Is it OK to speak Spanish in Barcelona?
Is it OK to speak Spanish in Barcelona? There are two official languages in the city: Catalan and Spanish. The overwhelming majority of Barcelona's residents consider themselves fully bilingual. That means they can switch from Catalan to Spanish with ease.
Is Barcelona friendly to English speakers?
Some locals may speak English with you when they find out you're not Spanish, but more pride is attached to being fluent in one of the four recognized languages in Barcelona. A history lesson aside, you will find the locals are very friendly and can easily converse with foreign tourists.
Can you understand Catalan if you speak Spanish?
They are different languages, and they are not mutually intelligible. Most Catalan speakers know Spanish, so in practice it's not an issue for them, but Spanish speakers who didn't learn Catalan cannot understand spoken Catalan at all, even though they appear quite similar in writing.
Should I try to speak Spanish in Barcelona?
Both Catalan and Spanish (or Castellano as it is more often known) are official languages in Barcelona and many residents are bilingual, so ultimately, learning either of them will help you more than English will.
Is Barcelona a walkable city?
Barcelona is a very walkable city. We could stroll through the differernt neighborhoods first hand and get a feel for the local markets and shops. Of course a stop at the open air market of La Boqueria is a must. You will find fruit stands, sweets, tapas, cheese, and of course meat vendors.
Can you survive with English in Barcelona?
The answer is yes, it is possible to survive in Barcelona without speaking Spanish. However, it may be challenging to get by on a day-to-day basis, especially if you plan to stay in the city long-term. Most people in Barcelona speak Spanish, and many signs, menus, and other important information are written in Spanish.
How hard is Catalan if you know Spanish?
Learning Catalan is no more difficult than learning French, Italian or any other language. You just have to be determined. If I know Spanish or another Romance language, will that help? Of course it will.