Q: I'm visiting Barcelona and I was just wondering, should my friend and I learn phrases in Spanish or Catalan before we go? Are they both equally accepted? I read somewhere that Catalan people may look down on those who speak Spanish to them, given the history of the area.. Any insight into this? I'd like to learn some Spanish just because it would be applicable to other places too.. but which language will be most welcomed in Barcelona? Thanks!

A: I´m sure a proud Catalan person would disagree with what I am about to say but if you are making a tourist visit to Barcelona it is best to predominantly learn Spanish first. People living here all understand and can speak Spanish including the Catalans. However not everyone can speak or understand Catalan.  There are many millions of people from other regions of Spain and Spanish speaking countries also living and working in Barcelona and they only predominantly understand Spanish.  If you intend to live here then it is still best to learn Spanish first for practical purposes and then when you have mastered that language consider learning Catalan.

I think it is fair to say that some staunch Catalans do not like to speak in Spanish however in my experience of living here it is rare for anyone to be offended if you speak Spanish as opposed to Catalan.  After you have lived here for a while and you truly wish to integrate with Catalan culture then it would be a good idea to learn Catalan and show respect for the culture which is distinct from that of Spanish culture.   I know from experience though even speaking a few words and phrases in Catalan can make a staunch Catalan open up to you like a flower! The reason is that not many "extranjeros"  (foreigners)  make any efforts to learn or speak Catalan language.

In one of our newsletters (link below) we outline some tips on how to learn to speak basic Spanish quickly and easily. Follow the link below:

How to get by in Barcelona when you don´t speak a word of Spanish or Catalan.