Is it important to learn the Spanish culture and traditions while learning the Spanish language?
Is it important to learn the Spanish culture and traditions while learning the Spanish language?
8 Answers
All the above points are valid. In addition, you can't be fluent in a language without knowing its culture. Without culture, you may say something in an acquired language - perfectly translated - but transmit the wrong feeling. So understanding the feeling you receive and transmit when speaking is true fluency. And you don't always have to go to the country of your chosen language to learn its culture, although this is obviously the best way, it can be learned in a classroom with the right teacher.
Culture reflects langauge and vice versa.
Weren't you learning Japanese hdffsd? You should know all about learning culture.
Yes, absolutely.
There are a couple taboos. Always use formal Ud. when in doubt, and then always address older people with "Sr. Sra. or younger formally, Señorita". When I medical interpret nursing staff often call older patients by their first names, and I just ignore them and call them Sr. or Sra. because that is culturally sensitive. Respect is the key. Culture takes a long time to learn, but of course it is important. You are safe to watch your sense of humor. Look into the differences... that's another very long subject...
In some ways it can help gain greater fluency in the language. One example that I can point out is in the case of movie titles. When american movie titles are translated into Spanish, often times it is not a direct translantion. This is because the same title or phrase, either doesn't make sense or means something else in the culture. The point is to ensure that you "communicate" the same thing, more so that to simply "say" the same thing.
In addition, it can help you to avoid a cultural faux pas such as giving a "thumbs up" in a country that interprets it as an offense. A different example is in the case of a reggaeton music artist from Central America. His stage name in Central America is "Nigga" however in the United States, it was changed to "Flex", this had to be done for obvious reasons.
So, by learning more about the culture and their traditions, you will be better poised to "communicate" and interact with people who are native Spanish speakers, with a reduced fear (or probability) of unintentionally offending someone.
HTH, Josh
That is an interesting question, but a good one. I think it is good to have some background to the history of the language as well as the history of how exactly Spanish has spread throughout the world.
As far as understanding culture and tradition, Spanish is spoken in so many countries, on a few different continents. All of these countries have their own unique culture and traditions. Occasionally there is some overlap, but they are all different.
So for myself, I have studied a bit about the overall language history. I am also interested in countries close to me like Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, etc. If you are in Europe, you might be more interested in the history of Spain. If you are in Asia, maybe the Spanish language in areas like the Philippines and Guam would be more interesting.
I will look forward to hearing the opinions of others though. 
I think it is very important because it adds to the understanding of the language and the people that enjoy their culture....and let's face it if you plan on engaging in conversation with a people you would do well to understand them.
A student needs to understand some of the culture of what ever language she wants to learn.
