Which Spanish dialect do we use on the Camino?

[AshaDasi]

Hi there, someone told me there are different dialects of Spanish, and that Catalan is one - which one do we use on the Camino de France route?

 

[AJ]

Depends where you are. On the Frances English works well most of the time.On other routes you might need more Spanish.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

You will encounter Basque, Castellano, and Gallego, but Catalan only rarely from a pilgrim. They all sound the same to me, since I speak no Spanish! It is a good thing that the Spanish are very tolerant of the language impaired when treated with courtesy and low volume. Louder is not clearer when the communication gets tough! Usually, no one is deaf.

 

[oursonpolaire]

Castellano or Castilian is the Spanish taught to North Americans and Europeans. Catalan and Gallego are regional languages for Catalonia and Galicia, linked to Castilian. Basque is a very different language, with lots of theories about whether or not it is closer to Finnish or Hungarian-- I think it safe to say that absolutely nobody will expect you to understand or speak it (although there are Basque language courses at the University of Idaho). Properly speaking, Aragonese and Leonese are dialects, and along those caminos, you will hear it from time to time in a few villages-- liturgy freaks can seek out Masses in Aragonese and Leonese in Huesca and Leon, if they are interested-- and they can occasionally be seen on signs.

However, everyone uses and understands Castellano. Unless you are in the Catalan-speaking regions of Catalonia, where pleasantries in the language are well-received, you will not need anything more than this. Note that English is not really used in northern Spain-- I found French to be almost as useful-- and it is not only a courtesy to use Castilian, it is really very very helpful. Being able to order your food, arrange accommodation, and follow basic directions will be of value to you. The more you can use it, especially in being able to provide a potted autobiography of oneself (where you're from, what you do, your family, what you like etc) will be welcomed by Spaniards, who are very social and love conversation.

 

[tyrrek]

Let's not complicate things. Castillian Spanish (what we would call 'Spanish') is accepted and understood everywhere in Spain. Any 'issues' to do with language happen between fellow Spaniards. Buen Camino!

p.s. You will see some road signs that have been 'altered' in places like Leon province, to 'correct' them to the local dialect. Don't take that as vandalism, but as an expression of local identity in a very diverse and wonderful country!

 

[newfydog]

Any Spanish is great. You can certainly get across Spain with English, but every word of Spanish will enrich your trip. When I'm in a bar, I like to ask a few questions about the soccer match they are all watching. Soon I'm being told about their farms, the weather, the government, their kids, some relative who went to New York.

 

[Ampolla]

Kudos to my fellow peregrinos on the wonderful explanation of Spain and the regional languages. In 2011 I was on the Camino Frances with my brother and nephew who speak very basic Spanish. They did fine and were able to get what they needed to travel well. Other pergrinos that I met had no Spanish or were very "challenged" in any language other than English. I am fluent and really happy that I was because I was able to have a really rich experience by speaking to the locals. My brother went on the Camino del Norte last year and found that having more Spanish was very helpful there. Any Spanish that you speak, I'm sure would be greatly appreciated, even if it's just Gracias y Buen Camino! I would love to learn some more French now so that I can speak with some of the peregrinos that I couldn't speak with before!

 

[AshaDasi]

Many thanks for all your helpful replies! I'm so looking forward to my first Camino walk, I can hardly think about anything else! Gratitude to all of you for sharing your experience.