Baseball Question: Language

[Selise]

Hi!

I usually don't collect many baseball autographs, but my brother is turning 40 this year and I'd like to get him a few signatures for his birthday.

My question - the players that he is a fan of are mainly from the Dominican Republic. Should I write the letter to them in English or Spanish? I'm a Spanish teacher, so my Spanish is pretty good (and I lived in Puerto Rico for a time).

What's your opinion?

Selise

[Shambler]

Hi Selise,

I would recommend that if you are fluent enough in the native tongue of a person (which you've said you are), to write to them in that language then. I think it is more convenient for them, and that they appreciate the effort.


On one occasion I wrote to a sportsman in my best attempt at French. Whereas others who had written to him received only a signature on their photo, I received a great reply back with a personalization and message! Of course this won't be the result in every case, but I know I wouldn't have received this sort of reply if I had written in my language, rather than his.

Good luck

[Selise]

awesome, thanks.

I was just curious because I've never written to any baseball players before. I've written to Spanish language celebs in Spanish, but never ball players.

Thanks for your response. I'm going to give it a try.

[detroitpistons]

They do have reps/agents that could translate them for the player.
I just wrote my letter to Pele (soccer) in English, and received an auto, even tho I thought he spoke portuguese.

BTW, just out of curiosity, who do you plan on sending to? I can help out with addresses, etc.

[Shambler]

Pele actually speaks both English and Portugese fluently.

[butters]

i would put it in spanish if i were you