“I am worried about going to Spain to learn Spanish because so many people there know english.” Retrospectively, I can say I had nothing to worry about. I assumed that the majority of people outside of the U.S. spoke more than one language with fluidity. And there are a lot of signs and songs in english here. But that doesn’t mean the people can speak english or hold a conversation. Muchos no tienen ganas de aprender inglés, o tiene vergüenza hablarlo. Thanks to globalization and marketing, english pops up all over here…but it has not prevented me from learning spanish, in the least. I think this is similar in any place you go now….Istanbul was like this, and Morocco a bit. English is the key. However, not everyone knows it. The Spanish are VERY proud of their ancient culture and really hang onto it.
Also very interesting to note how english brings people together...tourists united. From where ever ppl come, they go to see the sights and request things in english, whether it be their native language or not/whether they be in an english-speaking country or not. I was taken off guard in Istanbul while paying for my guided tour of Topkapi Palace. After having a conversation with the man who gives out the headphones, he then asks me, What language? Huh? I have just been talking to you, effortlessly, in english. What kind of question is that? English. Then the Thai couple behind me speak to the other man at the booth in english, with accents...Wait! It is a legit question. They want the tour in THEIR language. But they request for it in mine. I suppose it is a legitimate question, because when in Spain and conversing in Spanish, I expect to be asked that question, to which I will answer Spanish, even though I am obviously a giri and not from Sevilla.
Like the Japanese couple I overheard struggling to assert themselves in english to exchange money from yen to euros outside Brunschelli's Dome in Firenze, Italia. And doing so very proudly. Interesting how languages bring people together.
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