Spanish Culture, not just the language.
Are there any Spanish persons out there willing to tell me what the Spanish culture in and Spanish speaking country like? Or even someone who visited a Spanish speaking country and would like to share their experience.I know learning the language is important but so is its culture. I'd really appreciate and love to understand more about Spanish and the culture on a whole.
2 Answers
This is too wide a question. I am from the UK and there are cultural differences between the various regions of England and of course between Scotland, Ireland and Wales. I have been to Spain and again there are differences between the various regions - from the North which became industrial and where Basques are in the majority, while the South was more rural - Galicia which has a Celtic influence and Catalonia where many people want independance. In general terms they are noisier than Brits and don't have a concept of personal space. Hundreds of years ago the country had three great religions - Jewish, Christian and Muslim. Culturally this left a mark. I like Spain the music, food, scenery and culture. Many idioms are from the era when Catholicism dominated, but a lot of the language derives from the arabic language of the Moors. Of course many Spaniards set out to explore the wider world. They have left there mark in the countries of the Americas in the names of towns and the Catholic religion. However, many of those countries also have a strong indigenous culture. For example I have been to Mexico many times and met people who speak Mayan, Zapotec and Nahruatel. I have been to Peru where the culture of the Incas and the Quechuan language are still a thriving part of parts of the country.
You have said your Spanish is advanced. I suggest you listen to a song about how difficult it is to speak Spanish. It is clever and witty. They are from Colombia and have travelled widely. I have previously posted it here. I also signed up to Veintemundos a free electronic magazine. It often has articles about the traditions and culture of all the Spanish speaking world. Finally you have your location as the Carribean - why not visit Cuba? I went 15 years ago and want to return. It is a vibrant place which is a mix of lots of different cultures.
If you find somewhere you intend to visit there will be people who can answer specific questions, but I suggest you just enjoy watching some films, listening to music and perhaps reading some poetry.
Buena suerte
I think you must go and visit a country that you like and stay for a while. This is the best way to learn the culture.
Pienso que debe ir a visitar un pais que te gusta y continuar para algunas tiempo. Esto es la mejor experiencía para aprender la cultura.
