Spain is an incredibly popular destination for British expats, with so many tempted by the warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, high quality of life, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and proximity to the UK.
Bustling Barcelona is one of the most favoured spots for foreigners in Spain and the city has a thriving expat community.
One expat in Spain’s second city shared what he wishes he had known before making the move to Barcelona. Learning to speak Spanish is essentially a must if you want to get by, but learning Catalan too will truly elevate your experience – “it’s the way to go”.
Paulius Skrebutenas (Paulius Creates on YouTube) shared something he “wishes he had known before moving to Barcelona”.
The expat said: “I’ve lived in Barcelona for the last three years and there are certain things that I wish I had known before moving here.”
The two official langauges in Barcelona are Spanish and Catalan
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The expat suggested that those who only speak English and do not have a grasp of Spanish may struggle.
He said that they could “find themselves in a bubble” and limit themselves in terms of communicating. Paulis warned that seeing a healthcare specialist could prove difficult, as could finding a job or making friends.
Learning some Spanish is definitely advisable, according to the expat. He said: “If you’re able to speak Spanish and English, most likely you’ll be able to speak with 99 per cent of people living here.
“You won’t have that same issue when trying to make friends, see a specialist, or go to some sort of event.”
But to truly assimilate into Barcelona culture, Paulius advised expats to learn to speak some Catalan – something he wishes he had known before his move.
“I think that you won’t fully be fully integrated into the city unless you speak Catalan,” the expat warned.
Indeed, Catalan is an indispensable part of Catalan culture and plays a central role in the city. Barcelona International Welcome stated: “Catalan is the language of instruction in Catalonia’s schools, where Spanish and another foreign language, usually English, are taught.
“Even if classes are given in Spanish and Catalan in universities, it is Catalan which is adapted as the institutional language and used in administrative affairs. Catalan is also the vehicular language of the local authority’s bodies and institutions.”
Paulius continued: “Locals are very proud of their culture and traditions and if you want to break that invisible wall and fully integrate into the city and culture, you will have to learn Catalan.”
It may not be entirely necessary for all expats though, according to Paulius. Those who plan on living in Barcelona for a short while may not need to pick up the language.
To totally integrate themselves in Barcelona, expats might want to learn Catalan
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However, those looking to settle in the city and start a new life there could truly benefit from knowing how to get by in Catalan.
He concluded: “If you’re coming to Barcelona for a year or two, you might not need to learn Catalan. However, you will have a much better experience if you speak Spanish.
“But if you want to put your roots here and you’re planning a long-term stay, learning Catalan is the way to go.”
