Now that a week has officially passed since we arrived in Valencia, it seems appropriate to go over the cultural differences here compared to the United States. I expected more of a culture shock, but surprisingly the adaptation was a little easier than expected. Not to say that it has been easy, because it has not been easy. The language and some of the cultural customs have been the most difficult and surprising in just this first week in Valencia, and I know once I travel to Madrid this weekend and Barcelona in two weeks, I will experience two completely different cultures as well.
Speaking the language has definitely proven to be a little difficult. I was pretty confident in my Spanish abilities at home, but when maybe 15% knows only SOME English in this new country, you really learn what you are capable of saying. I also did not know how exhausting it is to speak and hear Spanish the majority of your day. It is a relief to be away from home or school to get some time in English where you don’t have to think about what to say. I know my objective during this semester here is to gain more confidence and fluency in my Spanish, but I cannot continue speaking Spanish the entire day. Not to mention the speed of some Spaniards when they speak, as well as the lack of enunciation. Those can both make it very difficult to follow what they are saying. There comes a point where a balance is needed between the languages. This, however, will not stop me from speaking the language. I am already feeling a little more comfortable speaking at home, and that is a step in the right direction.
There are definitely cultural differences as well in the every day life of a Spaniard. Most of the country smokes frequently. It has been difficult to walk to class without getting stuck behind a Spaniard slowly walking while smoking a cigarette. It is not preferable for me, but I do my best to avoid it. Another difference in the Spaniard life is the driving. I am very surprised there are not more car accidents after witnessing the crazy drivers around this city. There are more roundabouts, but they also have lights within the roundabouts and they utilize different blinking yellows to allow for pedestrians to walk, while also allowing cars to drive if there is no pedestrian. The lights are not the problem, in fact they are even better than in the States because it allows for more traffic to generally move. However, the drivers don’t have much respect for the lanes and will drive a little over the line or wait until the last minute to stop so they are only inches from the next car at a red light. Taking all of this into account, I have yet to see an accident. Living in the city may also help decrease accidents, however María did tell me there are less automobile accidents here than in the United States.
I have already mentioned that there are usually about five meals per day and the Spaniards eat much later throughout the day. But, as we have started classes, my Spanish Culture and Civilization professor told us they like to feel like Kings and Queens while they eat, so they take their time and rest afterwards before working again to fully enjoy their meal. A meal is a ritual for a Spaniard. They do not walk around the city eating and they do not eat quickly and leave directly after finishing their food to do something else. They get together and enjoy their meals with family and friends and talk for hours instead.
In addition to these cultural differences, I have found that the majority of the people are incredibly nice and willing to help. In the past when I have travelled abroad and have used the native language of that country, sometimes the local responds in English because they know I am American after stumbling with my words. However, yesterday I encountered a saleswoman at the department store that no matter what spoke to me and my friend in Spanish because she understood we are here to improve upon our Spanish. That is reassuring for my time here because I know there are locals here that will encourage us to speak and that is exactly the motivation I need to finish out these next three months.
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