The Language Barrier

Facing big changes while in Barcelona

WSU junior struggles with language barrier

Chase Gunnell

The Daily Evergreen

Published: 01/22/2009

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BARCELONA, Spain — Located on the Mediterranean Sea in northeastern Spain, this city of roughly three million people is famous for its sprawling boulevards, picturesque beaches, historic art and architecture, and as the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia.

And for a little more than a week, it has been my new home.

Waiting at the Metro stop this morning, I went over ideas in my head for this first study abroad opinion column. Should it be about my tortuously long red-eye flight from Sea-Tac to Spain? Or the incredibly ornate architecture of Antoni Gaudi and famous works of Picasso I've seen around the city? The nightclubs and discothèques that never sleep? Or maybe the flawless ease of the city’s public transportation system?

As my Metro train arrived at La Barceloneta station, I headed off to my first class of the day. A group of Spanish children sitting next to me presented the perfect topic, a problem that has continually plagued me since day one in Europe.

The second I sat down, the kids began pointing and chattering. My blue North Face jacket was about the same as wearing a neon sign that read “Americano.” Suspicious of being laughed at by a gang of 12-year-olds, I attempted to listen in on the conservation. Only a few phrases later, I was left in the wake of the swiftness of Spanish conversation. Stepping off the Metro, I wished I had paid more attention in my high school Spanish class.

The language barrier. Everywhere I go, I’m reminded of the gap created by my stumbling Spanish and the rapid-fire pace at which the locals speak their language. No other obstacle has been more hindering or stressful since my arrival.

Many Spaniards speak English, but odds are those fluent in English are not waiting your table, filling your drinks or driving you around. And just when I feel I’ve got a grasp on a few relevant Spanish phrases, the citizens of Barcelona throw me a curveball: Catalan.

Barcelona was long the capital of the independent state of Catalonia, and the locals here are as proud of their traditional language as Cougars are of crimson and gray (at least when our sports teams are winning).

The “Freedom for Catalonia” graffiti found around the city and the fierce rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid “football” teams are clear examples of the citizens of Barcelona’s desire for an independent state of Catalonia.

Unfortunately for me, their reverence for Catalan as well as Spanish has made communication all the more difficult. Whether it’s ordering meals at a tapas restaurant or directing a cab driver to my favorite nightclub, my sluggish Spanish and the abundance of Catalan-infused language has proved to be quite a challenge.

Nonetheless, it’s a challenge I’m eager to overcome. Moving halfway across the world, from small town Pullman to an enormous city, and experiencing a different culture and language, all while maintaining a full-time university schedule may be difficult.

However, the beaches of the Mediterranean are just outside my apartment door, the beer may be expensive but it's better than Busch Light, and the sun is shining. I'll trade falling on ice every time I walk to class for a frustrating language barrier any day.

So tune in Pullman, as I keep you updated on my travels through Europe on a college student’s budget. I have trips planned and European Football games to attend, beaches to enjoy and many encounters with the culture, art and cuisine to experience.

And maybe with some luck, and the help of my beginner Spanish class, I’ll eventually be able to communicate with the locals beyond “hola,” “gracias” and “adios.”

http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/27448