Figuring Out The Spanish - A Guide To Exploring Spanish Culture And Customs

This guide to Spanish culture and customs gives you current, in-depth information to help you understand the culture, customs, values and beliefs of the Spanish people.

Whether traveling to Spain, working on a class paper or doing business with the Spanish, you'll find Figuring Out The Spanish an invaluable resource that provides insight into the culture and customs of Spain.

Customs and Ways

While friendly and outgoing, Spaniards are also inclined to be polite, formal and courteous in speech and behavior. The Spanish also tend to be generous and compassionate and to have a strong moral sense of right and wrong.

Dignity and pride are important concepts. They are proud of their birthplace and their culture. They take pride in the work they do, regardless of how menial. They typically show respect for someone of higher rank or position. Personal appearance is also important. Most feel they must project the impression they are well off and of good social position.

The Spanish have an acute sense of honor. Slights to one’s honor which a non-Spaniard might just shrug off, a Spaniard would find impossible to forgive.

During Franco’s rule, Spain was Europe’s most conservative nation. The post-Franco era has brought a liberalization of attitudes, especially among the young. Polls show that in this Roman Catholic society 80% favor the availability of divorce and more than 50% approve the use of contraception. And as the country modernizes, some traditions, such as the after-lunch siesta, are on the decline.

That said, however, the Spanish still tend to be conservative in many of their ways and views. Spanish men take very seriously their role as husband, father and provider. A man is supposed to be strong and masculine, a woman understanding and feminine.

Spaniards focus on the here and now, letting tomorrow take care of itself. Casual about time, they think nothing of being 20 or 30 minutes late, even in business. The stereotypical “mañana” concept prevails, but it is often the result of misunderstanding. Many non-Spaniards know the word mañana means “tomorrow,” but another meaning is “the future.” In daily use it often signifies the latter — some time in the future.

Despite regional differences, most Spaniards tend to be lighthearted, lively and spirited with a zest for living. They are eager to join in and enjoy festivals and celebrations. Their passions include their family, their religion and the arts.

They are also a gregarious, social people who enjoy conversation. Social cliques often meet in cafes to discuss events and politics. When talking with a Spaniard you may often find yourself interrupted. The person is not being impolite but just following his or her exuberant nature.

Helpful Resources

• Culture Briefing: Spain gives you more details on Spanish culture and customs

• Rocket Spanish an online interactive language course helps you quickly learn to speak Spanish.