Leyanet_comedy, a Cuban content creator, responded to a comment on TikTok that criticized the use of certain Cuban colloquial expressions. The comment read, "Which part of Europe do you live in? Because that kind of vulgar slang isn't used anywhere here. It's just the lowliness that came out of Cuba, but Cuba is not like that." This prompted her response.
"Well, my dear, first of all, I live in Sweden... Slang does not define a person. You can be the son of a prince, an engineer, a doctor, whatever you want, but we carry this in our blood and as Cubans, we will always say it," Leyanet_comedy expressed in her video. "I don't say 'asere qué bolá,' or any of that, but when I need to, I do because I am Cuban and Cuba will never leave me."
Her response quickly garnered support from other Cuban users on the platform: "Proud to be Cuban," "Good answer, I applaud you," and "We carry it in our blood, asere," some commented.
Debate on Cuban Slang
This debate is not new on TikTok. Recently, a young Cuban living in Germany also defended the use of Cuban slang in a video that generated numerous reactions. "I am Cuban, I live in Germany, and I clearly speak like a Cuban, think like a Cuban, and walk like a Cuban," he declared on his profile "Tips de Cubanos."
On the other hand, young Malia Llovet, also Cuban, reflected in one of her videos on why she doesn't use the word 'asere' but instead says 'caballero.'
This latest video from Leyanet_comedy has reignited the debate on how the Cuban diaspora keeps its cultural roots alive, regardless of the country they reside in.
Understanding the Use of Cuban Slang Among the Diaspora
To further explore the topic, here are some frequently asked questions about the use of Cuban slang among the diaspora.
Why do some Cubans living abroad continue to use Cuban slang?
Many Cubans living abroad use Cuban slang as a way to maintain their cultural identity and stay connected to their roots. It is a form of expression that reflects their heritage, regardless of their current location.
Is Cuban slang considered vulgar?
While some may perceive Cuban slang as vulgar, for many Cubans, it is simply a part of their everyday language. Slang can vary greatly in perception depending on cultural context and personal experiences.
How do different Cuban diaspora communities view the use of slang?
Views on the use of slang can vary within the Cuban diaspora. Some embrace it as a vital part of their identity, while others may choose not to use it, depending on their personal and professional environments.