Why do Puerto Ricans say "alla fuera" when talking about the states?

[nycricanpapi]

Originally Posted by traveler00

"Allá fuera" is different from just "afuera." "Allá fuera" certainly refers to the Puerto Rican diaspora, that is, anywhere in the States. As a matter of fact it has a certain connotation of distance (both geographically and inter-personally); separation; even exclusion.

"Afuera" alone would be used more when referring to a foreign country (non-U.S.), but surely some people use it referring to the U.S. too.

As of Culebrans, as well as people from Vieques, they like to refer to "Puerto Rico" as "Isla Grande," so you will hear them say "I'm taking the ferry to la isla grande."

Oh ok thanks for this post.

[seniormcblade]

Originally Posted by theunbrainwashed

Well I'm from Puerto Rico, and from my point of view, we always refer to people not from Puerto Rico as outsiders. Because, pretty much, you're either from there or you're not. Which is why you're asked if you're from "the outside" because I suppose not many people (besides illegal Dominicans ) move to Puerto Rico on a permanent basis.

can you prove that claim. i dont think so. but you got a chance. im not puerto rican by no means but i live here...what say ..u..?

[jwolfer]

Originally Posted by nycricanpapi

One thing that I have always questioned is why do Puerto Ricans from PR always say "tu eres de alla fuera"? "You are from outside?" Is like if PR is a jungle and uncivilized so they say you are from alla fuera when talking about the US. Any inputs?

Sort of like Hawaiian saying someone is from the Mainland

[PirataBoricua17]

Also here in Puerto Rcio "wich is an Island. We say like if yu going frome the metro area to like Mayaguez, Aguadilla or any other town in the Island; we say "Voy para la isla" I'm going to the Island. But we are in an Island. Haha I do that too. But I guess we Puertoricans are unike like that And yes The term "alla afuera" Means that is outside the Island.