I'm going to Catalonia this year. Should I speak Spanish or Catalonian?

Answer 1

Smile whenever you point at whatever you are after. I take from your question that you are not fluent in either. Catalans are very hospitalarious they'll understand you!

Answer 2

Everybody there speaks Spanish. If you already speak Spanish, it would be a nice gesture to learn a few words in Catalan. If you don't, I'd use my effort to learn Spanish because it's way more useful.

People there love their language and are very proud of it, it's also the language they speak among themselves, but I'm sure they'll understand if you prefer to learn Spanish. Catalan won't be understood anywhere else outside Catalonia.

On the other hand, both languages are very similar, so if you learn Spanish you'll be able to pick up some Catalan while you are there. Just make sure you won't get them all mixed up.

:-))
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Answer 3

Both have something going for them. You'll be understood in either language, but if you learn a bit of spanish you can use it in the future in other countries, and it'll be easier to find lessons. If you learn catalonian (or is it catalan?) it won't be a lot of use elsewhere, and you might struggle to find lessons, but the locals will love you for it and you could have a better time. Your call.

Answer 4

In Catalonia they speak Catalonian, of course speak it if you know it, people will be very glad and delighted to hear you speaking their language. Of course they speak Spanish too, so it´s up to you (but as it´s with all of us people we like our own language best). I really envy you speaking Catalonian, would very much like to learn that language. I speak Spanish, but Catalonian, that´s something else, good for you, congratulations.

Answer 5

Are you able to speak both Castilian and Catalonian? I mean do you have the luxury of being able to choose which you want to speak although you are not Spanish? If that's the case, you're most fortunate! But if you are wondering which to learn, then I would suggest Castilian as it is spoken more widely, including most of S. America, and it is also understood in Catalyna.

Answer 6

If you're going to Barcelona or the Costa Brava, you'll find the people concerned with the tourist trade are mostly Spanish speakers. Ask for un cafe amb llet and you'll be sniffily offered un caffe con leche.

If you go out into the country, you'll find people whose main language is Catalan. If you can speak a few words, it'll earn you a load of brownie points.

Answer 7

Well I'm from Costa Brava and I can assure you that we talk to holidaymakers in Spanish. I don't know why. In most shops or locals they talk to you in Catalan, although if you answer them in Spanish they'll continue the conversation speaking Spanish.

Sorry for my English I know it isn't as good as it is supposed to be LOL

Answer 8

I agree with the top contributor - either way you will be understood but if you concentrate on Catalan it won't be much use for visiting other Spanish speaking places such as the Canaries and Cuba!

Answer 9

Catalonians are very proud of their country and of their language. So if you will stay longer as for two weeks holidays local people will appreciate your efforts be sure of that.

Answer 10

I have always found that in Spain you are well received everywhere if you speak Spanish, but if you speak Catalan in a Catalan speaking area, you are treated like royalty!!!