Indirect object pronoun?

[murcielago]

Hola todos,

Tengo una pregunta de mi libro de texto.

En este ejemplo de libro, Señor Sanchez llama a Señor Castro pero no está en este momento. Entonces, Señor Sanchez preguntar a otra persona (la recepcionista, creo): "¿no sabe cuándo puedo localizarle?" Pero, ¿por qué se dice "localizarle" y no se dice "localizarlo"? :confused:


OK, well the problem I am having is why do you use the indirect object pronoun here instead of the direct object pronoun? I would have thought that the "him" in "locate him" (please let me know if that is not the right translation!) is a direct object pronoun? :confused:

[greytop]

You're into the realms of leísmo, loísmo, laísmo. Try this reference (http://lenguayliteratura.org/mb/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1589&Itemid=131) or google for examples but you'll hear or see both in everyday use, right or wrong as they may be.

[Urgellenk]

Localizarlo is how most of Spanish speakers would say it.

However, in Castile the leísmo (use of the indirect pronoun to refer to the direct object) is so widely used that it has become acceptable when refered to persons. Castilian Spanish is sort of considered standard Spanish in Spain, but I still would stick to the "lo" form. The "le" form is correct and widely used, but not really the best Spanish.

[Perro Callejero]

Indeed, leísmo has popped up in this example. My grammar professor in Madrid told us that if you want to be absolutely, super perfectly right, you would, in this example, use localizarlo, since that has "always" been the right answer.

However, the tendency began to use indirect object pronouns when referring to people. This is where my professor says that the RAE for a long time refused to budge on the matter, but finally gave in and said that it is okay to use the indirect object pronoun where a direct object pronoun would normally be used, provided you are speaking about a person.

So, while the super-correct answer would be "localizarlo," common practice has now made "localizarle" another acceptable option, and a perfect example of the so-called "leísmo." :)

[murcielago]

¡Muchas gracias greytop, Urgellenk y Perro Callejero!

Ah good to know the direct object pronoun is the one that should be used in this case ;D

I think I will stick with the standard spanish for now in that case hehe.
Thanks guys for making me aware of leísmo!

[greytop]

I must confess to being a leismo-ist! It seems natural as you always use "a" with a person to use the indirect object - even if I know the RAE thought police might jump out and get me ;D

[Perro Callejero]

I must confess to being a leismo-ist! It seems natural as you always use "a" with a person to use the indirect object - even if I know the RAE thought police might jump out and get me ;D

Hehe...I'm finding myself making the switch more and more as well! ;D

[Culebronchris]

Whilst we are on le, lo etc why is the Antena 3 campaign about accident problem areas called "Ponle freno"?

Please explain in short words so I have a chance!

[delgado]

Whilst we are on le, lo etc why is the Antena 3 campaign about accident problem areas called "Ponle freno"?

Please explain in short words so I have a chance!

I´m not sure about the exact grammatical reasons behind "le" being used as the object pronoun. However , I can tell you that in many Spanish idioms it is written/said this way .....

Eg,

echarle huevos a algo = to put your all into something

darle caña = to do something with lots of force ( to put your foot down in the car)

etc......

Mabey you can find your answers in this related thread (http://www.notesfromspain.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4705&highlight=no+le+eches+le%F1as+al+fuego) ?


Hope this helps!!!

[lazarus1907]

Whilst we are on le, lo etc why is the Antena 3 campaign about accident problem areas called "Ponle freno"?

Please explain in short words so I have a chance!

This sentence is different: "le" is the indirect object (so it is the right pronoun), and it probably refers to the car. "Freno" is the direct object, and it can be replaced by "lo":

Pónselo.