Communicating... English?

[Madi]

I am from the US and don't know much Spanish, and only a small amount of French. Should I try to learn some Spanish before I go, or would I be ok? Thanks!

 

[C clearly]

You can manage on the Camino Frances with very little Spanish, as English is the common language when people of different nationalities get together. However, you really should try to study up before, especially since you are young and will have many years to enjoy what you learn.

A basic course would be great. Otherwise, use a phrase book, learn the numbers, and maybe take a translation app if you have a smart phone.

 

[Madi]

You can manage on the Camino Frances with very little Spanish, as English is the common language when people of different nationalities get together. However, you really should try to study up before, especially since you are young and will have many years to enjoy what you learn.

A basic course would be great. Otherwise, use a phrase book, learn the numbers, and maybe take a translation app if you have a smart phone.

Thank you much, very helpful!

 

[alexwalker]

A basic course would be great. Otherwise, use a phrase book, learn the numbers, and maybe take a translation app if you have a smart phone.

Madi, in rural Spain, you will need some basic phrases in Spanish, but a translation app/phrase book will do you much good.

 

[Scott Sweeney]

It is best to try and learn as much Spanish as you before you go. As a matter of fact it can be very enjoyable learning another language.

 

[fortview]

I think you'll enjoy the experience more if you can speak a little Spanish. You'll be able to interact with the local people a bit more. You'll be learning Spanish as you walk as well I expect, since there are many young Spanish Pilgrims to chat with. I've got a lot to learn, but each time I go , I learn a few more words. Some young Spanish guys I met recently took great delight in teaching me some choice swear words, which I won't repeat here!!
Helen

 

[tyrrek]

Hi! I think there's a very basic level that means you won't come across as rude. Knowing how to greet people, key numbers, please and thank you are enough for that. Once goodwill has been established, sign language and the usual linguistic gymnastics will do the rest.

Beyond this is the 'Camino Competent' level. This involves a few key words and phrases like 'cafe con leche', 'Hay...', 'donde esta...', etc. You'll probably end up at this level even if you start with next to nothing.

Just as important as your actual knowledge is your attitude. Making an effort, a bit of humility and a sense of humour are all good.

Buen Camino!

 

[bystander]

I have found in the past in Spain that a little Spanish, however poor, goes a long way.
To improve that "little" of mine I am working my way through, and enjoying doing so, Duolingo - friendly and fun.
https://www.duolingo.com/translations

 

[Icacos]

Just as important as your actual knowledge is your attitude. Making an effort, a bit of humility and a sense of humour are all good.

This is so true. One morning, we encountered a group of four non-Spanish peregrinos who, after three weeks on the Frances, still insisted on ordering their desayuno in their own language, befuddling the already busy barkeep. We looked on in dismay.

 

[MichaelSG]

As others have stated, you won't have to speak Spanish but it is a good idea to try to learn and use the basics. Don't ever go to another country without being able to say please, thank you, you're welcome, hello, goodbye, good morning, good night, etc. If you are on a budget, a good free way to learn the basicc or a lot more is https://www.duolingo.com/. Buen Camino!

 

[Al the optimist]

I can recommend "Camino Lingo" co-written by our own Sillydoll. All you need in an easily referenced format. Published by Lightfoot Publications. Look for Sylvia Nielsen on Amazon.

 

[Koidream]

Don't worry. On our camino I talked Japanese, Korean, Canadian (both the french and the englidh), Romanian, Polish,... all without knowing these languages.
In other words, on the camino there is a universal language, called "understanding".
The few words you really need, you will pick up during your first days. And when you arrive in Compostella or Finistere, you will see youself going into a bar and order all you need in perfect "understanding".. ;-)

 

[MichaelSG]

Don't worry. On our camino I talked Japanese, Korean, Canadian (both the french and the englidh), Romanian, Polish,... all without knowing these languages.
In other words, on the camino there is a universal language, called "understanding".
The few words you really need, you will pick up during your first days. And when you arrive in Compostella or Finistere, you will see youself going into a bar and order all you need in perfect "understanding".. ;-)

Too true. From my blog from our French Camino:

....we have to make it to Riego de Ambros for our night’s rest. It's a unique place. The albergue is an ancient building on the outside but the sleeping area has been remodeled in nouveau Ikea. We rung the doorbell then entered through the massive wooden doors. The hospitalero did not seem to be around but there is a single German pilgrim already making himself at home. He told us that Pedro, the owner, is over at the restaurant (owned by his mother on the other side of town and the only other business in the village) and should return shortly. He suggested that we leave our shoes at the closet behind us, come in, chose a bed and get a shower. We agreed that this was a good plan but then Melanie & I looked at each other and laughed. Everything that the other pilgrim said was in German but we understood it all. We are picking up words and accents but the plan also fits into an expected routine. It gives us a chuckle anyway.

 

[bystander]

It's amazing how multi-lingual you can become after a couple of glasses of vino!

 

[BlackDog]

If you're using a smartphone I found Google Translate with Spanish loaded as an offline language came in useful even if only to prepare some phrases in advance. In a Vodafone shop in Cée it was the only method to find out the code for determining how much credit was left on my SIM card.

 

[november_moon]

Yes, definitely learn a bit of Spanish before you go - even if it is just a few pleasantries and basic phrases. They will serve you well, if only to show people that you are trying Even if they immediately switch to English so that you will stop butchering their language, you'll score points for effort.