Communication

Learn Spanish

The best and the most important element of integration is language. Being able to communicate with individuals and fellow Spanish residents will not only make you feel more welcome in your new community – but it will also help you to understand more about the local cuisine, history, customs and local structures and processes.

Guardamar – despite its influx of tourists and non Spanish speaking residents -is still a very "Spanish" town. It is steeped in fascinating history and prides itself in its pine forest, sand dunes and fine golden sandy beaches. Increased tourism and interest in the town has meant a significant shift in the language base – but it is still very important to be able to communicate with the Council, local police and many other agencies and organisations – if not out of necessity, out of courtesy – in Spanish.

The local language of the area is Valenciano (also known as Catalan) – since we are part of the Community of Valencia (Comunidad Valenciana). It is still spoken widely – although most of the Spanish spoken – and learned by non Spanish speakers - is called Castellano.

Both Spanish and Valencian classes are offered locally by the Casa de Cultura in Calle Colón (Colón Street) and these classes begin in October – with an additional registration period in January. Please contact the Casa de Cultura for details.

Conversation based classes are shorter and it is advisable to go along in person to the Casa de Cultura for up-to date information. The fees vary depending on where you live and on the level of Spanish required and most course books and materials can be ordered and purchased from the town’s three bookshops.

The key to learning to survive in Spanish is ‘practice’. Use every opportunity to improve your accent and your vocabulary, by reading newspapers and magazines, watching or listening to Spanish T.V. and radio. and ‘talk’ to the locals….

People will appreciate your efforts and you will feel part of your new community. (see our trilingual glossary )

 

  • Casa de Cultura Opening Hours
    Mon – Fri 9 – 2 and 5 -8.30
    Saturdays 10 – 2 pm
    C/. Colón, 60
    03140 Guardamar del Segura
    Tel. 96 572 86 10
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