“I’m planning to move to Spain soon, and I know Spanish is the main language, but I’ve heard that there are other languages spoken in different regions of the country. Can anyone explain which languages are spoken in Spain, and whether I really need to know more than Spanish to live there?”
Spain is a linguistically diverse country, with several regional languages spoken alongside Castilian Spanish (Español), the official national language. While Spanish is the dominant language in the country, understanding the regional languages can enrich your experience, especially if you plan to live in specific regions. Let’s explore the main languages spoken in Spain and what it means for expats.
1. Spanish (Castellano) – The Official Language of Spain
- Why is Spanish important?
- Castilian Spanish is the official language of Spain and is spoken nationwide. It’s the language used in schools, government, and media, and it is the one most commonly spoken by both locals and expats.
- As an expat, learning Spanish will help you navigate daily life, from shopping to communicating with neighbors or colleagues. In most places in Spain, knowing Spanish will be enough to get by and integrate into the local culture.
- Regional Variations: While Castilian Spanish is spoken everywhere, there are some regional differences in vocabulary and accent. For example, in the Andalusia region, people speak with a distinct accent, and some words or expressions might differ from those used in Madrid or Barcelona.
2. Catalan (Català) – Spoken in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Valencia
- Where is Catalan spoken?
- Catalan is spoken in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and parts of Valencia (where it’s known as Valencian). It’s an official language in these regions, along with Spanish, and is widely used in schools, business, and government offices.
- Importance for Expats:
- While Spanish is still widely spoken and understood, you’ll hear Catalan frequently in these areas, especially in Barcelona (Catalonia’s capital), where it’s used in everyday life and public signs.
- Learning Catalan can be a huge benefit if you plan to live in Catalonia or the Balearic Islands, but it’s not always strictly necessary. Many people in these areas speak both Spanish and Catalan, so you’ll be able to get by with Spanish alone.
- Fun Fact: Catalan is considered closely related to Spanish, but it’s still a distinct language with its own grammar and vocabulary.
3. Basque (Euskara) – Spoken in the Basque Country and Parts of Navarre
- Where is Basque spoken?
- Basque (or Euskara) is a unique language spoken in the Basque Country (north of Spain) and parts of Navarre. It is an ancient language that is not related to any other European language and is considered one of the oldest languages still in use.
- It is co-official in the Basque Country and parts of Navarre, where it’s taught in schools and used by local government.
- Importance for Expats:
- Basque is much less commonly spoken outside of the Basque region, so learning Basque is not necessary for most expats. However, if you live in the Basque Country, you might hear Basque spoken in shops, on the street, and in local media.
- While Basque can be useful for integration in local communities, you’ll still get by with Spanish in these areas, especially in larger cities like Bilbao.
4. Galician (Galego) – Spoken in Galicia
- Where is Galician spoken?
- Galician is spoken in the Galicia region, located in the northwest of Spain (including cities like Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña). It’s co-official in the region alongside Spanish, and it is used in schools, government, and local media.
- Importance for Expats:
- In Galicia, Galician is often used in everyday life, especially in smaller towns or rural areas. However, Spanish is widely spoken as well, so if you live in Santiago de Compostela or A Coruña, you’ll be able to get by with Spanish.
- Learning Galician can enhance your experience if you plan to live in Galicia long-term, but it’s not absolutely necessary to get by.
5. Aranese (Occitan) – Spoken in the Val d’Aran
- Where is Aranese spoken?
- Aranese is a variety of the Occitan language spoken in the Val d’Aran, a small region in Catalonia near the French border. It is recognized as a co-official language in Catalonia, but it’s spoken by only a small population (around 10,000 people).
- Importance for Expats:
- Aranese is not widely spoken outside of the Val d’Aran and is considered a minority language. Most people in this region also speak Catalan and Spanish, so it’s not necessary for expats to learn Aranese to live in the area.
6. English and Other Foreign Languages
- Where is English spoken?
- English is widely spoken in tourist areas (such as Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, and Valencia), especially in restaurants, hotels, and shops that cater to international tourists. Many young Spaniards speak English, particularly in cities and larger towns.
- Importance for Expats:
- While English is not an official language in Spain, it can be useful for short-term stays or if you’re just visiting.
- However, to fully integrate and be part of local life, especially outside of tourist zones, it’s important to learn Spanish or a regional language (like Catalan or Galician) to communicate more easily.
Summary of Languages in Spain
| Language | Region | Status | Importance for Expats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish (Castellano) | Nationwide | Official national language | Essential for daily life, work, and integration. |
| Catalan | Catalonia, Balearic Islands, Valencia (Valencian) | Co-official in certain regions | Useful in Catalonia, Balearics, and Valencia. |
| Basque (Euskara) | Basque Country, parts of Navarre | Co-official in Basque Country | Helpful in the Basque Country, but not essential. |
| Galician | Galicia | Co-official in Galicia | Useful in Galicia, not necessary elsewhere. |
| Aranese | Val d’Aran (Catalonia) | Co-official in Val d’Aran | Rarely spoken; not necessary for most expats. |
| English | Major cities and tourist areas | Not official | Helpful for short-term stays, especially in tourist zones. |
In Spain, Spanish (Castilian) is the dominant and most widely spoken language, and it is essential for anyone looking to fully integrate into Spanish life. However, regional languages like Catalan, Basque, and Galician are spoken in their respective areas and are often used in local government, schools, and media.
As an expat, you can certainly live in Spain with only Spanish, especially if you are in tourist areas or major cities, where English is also commonly spoken. But learning the regional language of the area you are living in will enhance your experience and help you connect with the local culture.
To fully immerse yourself and make daily life easier, learning Spanish is crucial, and learning a regional language can be a bonus if you plan to live in places where they are spoken.