazing cultures. Don’t miss out because of the pressure to be perfect. Just speak!