by Claire Beaumont

Created on: January 25, 2007   Last Updated: October 25, 2011

If you travel to Spain, or any foreign country for that matter, it is common decency to learn basic phrases (it would be rude not to). Granted in the tourist areas, the majority of people speak English, or you might find they are English, however this is no excuse. Speaking from experience (I live in the Canaries), the majority of Spanish people will not give you the time of day if you do not attempt to communicate in their mother tongue. They will make it as hard as possible for you, pretending not to understand or rattle on at you in Spanish. However, if you make the smallest attempt, and this could be just saying 'Hola' (hello), they will do what they can. Therfore making your stay pleasant and stress free (as a holiday should be).

It is worth while knowing that, like in England, Spain has its regional dialects. However, just as England has 'proper/Queen's English' the Spanish have Castillano, which is widly understood throughout the country. It comes from the Castile region of Spain (hence the name) and became the official language during the reign of King Alfonso X in the 1200s, where traditional Spanish became mandatory for all government documents. So do not worry, no matter what kind of Spanish you speak, you will be understood.

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