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So that's why they hardly speak English in Spain!
It has always shocked me how little English people speak in Spain. Travel to big cities and generally you can communicate with the locals in English, but in Madrid (for example) you will be lucky to encounter a Madrileño to speak to in English. It's embarrassing how here you can't even order a coffee in English at Starbucks!I think one of the main reasons for its lack of English-speaking capabilities is the fact that Spain is the only country in the world (according to a recent article in the English version of El Pais published by the IHT) that dubs everything. Everything!
The article (which unfortunately isn't online) also says that Spain has 4,300 cinema screens, making it the country with the highest number of movie theaters per person in Europe. Although now there are a number of Version Original (VO) theaters in the country, they are visited mostly by tourists; Spaniards generally don't want to read subtitles. When asked, although Spaniards said they prefer to watch films in VO, only 4% of them actually go to cinemas to watch them in VO.
To make a comparison of sorts: I have a lot of Swedish friends, both here and in Sweden. What always surprised me was how well they speak English and how perfectly American their accents are. When I asked them, they all unanimously said it's because they have grown up watching English-language programs on television as nothing is dubbed. Sweden generally being a rich and cold country, most people have cable and I guess they stay in a lot!
Although English is taught in Spanish schools, it is not uncommon to find it being taught by teachers who can't really speak English, but they know the grammar. On that note, it's interesting to think that should Spain not have dubbed programs (initially done under the Franco regime), Spaniards would at least have had basic English communication skills.
The influence of media on the language capabilities of a country is quite fascinating, don't you think!?
Although English is taught in Spanish schools, it is not uncommon to find it being taught by teachers who can't really speak English, but they know the grammar. On that note, it's interesting to think that should Spain not have dubbed programs (initially done under the Franco regime), Spaniards would at least have had basic English communication skills.
The influence of media on the language capabilities of a country is quite fascinating, don't you think!?
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Europe, Spain
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
DriverG Dec 12th 2007 9:09AM
While I disagree with the premise that Spain is any worse than much of continental Europe in this regard - especially compared to Italy - if it's true, it's not about the movies, it's about Franco. During his regime he oppressed pretty much everything that wasn't Castillian and, while he's been gone for 30 years now, it takes a while for the culture to readjust.
That said if you go to the Basque Country or Catalonia you'll find the youth speak English better than some kids in the USA. And they probably speak Castillian and either Basque or Catalan as well. This being a direct reaction to that period of oppression.
julia Apr 8th 2010 3:04AM
Hi I am from madrid and I learn english as other languages also , it is true that in our chilhood when Franco was in power we did not learn other languages , but Franco regime is far far away what does it had to do with the youth today??
We had 20 yeras Felipe Gonzalez and then we have Zapatero still people don't speak fluently english ,, sorry you stil blame Franco for this ??
I am not pro Franco regime , but to blame him for the ignorance of the youth or people in the year 2010 also my humble opinion it does not make any sense..
ABrady21 Dec 15th 2007 4:58PM
It's true that in Madrid it's very hard to communicate with anyone in English. I speak basic American school-taught Spanish (more Mexican/Central American Spanish). I was barely able to get by in Madrid because Mexican Spanish and Spain Spanish are so different, but I had a great time having to learn what was going on around me in a different language.
It's true that we expect people to speak English when they visit America, then we expect people to speak English when we visit their countries. I see a double-standard here. I have been lucky that I had translators when I visited other countries, so my stays were much easier.
joel Dec 23rd 2007 10:01PM
I THINK IT IS ABOUT TIME SOMEONE STOOD UP FOR THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE . WE HAVE COMPRMISED OURSELVES TO THE LIMIT OT ACCOMADATE THE FORIEGN NATIONLS THAT WE CAN'T EVEN SAY GOD BLESS YOU OR MERRY CHRISTMAS ANYMORE . HURRAY FOR THAT MAN TO ME HE IS AN AMERICAN HEROE AND NEEDS A MEDAL OR THE NOBEL PRIZE FOR STNDING UP FOR HIS COUNTRY!!!!!!
Jerry Grooms Dec 24th 2007 7:49AM
This is my first comment via computer to an article or issue. Some countries require immigrants to learn the national language to acquire citizenship, we don't even require illegal immigrants to learn our language and still offer them our welfare and medical. I am not opposed to citizens from other countries who wish to relocate to our country but I think they should go about it in the proper way. I think those who do enter legally are insulted when we offer considerations to the illegals.
Jim Dec 23rd 2007 7:33PM
Many people of the years have worked very hard to learn English.... They are proud to had done so. I am am proud for them. But I am tired of people wanting the easy way out of everything not just the english complaint. No other country bends over backwards to help people come into this country. You leave your countries for a better life. Then you want to change USA to be like what you left. If you dont like whats here stay where you were. Conform to this country and find out how good it is to belong. I support the man who says order in English. he worked for it good for him.
Elmo Dec 23rd 2007 8:21PM
The signs are offensive. In America, if you want to make the sale, you make it as easy as possible for the customer to make the purchase. Americans speak many languages and as such it is my privilege and yours to use whatever language you want. If I really want to make the purchase, I will use whatever language is necessary. In this particular instance where the restaurant requires the use of English, I would probably order in another language and make the point that they just lost a customer.
Diane Dec 23rd 2007 7:49PM
I loved the sign. Wish more people Would display it! If they live here they should learn the language. I used my charge card at the store the other day. The machine had two words, both in spanish. I ask the clerk, "Am I in Mexico?" I think alot of people are tired of ..............Press 1 for Spanish. It's time these people learn our language!!!!
Felipe Dec 23rd 2007 11:01PM
By the way this man looks, he must have a friend, relative, associate or a dishwasher who does not have a very good command of the english language. I suppose they are the exception to the rule. As far as my personal observation is concerned he got what he wished for which is "publicity" but my greenbacks can go some place else.