Jenny,
 
>Jose, might the AFS database contain common names or terms en espanol?
>
>If not, is there a glossary out there similar to the French-English shell
>term translator, in Spanish?  I think I will need it for talking to the
>locals about shells during my time in Honduras.
 
Most Central Americans use the term "caracol, caracoles" for shells,
whether land or marine. Some - the large strombs - may be called "conchas".
Clams are generally "almejas", but this could refer to any locally common
clam, particularly one that's used for food.
 Several places have shells they call "burros" (Melongena in one country).
Donax may be "chipi-chipi" or "almeja" depending on the country, indeed
even on the region. In other places "almeja" is a venerid or cardium. You
need to learn the local common names.
 
>My Spanish tutor from Colombia tells me that a "sea snail" would be "la
>caracol de mar," while a gastropod is "la concha" or "el caparazon."
>Slugs, however, are "las babosas."
 
Don't believe it. See above.
 
>Any useful Spanish shelling phrases you can think of?  (In terms a Central
>American non-sheller would use and understand.)  Like, "Excuse me, where do
>the scallop boats dump their bycatch?"  Heh, heh.  Thanks.
 
A net is  "la red". A dredge is "el drogo" (not "la droga" - drug). Boats
have various names depending on the country, but "la lancha" will get you
by for anything under 30'.
 
Still wishing you luck,
 
Peggy
 
 
Shell Elegant  ***  Shell Collecting Trips Around the World
Visit my website at http://www.mindspring.com/~shellelegant
PO Box 575, Tallevast FL 34270
(941) 355-2291     [log in to unmask]