Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world. It is an official or native language in over 20 countries and the number of people who speak Spanish increased on average by about 20 million per year over the last decade. So, with so many people in the world speaking the Spanish language, it only makes sense that by learning it you give yourself an advantage while travelling.
"My mom is from Cuba, my dad is from Spain, and I grew up in Miami. So there's maybe a little more flair in me than typical Silicon Valley types."
- Eddy Cue
What Is Conversational Spanish?
Conversational Spanish is the basic proficiency level of the language. It means that a person has the ability to comfortably converse/communicate in the language.
This means you can converse at a low/uncomplicated level of Spanish while on holidays or business, using only basic words in the language. If you are wondering how to learn conversational Spanish, you are in the right place. I have made a list of some tips to improve your español-speaking skills.
- Free Apps. For me, Duolingo was the app that worked best, learning a language on Duolingo is fun because lessons are split into bite-sized skills that feel like games. As mentioned this app is available to use for free, with ads and limitations however there is a plus version that comes at a price.
- Download Podcasts. Where ever you get your podcasts whether it's with Apple, Spotify or the Google Playstore it doesn't matter, make sure you download Podcasts in Spanish repeat them aloud and write them into your phrasebook when learning a language, practice and repetition are key.
- Watch Spanish Movies. It's a good idea to watch these movies in Spanish with the subtitles on. Choose programs on streaming services, so that when you watch movies or shows, that have subtitles on in English if you hear a phrase you want to be able to say. You can pause, rewind and repeat it a few times to perfect your pronunciation.
- Create a Personalised Spanish Phrasebook. This does not need to be anything fancy just a copy or notepad, with two different coloured pens, one for the Spanish words and one for the English translation. Every time you learn a new phrase you know you will use again write it down phonetically, correctly and then in English.
"Ibiza is a popular vacation place for a lot of the players in Spain. If you go in the summer, there are some of the world's most famous movie and music stars, so nobody cares about soccer players."
- Xavi
Using Spanish While Abroad
As one of the world’s fastest-growing languages and the native language of millions, Spanish is making waves across continents. It’s now the second-most spoken language in the USA (after English), and is spoken in more than 20 countries! As Spanish-language cinema and music grow in popularity, you won’t want to be left behind as Spanish surges ahead! If you want to get ahead in the corporate world or to communicate with almost half the planet with ease, then it just makes sense! Why not start learning Spanish now?
By taking lessons in Spanish you will not only improve your employability and future career prospects but you will also leave behind all the stress and anxiety related to not knowing how to get from one place to another, how to order food at a restaurant or how to visit the hidden places only those who know the local language can find.
You're not just improving your work-life, but also your travels and family time.
If you speak Spanish, you can interact with the people of the place you are visiting, ask for directions without having to carry a dictionary with you, mingle and have fun at local bars and parties… Plus, your trip can be the perfect way to get immersed in the language and culture of the country!
Enjoy More of Your Holidays by Speaking Spanish
Once you are able to speak some Spanish you can ask for the experiences you actually want to try!
There are over 20 countries where Spanish is an official or national language. That means there are over 20 different kinds of traditional foods, customs and cultures!
One of the best things about travelling abroad is being able to savour the local food, music, scenery and history.
Once you know how to speak a little Spanish and you decide where to go on your next trip, you can go to a local bar or restaurant and ask the waiter to make some food suggestions, or you can ask a guide for advice on which tour to take. Or you can even visit a wine and food tasting experience, not to mention all the great music festivals and so on that take place throughout the different seasons.
Spain has vast wine regions. The Spanish Wine Regions are in; Northwest “Green” Spain.
Major Spanish wine regions include the Rioja and Ribera del Duero, which are known for their Tempranillo production; Jumilla, known for its Monastrell production; Jerez de la Frontera, the home of the fortified wine Sherry; Rías Baixas in the northwest region of Galicia that is known for its white wines made from Albariño and Catalonia which includes the Cava and still wine-producing regions of the Penedès as well the Priorat region
While we're talking about Spanish wine let's not forget about Sangria!
Originally from Spain, Sangria has become a worldwide sensation. The word “sangria” comes from the Spanish word for blood, which is Sangre. This is due to its dark red colour. Sangria is an alcoholic beverage of Spanish origin. A punch, the sangria traditionally consists of red wine and chopped fruit, often with other ingredients such as orange juice or brandy.
The Spanish Phrases That Make Your Holiday Easier
So you see, it is so handy to have a few Spanish phrases in your back pocket just to be able to get around with ease while you're on holiday. It helps with the little things, below are a few examples:
Yo necesito un taxi - I need a taxi
Lo siento, yo no habla Español - I'm sorry, I don't speak Spanish
¿Dónde está? - Where is?
Perdón, dónde está el baño - Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
Yo necesito una bebida por favor - I need a drink please
Un menú por favor - A menu please
Yo quiero pagar la cuenta - I want to pay the check
Having even just a few phrases like the ones above can really help you when you're abroad especially getting out and about when in restaurants if you need the bathroom or a drink, or even if you are lost asking someone where is something or telling them that you need something saying "yo necesito" and then pointing to a phone if your battery is dead, I can really help you.
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