As a Spanish learner and language enthusiast, I pay close attention to the details when listening to native Spanish speakers. In Cali, Caleños (people from Cali) use voseo (using vos instead of tú for informal "you"). The conjugation of verbs also changes with vos, making it a distinct feature of the Caleño dialect. For example, instead of saying "tú hablas" (you speak), a Caleño would say "vos hablás." Another example is the use of the softer "S" sound: In Cali, the "S" sound is often softened, especially at the end of words. For example, the word "está" (it’s) might sound more like "eh-tá" rather than the sharper "es-tá" heard in other regions of Colombia or Latin America. There’s a common misconception that all Colombians speak with a Paisa accent, but that’s not true at all. Caleños have their own distinct dialect, much like how a Midwesterner in the U.S. speaks differently from a Southerner. That’s one of the things that makes us all unique!
Cali is such a warm place to be, both literally and figuratively. The people are always so happy, eager to help, kind, and not afraid to strike up a conversation with strangers.
