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Cynwhite,I can recommend Rosetta Stone as an effective way to learn the basics in a short amount of time.
While it certainly is polite to speak to the locals in their native tongue, English is the second most frequent language used on the Camino.
There were only two times on the Camino that I wished I spoke fluent Spanish. Both times involved strangling through small villages in mid-afternoon when elderly men got up from their resting places and began to walk with me, offering me words of encourage. When we reached the end of their villages, both men shook my hand, slapped me on my back and gestured with a sweeping motion toward the path while wishing me a "Buen Camino." All I could offer them was a "gracious" with tears in my eyes.
Even better is Pimsleur. Plus, you can listen to it while you walk. You build up, just like you were young and learning Your native language.I can recommend Rosetta Stone as an effective way to learn the basics in a short amount of time.
Robert, it was traditional (but only elderly people, in rural villages, keep this) that people gave a loaf of bread and a cup of wine, or alternatively gave directions and walk a while with a pilgrim, and said farewell asking "por favor, rece por mí cuando llegue a Santiago" (please, pray for me when you arrive at Compostela). These usages are fast disappearing, so maybe you were one of the last being asked for a pray.There were only two times on the Camino that I wished I spoke fluent Spanish. Both times involved straggling through small villages in mid-afternoon when elderly men got up from their resting places and began to walk with me, offering me words of encourage. When we reached the end of their villages, both men shook my hand, slapped me on my back and gestured with a sweeping motion toward the path while wishing me a "Buen Camino." All I could offer them was a "gracious" with tears in my eyes.
Robert, it was traditional (but only elderly people, in rural villages, keep this) that people gave a loaf of bread and a cup of wine, or alternatively gave directions and walk a while with a pilgrim, and said farewell asking "por favor, rece por mí cuando llegue a Santiago" (please, pray for me when you arrive at Compostela). These usages are fast disappearing, so maybe you were one of the last being asked for a pray.
These are the experiences I am hoping to have. Thank you. I too am trying to learn some Spanish so will try the recommendations. I do seem to be a slow learner though !! Must be my age. Gracias everyone. Leave on the 1st September so I still have some time to hit the books ! SriyantraNow I really wish I spoke Spanish. I am so glad that when I hugged Santiago I thanked him for everyone who was gracious and kind to me along the way.
BTW, there was one other person besides these two gentlemen who significantly touched my heart. One afternoon I was particularly tired and really struggling. I am sure I looked like a mess. I was in the middle of no where when I came upon a farmer's house and an older woman was working in the garden. She took one look at me and graciously offered me food and water. I wasn't hungry, but I accepted water from her. It is moments like this that I will never forget.
I love Duolingo. I think I am addicted !!!At my daughter's suggestion, I downloaded an app on my iPhone.......it's called Duolingo, a language learning tool. It's not "the answer", but it's definitely fun. I recommend Duolingo to anyone interested in learning a new language. I am enjoy learning a few Spanish words. I intend on persevering and fleshing out my Spanish vocabulary before my Camino in September 2014.
Chempark, best wishes and keep on learning Spanish. As I've been learning Spanish on my own, without speaking it [other than to a computer- Duolingo/Memrise] I have better reading and writing skills than listening/speaking. I'm taking a very small note pad and pen so that I can write down simple requests when my choice of sentence structure/accent fails me. Alternatively, I can also ask someone to write an answer [given in Spanish] for me to read. The phrases: Mas despacio, por favor [Much slower, please] & Lo puede repetir, por favor [Can you please repeat it?] will be used frequently no doubt. And for written communication: Lo puede escribir, por favor? [Can you write it, please?].I used "Spanish with Michel Thomas" and loved it. As he says (actually, said, unfortunately he is now dead), "no books, no memorization, no homework - just relax and listen." I got the 10 CD course from my library and listened an hour or two a day while walking the month before I walked the Camino. There is a website with many famous person endorsements here ... http://www.michelthomas.com/. I have no commercial interest in this course, but I am a happy graduate.
Avenelite,Chempark, best wishes and keep on learning Spanish. As I've been learning Spanish on my own, without speaking it [other than to a computer- Duolingo/Memrise] I have better reading and writing skills than listening/speaking. I'm taking a very small note pad and pen so that I can write down simple requests when my choice of sentence structure/accent fails me. Alternatively, I can also ask someone to write an answer [given in Spanish] for me to read. The phrases: Mas despacio, por favor [Much slower, please] & Lo puede repetir, por favor [Can you please repeat it?] will be used frequently no doubt. And for written communication: Lo puede escribir, por favor? [Can you write it, please?].
Thank you for the tip! Although I can do my way in Spain, my language skills are much lacking, and I have downloaded and shall refresh and learn more. Thanks again: It looked like a fun app!At my daughter's suggestion, I downloaded an app on my iPhone.......it's called Duolingo, a language learning tool.
Thank you for the tip! Although I can do my way in Spain, my language skills are much lacking, and I have downloaded and shall refresh and learn more. Thanks again: It looked like a fun app!
De nada!Avenelite,
Those are phrases I will definitely write down in my notebook. Thanks!
Stefania
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