238 CultureShock! Bolivia
intellectual affi nities, do both parties use the tú. However,
many Bolivians of indigenous background use the tú
exclusively, even if they are speaking to the president of
the republic.
In socially conservative Andean countries such as Bolivia,
cross-class relationships are less likely to develop than in
Mexico, Chile or Argentina, although Bolivia’s class structure
has loosened up considerably in recent years, a process that
will be escalating as these words are written.
In Bolivia, you may also fi nd a middle road. You may be
speaking with a distinguished middle-aged or elderly person
in a setting that has become informalised following prior
conversations. You want to speak with respect but you do not
wish to overdo it with ‘señor Portales’ or ‘señora Medina.’ The
middle path is the title don for males and doña for females.
If I were to bump into Senator Leopoldo López on the street,
for example, after having previously had a friendly interview
with him, I could say, “Buenas tardes, señor López,” or, “Buenas
tardes, don Leopoldo.”The Business of Language
The Spanish language is an important factor, even if business
is conducted in English. A few phrases of Spanish on the
part of the visitor can establish rapport. Take special care to
learn pronunciation of the names of hosts or companions.
In certain businesses, a few phrases in Aymara or Quechua
could also go a long way in establishing rapport.
Spanish, as we have seen, has two words for ‘you’: Usted
and tú. The fi rst is formal, and should be used until you are
invited to use the familiar tú. This invitation may be phrased
as: ‘Podemos tutearnos’ (‘We can speak to each other with
the tú’). Or your associates may simply begin addressing you
with the tú. You should respond in kind and begin addressing
them with the informal tú. If you continue using the Usted
after having been addressed with tú, it may be perceived
as an insult.
The visitor is not expected to have a command of Spanish,
however, and Bolivians and all Latin Americans show
remarkable empathy for your language weaknesses. On the