Are you in love with our country, its landscapes, its natural beauties and its culture? A great nation like Argentina is the result of several generations of Argentines who have forged a very particular way of being and thinking.
Yes, we will not be the best in economics (or our presidents, rather) and sometimes pride plays tricks on us, but in many ways we are different.
Our resilient mentality, our eternal optimism or our madness for football. Which of all these characteristics makes us unique and different in the world?
When you meet an Argentinian you understand why, despite the crises and economic/political problems we experience, we are made of the best values and feelings: willpower, sacrifice, open with foreigners and, above all, always looking at the life with optimism, even if it is only on the basis of an illusion.
What things make us Argentines different?
Always in Good Spirits (or Almost Always)
Argentines approach life with humor, regardless of whether events are in our favor or not. We react with humor, no matter if the outcomes are positive or negative.
It’s quite likely that we are suffering inside, but we always avoid showing a painful image. Just as sadness is contagious, cheerful humor also spreads faster the more “spreaders” it has. In this respect, Argentines are masters of good humor.
Optimism Around the Clock
Argentines have experienced economic crises firsthand. These crises have always had a social aspect and, in one way or another, have shaped our way of life.
While our everyday life is the last refuge from the country’s reality, the recipe that never fails among Argentines is optimism. We always find a dream, a project, or a goal to keep us steadfast on the path. This optimism is noticeable to foreigners during their first interactions with Argentines.
In truth, Argentine history and various crises have tempered us like steel. And the truest reflection of this is our constant optimism.
Masters of Resilience
We know not only how to recover from a fall but also to advance on the path, even without much strength to do so.
Argentines are masters of resilience. We’ve learned that each step forward implies a step back. Sometimes, it even feels like we haven’t made much progress. However, we learned that we must always try again until we reach our goals.
We are not people who give up easily, but most importantly, even when resources are scarce, we always make use of what is infinite and unique to each country: intelligence and willpower.
Always Here to Listen
Being one of the countries with the highest number of psychologists, like Argentina, is also reflected in how we practice active listening.
We have no time limit for responding to calls and lending an ear to a friend, family member, or partner. When it comes to a conversation or dialogue that could be soothing for someone, we automatically devote ourselves to it.
Any group of Argentines you meet, and even when you visit Buenos Aires and walk its streets, will let you know what we’re talking about. Argentines are on a perpetual mission to solve the world’s problems, and on this path, listening and providing support to those around us is key.
Here you have a clear indication to understand why there are so many Argentines gathered in bars, restaurants, homes, streets, and anywhere else. We don’t need to look for an excuse to meet and talk: we always have one.
The Best Latin American Accent (for Some)
The Argentine accent has a very particular sound and expression. It reflects the influences of European immigration, particularly Italian and Spanish, the Creole roots, and the unmistakable impact of native peoples.
The “Che,” as a way to ask others to pay attention to what we will say, captivates both locals and strangers.
We must admit it: the Argentine accent can be as captivating as it is daring when a foreigner hears it for the first time.
Why is the Argentine accent so unique? Firstly, we use “vos” instead of “tú” and “usted,” which helps create closeness. Generally, we do not use “vos” with strangers unless they give us a “wink” of trust to do so.
Moreover, we tend to pronounce “ll” as “y,” a phenomenon not commonly heard in other Latin American countries except Uruguay. This linguistic phenomenon is called “yeísmo rehilado.”
Additionally, our verb tenses also differ from traditional Spanish. For example, due to the relevance of the simple past (“dije”) over the past perfect (“he dicho”) and the notable prevalence of imperatives with “vos” as the pronoun (“vení,” “hacelo,” instead of “ven,” “hazlo”).
But the aspect that most captivates foreigners about our accent is its rhythmic intonation. The pattern of strongly rhythmic intonation gives listeners, especially foreigners, the feeling of being in the presence of someone who is reciting a poem or a song while speaking.
Admit it, we’ve already made a pleasant impression on you, even without having met or visited us, right?
Soccer is in Our DNA
I always like to say that Argentines have more passports than any other inhabitants of the world. What do I mean? Along with the official passport we obtain from our government, Argentines have two additional “symbolic” passports: Lionel Messi and Diego Armando Maradona.
For an Argentine, or rather for all Argentines, soccer has been our safe conduct through the sorrows and slaps of economic and political circumstances. The social and national phenomenon that took place not only in Argentina but also in the world after the Argentine National Soccer Team’s victory in the 2022 Qatar World Cup with Lionel Messi as captain confirms this idea.
You’ll hear thousands of stories from Argentines around the world who, when they introduce themselves in a country, receive responses like “Messi,” “Maradona.”
We are proud to say that we share nationality, flag, and “blood” with the greatest soccer players in Argentine and world history. And they accompany us, unknowingly, every time we make contact with a foreigner, functioning as a sort of recognition in our favor.
Of course, the death of Diego Armando Maradona in 2020 was an event that shook the entire country. It would be difficult to find a funeral as massive as Maradona’s in Argentine history, even if we consider those of Carlos Gardel or Juan Domingo Perón.
When we say “Argentine,” it’s as if automatically, a feeling of affection and recognition is activated in our foreign interlocutor. Of course, because of what two world stars like Messi and Maradona have done, but also because they reflect much of the Argentine idiosyncrasy and way of being.
In case you didn’t know, Lionel Messi was only able to win for the first time with the Argentine National Team in 2021. More than 15 years of waiting and disappointments with the albiceleste jersey only forged Messi again and again as an athlete and Argentine with a mindset of steel. That same mindset allowed him, as well as Diego Maradona in 1986, to become the best soccer player in history in December 2022.
Open Arms for Foreigners
Argentines know perfectly well the history of our origin as a nation and society. Far from being a pure and homogeneous society, we have been formed from the coexistence, not without conflicts of course, of various nationalities, ethnicities, religions, and cultures.
This explains why Argentina is such an open country to foreigners. We never look at a foreigner’s passport to judge whether they should enter our territory or not. We haven’t done it in the past, nor will we do it now.
In our public universities, we share degree courses with compatriots from other Latin American countries, creating strong friendships from this.
Argentina has been a refuge for many expatriates who could not find an opportunity to develop as people in their country of origin. We have also sheltered compatriots from other Latin American countries fleeing tyrannies and dictatorships that oppress under the pretext of protecting them from imperialism.
You’re Invited to Visit Argentina
Feel at home in Argentina. Most Argentines (because there will always be exceptions, as with everything) will do everything within our power to ensure that your life experience or stay in our country is etched in your heart and memory for a lifetime.
Do you now understand why Argentines are different? We don’t need to be a global economic power to show that we are a people in whose blood you will find willpower, sacrifice, and solidarity.
(Featured Image Source: Football Pictures/flickr.com)
