"I adore the 'Cuban dialect' and I won't stop learning it, even if people criticize me," declares Mayren Alejandra Trejo, a Venezuelan enthusiast who has been sharing her fondness for Cuban speech through her TikTok account, @maytrejo1105. In a recent video, Mayren humorously and energetically addressed the backlash she has faced, much of which, she notes, comes from Cubans themselves.
Among the remarks that caught her attention was one saying, "I am Cuban, and I've never spoken like that in my life. To me, people who talk that way are from the slums, uncultured or marginal." Without hesitation, Mayren responded in her distinctive style, "My dear, don't tell me you're that kind of pretentious person. I'm going to keep learning, even if they call me uncultured."
The video sparked not only a lively discussion but also a wave of support. Numerous Cubans defended her, appreciating her interest in their island's culture: "It's an honor for someone from another country to want to learn our customs, keep going"; "Not all of us speak the same way, but what you're doing is lovely, welcome to our family"; "The critics are the ones who eat sweet potatoes and burp lobster, don't pay them any mind."
Others took the opportunity to reflect on the richness of language in Cuba. "Not everyone uses that slang, but it's part of who we are"; "Even those who consider themselves more refined understand it perfectly, there's no denying it," they wrote. Some even praised her response: "You taught them a good lesson, keep learning because you're loved here."
For Mayren, this is more than just words; it's a genuine interest in getting closer to a culture she finds fascinating. Despite any critiques aimed at deterring her, her message remains clear: "I don't care what they say, I'm going to learn anyway."