Speaking Spanish

[christy p]

Hi, I'll be doing the Camino France end of March I dont have a word of Spanish, will i survive Also any friends of Bill W walking (would be nice to meet up and have a chat)

Rgds

 

[fortview]

Hi,
If you look at the section on the forum, relating to the camino Frances, about halfway down the first page you will see a thread relating to this exact topic it has over 40 replies, so should be just what you are looking for :!:

Buen camino

 

[zammy]

Don't worry, many hikers don't speak Spanish too, everybody manages on the Camino.

 

[tyrrek]

I dont have a word of Spanish, will i survive

No Christy. You might not survive and be found in a ditch 3 years later. Only joking. Of course you'll survive, but any effort you can make to speak Spanish will be met half way and improve your experience dramatically. Nobody expects pilgrims to be fluent Spanish speakers, but they do respond well if you make some kind of effort, even if it's just greeting people and basic numbers etc. Buen Camino!

 

[annelise]

For friends of Bill, you may wish to look at this thread:
el-camino-frances/topic11064.html

Buen camino

 

[Tincatinker]

Learn as much as you can of the basics; hello, goodbye, thank you, please. Buenas Tardes. Tienne un camas para la noche ( good afternoon. do you have a bed for the night? ) ( by the way that may be poor Spanish but it was always met with a smile of welcome)

After many years of visiting Spain my Spanish is still sub-conversation level but as Tyrrek says, any effort you make will be appreciated: and reciprocated with kindness.

Buen Camino

 

[Laynni]

No, you certainly don't need to speak a lot of Spanish to manage along the Camino but I'm sure you'll find that if you learn the basics, especially the pleasantries, food terms and how to ask for things, you will find yourself feeling far more comfortable when interacting with locals and are sure to enjoy your time more as well. But certainly don't stress about it.

 

[christy p]

Thanks to all who replied very helpful info

 

[crad80]

Hi there,

I agree. Most people walking the Camino speak English. So you shouldn't have a problem communicating to others while walking the Camino. However, most locals speak limited English (if none at all) so it might be beneficial if you learn some simple phrases. Have fun and Buen Camino. C-rad

 

[julie]

I knew only a few words of Spanish when I first set out and everything was fine. My efforts included please and thank you and I very dutifully learnt good morning, good afternoon and good evening with the approximate time to change only to find that most of the Spaniards I met along the way simply greeted me with "buenos".

After a very short time I picked up the necessities and can now order a glass of white wine It is also useful but not necessary to know the numbers as this makes shopping easier.

I don't speak Spanish however I don't expect the Spanish to speak English. Gestures and a smile work wonders and speak volumes.

 

[tyrrek]

most of the Spaniards I met along the way simply greeted me with "buenos".

Yes, this is a relatively recent and informal way to greet people. 'Hola, buenas!' seems to work at all times of day so you don't have to worry about when to switch from 'Buenos dias' to 'Buenas tardes', which happens around lunchtime but not right on noon as it does in English.

I've also noticed an increase in the use of the Italian 'Ciao' to say goodbye. Again it's informal. The Spanish 'Hasta luego' seems to have been shortened to 'Ta logo'.

If you want to be a bit more formal the traditional greetings are still best, especially with older people.

Buen Camino!

 

[Tincatinker]

"Ta logo" - hah, an explanation at last. The beloved was confused when, in Potes in the Picos de Europa, the camenero would say "hallo" every time we left the bar.

"Buenas"' uttered in a low grumbly pitch, accompanied by a slight backward inclination of the head ( a sort of backward nod) seemed to be the local standard greeting in the street or on the mountains.

Embarrassingly poor Spanish is of far greater value than no Spanish at all.

Buen Camino

 

[tyrrek]

Yes, you have to have the 'head nodding' posture to use the informal greetings. Better to be formal at first. Buenos dias, buenas tardes, buenas noches, por favor, gracias (pron. grathias not gratzeeass). You'll make friends. Buen Camino!

 

[fortview]

I used to say "hasta del fuego " and someone else I know replied " hasta lumbago "
Whatever....
It's the thought that counts