The importance of learning Spanish before moving to Spain
The importance of speaking the local language when moving abroad
If you are planning to move to a foreign country, there are a few things to consider. It’s important to remember that a relocation, to be successful, involves culture and language integration, and that entails learning the language before you move there.
There are thousands of people from the UK (and many other countries) currently interested or in the process of moving to Spain. Obviously there is a lot of work in relocating, like planning and packing, but relocation requires a bit more than that. Whether you are looking to get a job when you get to Spain or you are going to live off your savings/investments or pension, an expat has to be able to communicate in Spanish when they get to Spain.
Learning Spanish will help lessen anxiety surrounding the move and will allow you to find new friends who are local and relate to coworkers and neighbours once you make the move.
Preparing for a move
As part of a successful move, it is important to get to know the country as much as possible, before you start this exciting adventure, particularly learning the language. This will help you get to know your new neighbours and their customs, which is key to preparing you to settle in a foreign country. If you can not communicate in Spanish, you may end up feeling lost amid the locals in a totally alien city.
Let’s face it, change is not easy
Transitioning to a foreign country is not as easy as you would imagine. Relocating can affect you economically, mentally and emotionally so it pays to be well prepared.
There are differences in work practices, food, and daily lifestyle, which might be easy to adjust to. On the other hand, learning the language, local customs and cultural norms can be a bit more difficult. This is where having a basic knowledge (or not so basic) of the language can save you from hassle and stress.
It is definitely true that Spanish people will speak English, in as much or as little as they know at the smallest opportunity and they will indeed strive to make you feel comfortable and make it easy for you. In spite of this, language integration is still the key to a soft landing.
Integrating with a new culture is not only making friends with the locals but also understanding social norms as well as cultural mindset. Once you speak their language you can start understanding their way of thinking and maybe even converting a little!
Language integration after the move
Once you have moved, it is important to get to know your neighbours and get in touch with the locals, ‘mingle’ if you can. Additionally, making contact with an expat group can help you to continue learning Spanish and the habits and ins and outs of daily life in your new home.
This is when your Spanish language skills will prove paramount and will be beneficial for you in more than one way.
Learning a language is hard and a bit of a rollercoaster ride and indeed it is true that the best way to learn it is by immersing yourself in it. But you will make your life so much easier if you can already speak a little or a lot of it when you get there and save yourself potential heartache.
Reasons to learn Spanish before you move to Spain
1. Learning the local language is pretty much necessary for day-to-day life
It is necessary to learn Spanish in order to navigate daily activities and administrative affairs. Some examples of this:
- Public transport. Getting on and off the right stop, asking the driver for directions. You need to communicate with the taxi driver further than providing an address. If you are walking and you need directions, you need to be able to ask and understand the answer.
- In restaurants and bars. If you do not speak the language and you do not know what you are ordering you are going to miss out on local ‘manjares’. Of course, you can also avoid what you don’t like or God forbid you have an allergy or intolerance! Make the most of the experience by getting to know the local dishes and your likes and dislikes and enjoy the delicious Spanish food to the full!
- When dealing with administrative affairs. If you are moving to Spain permanently or for some months or years, chances are you will need to deal with your local council or tax office for some or many operations. This will definitely require a good command of the language. Signs and notices.
- Signs are everywhere and many times they are important, so you should strive to understand as much as possible. From street signs to notices in public places, it is important to know where you are going and how to get there.
2. Meet people and make tons of new friends
Think about how brilliant it will be to get to know properly, all of the amazing people that you are going to meet in your new place of residence. Speaking Spanish will open up communication with thousands of people that you will meet, who are not so proficient in English. Do you really want to rely on everyone’s English being better than your Spanish? You never know, your new neighbour can become your best friend. Understanding of each other’s cultures will also diminish one’s prejudices. It’s advantageous all around! As Nelson Mandela said, ‘If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart’
3. Spanish people love to hear you speak Spanish
When you speak Spanish you show that you are willing and eager to integrate fully in the culture and lifestyle of your adoptive country. Spanish people will be moved when they see you trying to speak Spanish and it certainly shows a kind and caring attitude towards your environment and a display of empathy on your side. It will predispose people around you and change everyone’s attitudes to a more positive one! You will get their help and support when you need it and make friends easily and quickly. Speaking Spanish is the only way to truly assimilate into the country!
4. Speaking Spanish is the best way to experience the culture
Even when you live in Spain you need to be able to understand and speak Spanish to fully understand the culture. There is no other way to experience a culture deeply than to speak its local language.
5. Learning Spanish is good for you
As multiple studies have shown, learning a new language improves memory, enhances creativity and strengthens the ability to problem solve. As your brain develops these skills, your self-confidence levels increase as well. Pretty amazing, right? Not to mention the obvious advantages of having more than one language or even being bilingual when you are looking for a job.
6. Speaking another language is fun and rewarding
The sense of accomplishment when you arrive at a new country and you are able to communicate your way through the airport to the hotel in public transportation or straight to your new home will amaze you. Never mind seeing the faces of those around you who expect you to be just another tourist making their way in English. Impress your friends when they come to visit and you can speak to the ‘camarero’ in the local bar in Spanish and order your meals and your drinks in Spanish! This is the moment when you know that all of your hard work has paid off.
Start learning or continue learning, today
With our one to one classes, you will get your Spanish knowledge to a level where you will be comfortable moving to Spain knowing that you will be able to communicate efficiently and proficiently. If you are already living in Spain, we can help you too. With our Spanish classes you can expand your knowledge in a more formal way and in addition to, the day-to-day exposure that you already have. Either way, try one of our classes!