Cultural Differences You Need to Know When Speaking Spanish
When learning Spanish, it’s not just about understanding grammar or memorising vocabulary; cultural nuances play a significant role in communication.
Having spent time in Spain, I’ve encountered various cultural differences that initially surprised me, but learning to embrace and adapt to them has been an essential part of my language journey.
Here are some key cultural differences I’ve experienced, and that every English speaker learning Spanish should know.
1. Late Dinners and Nightlife
One of the first cultural differences that stood out to me in Spain was the timing of meals. I remember being surprised to see children still playing in the streets at 10:30 PM, while many families were just starting to think about dinner. This was a big shift for me, coming from Ireland, where dinners are much earlier.
However, I quickly adapted and found myself enjoying this new rhythm. I started having dinner late with my Spanish friends, and when I returned to Ireland, I even kept the habit of dining later for a while. This is just one example of how Spanish culture can influence your habits, and it’s something to be aware of when communicating or making social plans in a Spanish-speaking environment.
2. The Two Kisses: Not What I Expected
Another cultural quirk that took me a while to grasp was the greeting with two kisses on the cheek. At first, I was giving actual kisses, thinking that’s what was expected. It took me years to realise that it’s more about placing your cheeks close together and making the sound, rather than giving a real kiss.
It was only after a friend pointed it out that I realised my mistake. Now I laugh about it, but it’s a perfect example of how something that seems straightforward can lead to confusion when you’re not familiar with the cultural context. If you’re new to Spanish-speaking countries, pay attention to how people greet each other—there’s often more to it than meets the eye!
3. Direct Speech and Imperatives
One thing that initially made me uncomfortable was how direct people can be when speaking in Spanish. In English, we tend to soften our language with polite phrases like “Could you…” or “Would you mind…?” In contrast, in Spain, it’s not uncommon to hear imperatives like “dime” (tell me) when someone answers the phone, or commands like “haz esto” (do this) in everyday conversations.
At first, this came across as a bit bossy or even rude, but I soon realised it’s just the way people communicate, and it’s not intended to be impolite. The use of imperatives is more frequent in Spanish, and it reflects a direct and efficient way of speaking. Understanding this helped me adjust my expectations and not take it personally.
4. Personal Space and Proximity
In Spain, I noticed that people stand much closer during conversations than what I was used to. Personal space is more reduced, and stepping back can be seen as distant or unfriendly. Although it felt uncomfortable at first, over time, I got used to the idea of closer proximity and began to appreciate the warmth and openness that often comes with this way of interacting.
5. Gestures and Body Language
In Spanish-speaking cultures, people tend to be more expressive with their hands and gestures. For example, in Spain, a common gesture is waving the index finger from side to side to indicate “no” or disagreement, which was new to me. There’s also a greater emphasis on using facial expressions to communicate emotions, something I wasn’t used to doing as much before. Learning these gestures has been as important as learning the words themselves.
6. Adaptation is Key
Ultimately, my biggest takeaway from these cultural experiences is that flexibility and a sense of humour are essential. When you’re living or spending time in a new country, it’s easy to feel out of place if you focus on the differences too much. For example, when I realised I had been giving actual kisses during greetings for years, instead of feeling embarrassed, I chose to laugh it off.
If you can laugh at these little misunderstandings, they become learning experiences rather than sources of frustration. Spanish-speaking cultures have their own unique way of expressing themselves, and being open to those differences will help you integrate and communicate more effectively.
Conclusion
Navigating cultural differences is an important part of learning Spanish. Whether it’s adapting to late-night dinners, understanding the subtleties of greetings, or learning to accept more direct speech, these experiences will shape your understanding of the language. Embracing these differences with a sense of humour and openness will not only help you improve your Spanish but also make your experience with the culture far more enjoyable.
So next time you feel unsure in a Spanish-speaking context, just remember: laugh, adapt, and keep learning!
