Dotte Girl
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- I plan to walk the Camino September 2014.
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I walked in Sept 2012, I speak very little Spanish. I didnt have much of a problem with it. If a bar didnt speak English, i pointed to the food I wanted. You will pick up some Spanish as you go. It was fun trying to learn and I used their language every chance I got. I was in their country, and they are all very nice and helpful along the way.
Hope this helps.
I'm leaving SJPP either Aug 31 or Sept 1 this year too!
Anywhere one travels, it is most helpful to have a few words in the local language ... even if it's just as signal of an 'good will effort' . it shows (to me) that one doesn't expect that everyone ought to speak ones native language.I am leaving in a week and am very excited. I do worry though about my inability to speak Spanish. For those like me, how have you communicated with the locals and Alburgues?
Anywhere one travels, it is most helpful to have a few words in the local language ... even if it's just as signal of an 'good will effort' . it shows (to me) that one don't expect that everyone ought to speak ones native language.
i don't speak portuguese nor spanish - but the italian i do speak, surely helped to project a good version/imitation of my 'make believe spanish' -
in your remaining week - or during the flight -- memorize a few words. basics. even as simple as "Donde...?" (where) ...and then point/mimic to what you need. (a drink, food, etc). The greetings, thank-you's and farewells in a language are also very good too.
Make an effort, and chances are that you will be positively surprised ...!
hopefully you won't expect that everyone speaks/understands english in Spain. they don't.
I had prepared some tiny (as in: 2 cm x .8cm) flip-card (on one side the spanish or portuguese word, on the other side the english one) - had enlisted locals to help me with this, and it was a fun "exercise" and quite hilarious, depending at the stage of wine consumption at that point ;-)
good luck - and enjoy the Camino!! best wishes -
I do have this app and was thinking of using it, but didn't know how the locals would react or feel about it. Would they be offended and annoyed that I relied on it instead of learning their language? I would think its better than NO communication.I do not understand or speak conversational Spanish, so I relied on the App, "Translate", which translates one typed -- or spoken -- language into another typed -- or spoken -- language. See the attached image for an example, and note the microphone and speaker icons. The spoken translation was very helpful for people who could not read the translation on my iPhone. I used Translate for English to Spanish, French, Korean, and Polish.
View attachment 12701
I am leaving in a week and am very excited. I do worry though about my inability to speak Spanish. For those like me, how have you communicated with the locals and Alburgues?
English might/ may be the common language of intercommunicating between Pilgrims, but I was also thinking of speaking to the locals. After all, we are guests in their country.The experience is better if you speak Spanish and can interact with the local people.
But...English is the common language of Pilgrims.
The French speak to Germans to Italians, etc in English as a rule.
I am leaving in a week and am very excited. I do worry though about my inability to speak Spanish. For those like me, how have you communicated with the locals and Alburgues?
Love them green goats!!!I'm having lots of fun with Duolingo (a Spanish language teaching app). Knowing that "the goat is green" may not be incredibly useful, but the app does make it easy to learn.
I always find it a pity when you are visiting a foreign country, where the language is different to your own and no attempt has been made to make a small effort to learn, at least, the basics. Now, I don't mean a visit of a day or two, but when you are going to be walking for more than a month, you are, in my opinion, missing out, but also, it's a certain courtesy to the local inhabitants, to try and communicate. I'm sorry to put this so bluntly, but it is very much an Anglo attitude!
There are so many on- line simple courses one can use and then download to your whatever! When I learnt Spanish 20 years ago it entailed putting cassettes in the car radio system to which I could listen while I was driving. Nowadays, everything is so much simpler!
I also understand that if the Pilgrimage has been decided on at the very last minute, then one has every excuse not to have done any homework. But if you are planning for a year or so, then there is plenty of time to work at it! Anne
I have been practicing with the Rosetta Stone that I bought, reading common words/phrases from Brierley's book, and have used some of the Translation App. on my phone. It's as if I'm not trying to disrespect the locals or their language. I simply feel inadequate in using it.
I have been practicing with the Rosetta Stone that I bought, reading common words/phrases from Brierley's book, and have used some of the Translation App. on my phone. It's as if I'm not trying to disrespect the locals or their language. I simply feel inadequate in using it.
Oh I seem to get a few phrases out there...understanding the replies however goes right over my head!
Will be walking from 29th Aug. might see you along the wayThat's good to know. I imagine I will learn a few words as I go!
Thanks for your reply!
Dotte Girl
If you can overcome your sense of inadequancy the locals will appreciate you trying and will be really helpful. A very useful phrase is 'despacio por favor' (slower please) if they talk to fast to catch the words.I have been practicing with the Rosetta Stone that I bought, reading common words/phrases from Brierley's book, and have used some of the Translation App. on my phone. It's as if I'm not trying to disrespect the locals or their language. I simply feel inadequate in using it.
I'm having lots of fun with Duolingo (a Spanish language teaching app). Knowing that "the goat is green" may not be incredibly useful, but the app does make it easy to learn. I speak a bit of Spanish but my verbs and tenses are gobbledygook, so am trying to straighten them out a bit. I think it is helping.
Get a Spanish lover and by the end of the walk you will know enough!
You are going to be a guest in another country. You will find the Spanish, German and many from other countries speak very good English, shouldn't you take the time to learn some Spanish?
This is something that amazes me, believe it or not we Americans are snobs who feel everyone should bow to us.
You will be fine, but take the time to learn some Spanish and even some French, it will make your journey all that much better.
Al, not a bad idea ! I don't think my husband would agreeGet a Spanish lover and by the end of the walk you will know enough!
Well I certainly will have to get it right if I am going to get offered seconds on my drinksIf you can overcome your sense of inadequancy the locals will appreciate you trying and will be really helpful. A very useful phrase is 'despacio por favor' (slower please) if they talk to fast to catch the words.
Also note that when offered 'seconds' or top up of drinks we in English say 'Thank you' quite often meaning Yes please. The Spanish say Yes please. If you say Gracias they think you mean 'No thank you'.
Buen camino
Many times you will encounter locals as you walk the trails. I always found it was helpful, and polite, to greet them with a "Buenos Dias." Oftentimes they would respond with a "Buen Camino" in which case a "Muchas Gracias" is a nice response. Try this a few times and I'm sure it will increase your comfort level. Buen Camino!I am leaving in a week and am very excited. I do worry though about my inability to speak Spanish. For those like me, how have you communicated with the locals and Alburgues?
That explains it !!!....... we in English say 'Thank you' quite often meaning Yes please. The Spanish say Yes please. If you say Gracias they think you mean 'No thank you'.
Buen camino
"Lover" is maybe a bit extreme, but some vibe with a spanish speaking Caminante, or two, will certainly be useful. Because whilst it's good to know some basic expressions, you'll also have to get your ear accustomed to expressions and accents. Memorizing simple sentences which include numbers, days of the week, etc. are always helpful.There is no quick way around learning a foreign language (you'll need the lover for quite a bit longer than the Camino Francés !Al, not a bad idea ! I don't think my husband would agree!
Yes - unfortunately our dear Spanish amigos tend to speak at about 400 words a second. I don't know how even the locals understand each other!!Oh I seem to get a few phrases out there...understanding the replies however goes right over my head!
This goes for any language when you are learning it! In the past, we were an English/ Italian speaking family. My mother gave up, because she said we were speaking too fast!Yes - unfortunately our dear Spanish amigos tend to speak at about 400 words a second. I don't know how even the locals understand each other!!
Yes - unfortunately our dear Spanish amigos tend to speak at about 400 words a second. I don't know how even the locals understand each other!!
Precisely that, Al. I come from near Manchester and we were in Kent!!"Proper English" Anna? I come from near to the black country and that local accent would never be called proper. I have difficulty understanding sometimes.
Ever been to inner Scotland Mike ?
They are hard to beat
Not been to that little (soon to be independent) country for some years so memories of our Scottish friends is hazy.Ever been to inner Scotland Mike ?
They are hard to beat
Hi everybody! Pamplona´s english conversation club would like to meet you and have a talk in english!. We are studying english so we would be very pleased if some of you wanted to join us. We meet every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at O´Connor´s Irish Pub in Paseo de Sarasate in Pamplona (just five minutes walking from pilgrims hostel or albergue ).
We usually practice english from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and afterwards, we go to taste typical 'pintxos'. If you are in Pamplona (only Tuesdays) and want to join us do not hesitate to contact us at pamplonahablaingles@yahoo.es or http://www.facebook.com/pamplonahi
If you joined us you would have the opportunity to know spanish people, moreover I am sure you would have a good time and you could ask us everything you want to know about the city,the camino, Navarra´s history, or spanish culture.
Sorry for the mistakes in my written english! :-S
Thank you very much! see you in Pamplona and buen camino!
Tried that today and all I could get was "mas", "caliente" and "Jueves" ! As an ex teacher I am not a good student !!! I have decided, however, that when we get home in November I am going to enrol in an online course. We don't have anything available where I live. Might be a bit late for this trip, but who knows what the future might bring.Try listening to the Spanish weather forecasts on rtve.es - it helps to 'tune in' the ears.
Tried that today and all I could get was "mas", "caliente" and "Jueves" ! As an ex teacher I am not a good student !!! I have decided, however, that when we get home in November I am going to enrol in an online course. We don't have anything available where I live. Might be a bit late for this trip, but who knows what the future might bring.
They do speak quickly, and as Fraluchi says it's difficult to process quickly enough. For me the problem was actually working out where one word ended and the next began. A sentence just sounded like one long word!Yes - unfortunately our dear Spanish amigos tend to speak at about 400 words a second. I don't know how even the locals understand each other!!
I'm going to disagree with some things.
The younger generation doesn't universally speak English. Not even close to it. Even if they do they might not feel comfortable using it.
In relationships you end up using the common language. I never learned a single word no matter how hard they tried to teach me.
If you're in need of help two methods never fail.
Ask the nearest pretty girl. What's the worst that can happen?
Ask some one in uniform. Other then that pharmacists etc are more likely to speak English then the average person.
Don't count on farmacias to speak any English.
Did they work? I suffer from cramps and have tried everything over the counter, extra magnesium, Epsom salts in water and magnets in the bed!!! Maybe a Spanish farmacia can help me !I will never forget one occasion in a chemist shop .... I needed something for night-time cramps in both legs. I had to mime it, jumping around the shop, holding both thighs, shouting "Oooo!" "Aaarrgghhhh!" in mock pain. Everyone in the shop was laughing - but they understood completely, and I got my anti-cramp tablets
hahahaha, your kidding. Really?The strange thing is I couldn't get them to speak anything but English to me
Bananas - for potassium; lick of salt - you won't overdose (this is for the Camino really); Diarolyte sachets - rehydration salts/electrolytes. Spanish farmacias sell something similar to these but don't buy the 'sports' variety as they are different.Did they work? I suffer from cramps and have tried everything over the counter, extra magnesium, Epsom salts in water and magnets in the bed!!! Maybe a Spanish farmacia can help me !
Maybe will see you. Beginning walk on 30th Aug.Did they work? I suffer from cramps and have tried everything over the counter, extra magnesium, Epsom salts in water and magnets in the bed!!! Maybe a Spanish farmacia can help me !
Wonderful post. Thanks for explaining things in such a great way and covering so much. I am sure this will help those who don't know the language an awful lot.
Every teacher , as they came from different countries, spoke a DIFFERENT spanish dialect.
The spanish knew what was being said but the students had a bit of trouble.
Don't count on farmacias to speak any English.
hahahaha, your kidding. Really?
I've just realised that there are a few other essential words that any peregrino / peregrina will need to know.
Maria, I agree with Al - you have provided a very handy guide for the beginner.
I also find it helpful to know that Spanish is spoken exactly as it is written - beautifully phonetic, once you know the sound of each letter. A good word to try is Roncesvalles. It looks complicated and I've heard it being murdered, but it is actually quite simple. The 'c' is soft, the 'a' is long. Say it slowly and pronounce every letter - easy peasy!
Anyone reading who is interested could try sounding out the words Maria has suggested - just remember to pronounce every letter.
I had an amusing experience some years ago in Panama airport - not so much to do with dialect as accent.
I tried to order a beer in my best, as taught at school, castilian lisping Spanish with no comprehension from the barman.
I repeated my request only to be met with yet another "¿Que?"
I was rescued by a Hispanic American lady who said
"Honey, just say it as you would in English"
So
"Uno sirveysa, por favor"
"Ah, si señor"
Success!
When I am in the Netherlands I speak with the locals in my northern German dialect (Plattdeutsch) and they mostly understand me and I understand them!Being Dutch we are, for some reason, apparently supposed or expected to speak English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Polish and many more languages, cause nobody ever EVER tries to speak Dutch to me when they are in Holland. EVER! And the worst thing? Although very hospitable of us, we allow it. We, Dutch, will then try to speak, German, Frech, Spanish ect ect to you, just to make it easier for you.
Nothing white trash about that if you ask me
Being Dutch we are, for some reason, apparently supposed or expected to speak English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Polish and many more languages, cause nobody ever EVER tries to speak Dutch to me when they are in Holland. EVER! And the worst thing? Although very hospitable of us, we allow it. We, Dutch, will then try to speak, German, Frech, Spanish ect
Dutch its a credit to you that you can/will try to communicate in an others Language,it must get annoying when its expected of you , i never expect someone to speak English but grateful if they do, if they dont it is still not too hard to say enjoy ,thank you or come join us .also a question ? are you taught so many languages in school or are the picked up on the way ? in Ireland we have a couple of years of French or German thats pretty much it,Being Dutch we are, for some reason, apparently supposed or expected to speak English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Polish and many more languages, cause nobody ever EVER tries to speak Dutch to me when they are in Holland. EVER! And the worst thing? Although very hospitable of us, we allow it. We, Dutch, will then try to speak, German, Frech, Spanish ect ect to you, just to make it easier for you.
Nothing white trash about that if you ask me
Dutch its a credit to you that you can/will try to communicate in an others Language,it must get annoying when its expected of you , i never expect someone to speak English but grateful if they do, if they dont it is still not too hard to say enjoy ,thank you or come join us .also a question ? are you taught so many languages in school or are the picked up on the way ? in Ireland we have a couple of years of French or German thats pretty much it,
Annoying? Yes and no, but it depends on how it is expected. How someone brings it. I guess in a similar way how some here always expect the pilgrims to speak Spanish when in Spain, but the difference is that we always try to help somebody in their own or any other language we might have in common, while a majority of the Spanish think its fine to hardly try and meet another person halfway, language wise.
I never expect anyone to speak Dutch. Yes, its funny and nice when they try the goodmornings and goodnights, but really, Why would they even know it? We are a: a minority and b: its a hard language to learn with many pronounciations and strange sounds hardly anybody makes. We Dutch of course speak it, then there is aprox half of Belgium that speak it, or their version of it anyway, and a hand full of carribean islands. Thats is.
In School we get French, German and English. English from a very young age. Some start with English from 8 years old in school, like my daughter. She is 14 now and already spoke amazing english at 12. I think thats brilliant.
A lot of middle schools even have 50/50 educations where 50% of the courses are given in just english. Oxford english i think its called. Not 100% sure. And also an increasing number of schools teach Spanish. In had these 4 languages in school, but Spanish got the least of my attentioni often skipped this to drink coffee with friends in the city. Damn i wish i skipped out on German more now hahaha. Maybe thats camino payback for skipping those classes
Being Dutch we are, for some reason, apparently supposed or expected to speak English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Polish and many more languages, cause nobody ever EVER tries to speak Dutch to me when they are in Holland. EVER! And the worst thing? Although very hospitable of us, we allow it. We, Dutch, will then try to speak, German, Frech, Spanish ect ect to you, just to make it easier for you.
Nothing white trash about that if you ask me
Please forgive any errors or omissions; if anyone spots anything, please let me know.
Well I speak Dutch. Not very Well, i must admit ( maybe on the level of a 3 year old).Being Dutch we are, for some reason, apparently supposed or expected to speak English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Polish and many more languages, cause nobody ever EVER tries to speak Dutch to me when they are in Holland. EVER! And the worst thing? Although very hospitable of us, we allow it. We, Dutch, will then try to speak, German, Frech, Spanish ect ect to you, just to make it easier for you.
Nothing white trash about that if you ask me
She is 14 now and already spoke Oxford english i think its called
It's worth learning just to say the word for 'Please'. I can't remember how to spell it but it has to be the cutest sounding word in the whole world.
One word that is used repeatedly by locals on the Camino Primitivo and elsewhere in Asturias / Galicia is;-
¿ . . . . ,vale? . Used as the French use ¿ . . . . , ce va?
Meaning " ¿. . . . is that O.K.?
The answer (if it is O.K.) is simply " vale!"
Blessings
Tio Tel
That would be "Cambridge English". ☺
really funny i can picture itI will never forget one occasion in a chemist shop .... I needed something for night-time cramps in both legs. I had to mime it, jumping around the shop, holding both thighs, shouting "Oooo!" "Aaarrgghhhh!" in mock pain. Everyone in the shop was laughing - but they understood completely, and I got my anti-cramp tablets
No seriously.
I was intent to practice the little Spanish I know and both times the moment I opened my mouth they switched to English and that was that.
Kanga, I'm using Duolingo as well...It's a fun and easy way to learn. I'm not going for fluency...but I believe knowing some words and phrases will certainly be helpful!I'm having lots of fun with Duolingo (a Spanish language teaching app). Knowing that "the goat is green" may not be incredibly useful, but the app does make it easy to learn. I speak a bit of Spanish but my verbs and tenses are gobbledygook, so am trying to straighten them out a bit. I think it is helping.
This is awesome! Thanks jmcarp! I can't wait to be able to use my Survival Caminoese!Here's a link to a very useful cheat sheet of Spanish phrases you'll need on the Camino: http://www.caminoguide.net/downloads/Spanish.pdf
I am leaving in a week and am very excited. I do worry though about my inability to speak Spanish. For those like me, how have you communicated with the locals and Alburgues?
In my opinion, part of the fun and the entire adventure of the Camino or any other travel to non-English speaking parts of the world is the opportunity try to communicate in the local language or even dialect. Even for those of us who may have studied Spanish is school, unless you've lived in a country and spoken the local dialect regularly, you are likely to feel inadequate. Don't let that stop you. In my experience, the locals sincerely appreciate your trying. Felice and Buen Camino!I have been practicing with the Rosetta Stone that I bought, reading common words/phrases from Brierley's book, and have used some of the Translation App. on my phone. It's as if I'm not trying to disrespect the locals or their language. I simply feel inadequate in using it.
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