However, all Catalan native speakers like myself speak fluent Spanish. So you will be able to make yourself understood with your basic Spanish and you will surely find people who can also speak English. People older than 50 all learn French at school and high school but most people younger this age have learnt English, even if the level of English in Spain, like in France or Italy, is rather bad, unlike countries like Holland or Germany.
Pls note that in Barcelona we are not Spanish but Catalan, since we have a different language, culture and identity. You have to become familiar with the difference.
Yes, you should still try. In every country I have been to, I have found that the people there appreciate that you're making the effort. Even inParis, which has a reputation for being snobby and condescending to Americans, and I only speak a few words of French.
Oh, absolutely make the effort! It will be appreciated, and they may even try to help you with your Spanish. They will get exactly where you are coming from, because many of them have issues with English.
Enjoy Barcelona, but watch out for your personal belongings. Don't leave any valuables in 'handy' pockets.
I took basic spanish. Mexican spanish, the kind most speak, isnt the same as authentic spanish that is spoken in spain. Like for example, instead of saying "nos gusta" (mexican spanish), you would say "os gusta" (Spain Spanish). Subtle changes, but it helps to know then. And make sure you get the boy or girl part right (amigo- boy; amiga- girl). Hope i helped :)
It is fine to try. stick to the basics like "Donde estael bano?" "Gracias, Por Favor, Mucho gusto. If you try complicated converstaion they may think you speak more than you do and take off speaking very fast...as they do. Most important thing...be courteous lots of "Buenos dias" and Buenas tardes."
Hi,
I'm travelling to Barcelona this summer. I am American and can say basic things in Spanish. I don't speak it well and may pronounce things wrong. I should still try right?
Will that be annoying to the people there....listening to the dumb American girl try to speak Spanish haha?? I just figure it would be polite to try.
Thank you!
