So apparently getting around without knowing Spanish (Castillano) or Catalan is a lot more more tricky than I had expected. While many people are able to speak English and most seem able to understand it to at least some extent, not being well versed in either of the predominant local languages makes for often uncomfortable and confusing situations (typically involving pointing, a game of charades, or trying to pronounce English words with a Spanish accent). Things go smoothly in the touristy areas, as the people there are used to us uncultured guiris (foreigners, akin to "gringos"), but it's much different once outside the city's center.
Interestingly enough, I find myself speaking Urdu just as often as Spanish (both intentionally and unintentionally), as there are a surprising amount of Pakistanis here. While my urdu is less than stellar, it's much better than my Spanish, so this has been pretty advantageous thus far (bargaining, special treatment, etc.).
Speaking of Pakistanis....Unfortunately, the situation for us folk (and just Desis in general) seems pretty bleak in Barcelona. While it's very possible that there are plenty of successful Desi professionals, all of those whom I encounter seem to be recent immigrants, simply trying to make a living by whatever means necessary. These guys tend to fall in one of two categories: Shopkeepers and Street Vendors. The former are the Pakistanis who run tiny kabob shops (selling Doner and Shawarma), or souvenir shops selling all sorts of Barcelona paraphernalia ranging from postcards to fake soccer jerseys. And then there are the street vendors. These are the guys who stand in high pedestrian traffic areas (particularly on Las Ramblas) late at night selling samosas to people outside of bars or selling cheap beer to passer-bys. The latter make for an especially disturbing sight.
Back to topic...the moral of the story is this: language barriers are no fun. Granted, I've only had 4 days of Spanish class thus far, so I suppose I can't expect to have gotten entirely back into the groove after my three year hiatus, but it'd certainly be nice to be able to hold my own and know what's going on around me.
That's enough complaining for now...
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2 comments:
U/You,
Glad to hear that you're improving your pantomiming skills; I'll definitely choose you to be on my team next time we play Charades.
As for Spanish, I'm sure that you've learned a little more, having had an intensive two weeks of language study by now. You might want to ask your local friends to converse with you only in Catalan or Spanish/Castellano, to the extent possible. If you have enough time, and really want to learn the language, you could scout various park benches for elderly locals (old enough not to know English, at least) and strike up conversations with them.
Another idea would be for us (you and me) to speak in Urdu over the phone/Skype, so that you'll have an easier time with the Pakistanis there.
Just food for thought...they're ideas more than suggestions. I'm confident enough in your ability to get by that I'm not worried about you, and only mention them because they might add to a richer, potentially more interesting cultural experience.
Keep up the good work! I'll try to call soon.
-T/Me
UK,
I forgot to mention this in my last comment:
The use of gestures as a form of communicating is also tricky if you don't understand the subtleties of the cultural social graces and kinesics. I don't know if I ever told you any stories of Mike (former roommate) and the sticky situations he got into while in Spain (like that time he unknowingly offended someone with a gesture, resulting in them trying to run him over with their car!). Then, there is always the issue of accidentally flashing gang signs...
Anyway, hope all is well.
-TK
p.s. Did you get a chance to watch the Super Bowl? I know that the time difference and television access might've been an issue.
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