With some of the experiences I have had since studying in Spain, I have started to notice a pattern in the relationship between the Spaniards and the tourists or foreigners. Whenever I start up a conversation in Spanish, the Spaniards decide to respond in English. Even when I try to continue the conversation in Spanish, they carry on in English. My question is why. Is it to make it more convenient for the non-Spanish speakers? Is it because they want to practice their English? Do they believe that their English is better than my Spanish? It is a question that still goes unanswered. The irony of it all is that most foreigners came here for vacations or to study. Some people come here for the sole purpose of improving or practicing their Spanish. I find it something rather frustrating to deal with. I am actually more offended by it. Although I appreciate the effort put forth by the Spaniards, I find it more difficult to understand them when they speak English.
This is not an occurrence that only exists in cosmopolitan cities, like Madrid or Barcelona. Although it is more common in these cities, speaking English has also come about in small touristy cities, like Málaga. English has become the language most commonly exchanged in conversation between a Spaniard and a tourist or a foreigner. Is there any way to escape English?
This is not an occurrence that only exists in cosmopolitan cities, like Madrid or Barcelona. Although it is more common in these cities, speaking English has also come about in small touristy cities, like Málaga. English has become the language most commonly exchanged in conversation between a Spaniard and a tourist or a foreigner. Is there any way to escape English?
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