if i learn spanish will i be understood by catalonians?

Question

i have a friend in barsalona i want to inpress him when i visit by speaking spanish

Answer 1

Yes they would understand you.

There are always local dialects and different words, but they will understand you.

Stick to the basics, as these are the verbs and nouns that are the same.

They do of course have different words for some things, but most people in that area are bi-or sometimes tri-lingual.

Enjoy your surprise!

Answer 2

I am from Barcelona, everyone here is able to understand both Spanish and Catalan. Half of the people usually speak Spanish and the other half in Catalan. If you start speaking Spanish, they will answer you back in Spanish so don't worry at all. Languages are quiet close anyway as both come from Latin.

And no one here will be offended or will frown upon you if you speak Spanish at all, trust me, I live there. Usually immigrants only speak Spanish and there's no problem so even less if you're just a tourist.

Have fun here!

Answer 3

I am learning to speak Spanish, but bear in mind that accents are regional just like the UK.

Could a Geordie easily understand a Glaswegion even though they both speak the same language?

Typical differences are the use of local words (slang) and such as here in Andalucia, they do not pronounce the s. So Buenas Dias becomes Buen Dia. However, learn some of the basics, greetings, asking for things in a restaurant etc. and I am sure you will impress your friend.

¡Buen suerte!

Answer 4

Yes.
Spanish is the main language here, but there are some dialects: Catalonian in Catalunya, Gallego in Galicia and Euskera in the Basque Country.

Any catalonian will be able to understand your Spanish, but they are said to be a bit rude if you don't speak Catalonian...

Answer 5

Spanish (Castellano) is the official language of Spain, however each region has its own dialect or language (Calalonia region where Barcelona is located, the language (dialect) is catalan; it is also spoken in parts of France, Corsica and Sardinia (Italy).

If you speak spanish to your friend he/she'll be impressed; if you can say few words in Catalan, am certain they'll be amazed because no one outside of the region speak catalan.

Try this link for an basic overview of Catalan

Answer 6

Majority of the folks in Barcelona speak Spanish, but catalan is a very different language. Barcelona is a very cosmopolitan city and you should have no problems. As regards to your friend, I am sure he will be happy that you learnt a new language!
It's a great city and hope you have lots of fun.

Answer 7

Yeah. Spanish is spoken by everybody in Catalunya, especially in Barcelona. Catalan is mostly reserved for names of places and use in the home.

Wanna learn some?
www.bbc.co.uk/languages take the Spanish Steps course.

Here's something to start you off:
¿Qué tal? - kay tal - How are you? ('Pleased to meet you' if shaking hands too.)
Una cerveza para mí, por favor - oohna ther-vay-tha- para me, por favor - a beer for me, please
¡Escucha, he aprendido un poco de español! - es-coo-cha hay aprendido un poco day espanyol - Listen, I've learnt a bit of Spanish!

ISABEL: It's 'Catalan', not Catalonian, and it is a language of its own, not a dialect. They might be offended if you say it's a dialect.

Answer 8

Castellano is the main dialect, standard Spanish if you like, so will be what your friend speaks. You will only have issue if you try to learn Valenciano or another dialect

Answer 9

I don't really know but I really love to learn Spanish anyway there's no harm in learning a new language and when you learn teach me some

Answer 10

If you want to impress your friend in Barcelona, learn to speak Catalan. If you want to be snubbed and frowned upon, speak to him in Spanish.

In Catalunya they don't like to be considered Spanish speakers...