I am a british who lives in spain,inspite of the very large british poulation in spain,the local still dont ,?

Question

speak english language , and i find it really frustrating...why cant they atleast make the effort to speak English language

Answer 1

This must be joke, surely???

Answer 2

I find this isn't just a Spanish problem. No matter where you go in Europe you will always find someone who hasn't made the effort to learn English.
It is indeed very frustrating, even when I speak very loud and very slow I just get this blank stare.
Have you thought of setting up some evening classes to help the locals?
Nothing too difficult,just the basics so they can get by, Even though English can't be that hard to learn, I learnt it as a kid.

I personally think we shouldn't join the Euro until they at least learn to speak English. And even then they should rename it "The Pound" :o)


Clever question, because your not really British are you. Very clever and respect

Answer 3

Why should they speak English, the language is Spanish.
There are too many languages spoken in England other than English, ie other european languages and other s say no more but the main language of the country you are in is a priority. Go and learn Spanish. We are moving to Spain next year and start a language course in November, but are getting to know Spanish speakers here, but this is England and they talk english, so there is no reason why you should not speak Spanish there.

Answer 4

Why don't Spaniards speak English, or at least attempt to accomidate to imagrants?

In America, it is common law that everyone who runs a business is able to speak some English, becuase English is the primary language. Now, if an imagrant from say Spain were to enter America, and only speak Spanish to there customers, I would say it was unethical, and they should probably move back to Spain or learn to speak some English.

Since your in Spain, and not in England or America, you should learn to speak Spanish. It is your responsibility to learn their language in order to do business. If you don't like it or think they are wrong for only speaking their native language then pick up your Telly and make that call to Tony Blair and ask him to start a new colony in Spain.

Answer 5

The British Empire is long gone, you have chosen to live in another country so learn the language. It immediately warms the locals to you and you benefit by being able to communicate. You may even wish to improve your own use of the English language.

Spanish is a widely spoken language around the world, so go get educated.

Answer 6

...lived around Malaga for two years some time ago - if you go from, say, Torremolinos to Fuengirola, it's almost like you're in Blackpool! Most Brits who live there are more concerned with dealing with their own, why should they even say basics like 'Buenas dias...como estas?' or 'Hasta luego'? It should work both ways...but let's face it, why should Spaniards talk to a mass of people who wouldn't give them the time of day. Okay - the press are having a pop at the Polish who are coming to London to find work. Would you be learning Polish if you still lived here? I think not. Found out that if you know (and can speak) at least 100 Spanish words - and not the usual 'cafe con leche, por favor' you'll not only be respected, but trusted. When I was in Benalmadena (that's benal-mad-ena to you and me...not benal-madeena) there were Brits who wanted the Spanish who lived alongside them to eff-off up the hills toward Granada - and not all insular Sun readers as well. Their crime? They wouldn't speak to the Brits. Surprise surprise!!

Answer 7

I also live is Spain, but am learning Spanish, it's their country so you have to fit in with them, and not the other way round. In the tourist areas most people do speak English, and people like telefonica have English speaking customer service people, but in general you should learn Spanish. You are the type of immigrant to Spain that gets immigrants a bad name here.

Answer 8

Hi,

There are over 118,000 Spaniards living, studying or working in the UK - I don't see many Brits making an effort to speak Spanish to accommodate them.

English is taught at spanish school as part of the national curriculum so give it time, I'm sure the younger generation will soon be chatting with U!

Answer 9

In the UK people are shouting about British citizens not being integrated, and you expect the Spanish to learn English just for your convenience! Maybe people In the UK should be forced to learn Urdu for the convenience of the (less than) 2 million Urdu speakers. How arrogant can you get? If you don't like it you have the choice, learn Spanish or go back home.

Answer 10

Wake up,princess!!!!!
The fact that you are English does not make it compulsory for other people to learn your language especially when they are in their own countries!!!Got it?!!!
If you have chosen to live in Spain -YOU have to learn Spanish,not the other way around! The only right you have is to complain about people who don't speak and make any effort to learn English in ENGLAND!
Don't think that when you are English, the world depends on you!And don't be so arrogant,as most Britons are!!!

P.S Xenophobia is a liar. He is an illegal entrant in UK!

Answer 11

Stop complaining and learn to speak their language if you want to continue living there. Just beacuse English is an international language it doesnt mean that it's the greatest language in the world.