Laura Harrison

TEFL Course Advisor

Cactus Worldwide Ltd

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When you decide to make another country your home, an understanding of the culture is at least as important – and in many situations more so, than an understanding of the language. In this article I will try to give the unwitting ‘extranjero’ some insights into the Spanish Psyche.

The Spanish can sometimes appear to be intensely hedonistic. They seem never to think of tomorrow, but only about enjoying every moment to the full. They are cheerful, friendly, and hospitable.

Perhaps these traits stem from fatalism, for they have little or no faith in institutions, or in established authority, and do not believe they can change things. For centuries the Spanish were militant Catholics, defenders of a faith preaching that suffering in this life brings rewards in the next. Suffering is therefore accepted as part of life, so when the opportunity arises for pleasure they dive in. An element of risk appeals to them – and they admire the man who faces death in the bullring. The Jesuits, their great teaching order, went where there was the most danger. Heretics were burnt at the stake. Their commitment was all or nothing.

Spain lies on the edge of Europe, and has been cut off from it during different periods. Moorish culture left its mark upon the country – especially in the south, where the moors remained unconquered for over seven hundred years – and it was said that Africa began south of the Pyrenees. The famous Spanish pride, sense of honour, and machismo comes from this period. Fighting between various aspirants to the throne kept the Spanish occupied for many years, and the Church’s fear of “heresy” held new ideas at bay. Even in the twentieth century, Franco closed the door to the outside world for much of his dictatorship. Social values were conservative, promoting social order and the traditional Catholic values – bearing hardship in this life in the expectation of a reward in the next; respect for authority; and acceptance of Church teaching on moral questions.

These values were beginning to change even before Franco’s death, and they are still changing today. Hundreds of thousands of people had to leave rural areas to found work in the cities, and many others emigrated to France, Germany, and Switzerland. Away from their roots, their ideas began to change. Then tourists started to arrive in increasing numbers, bringing, along with their money, both the materialism and the democratic values of northern Europe. The process of change continues today, as Spain takes its place among the foremost nations of the world.

Spain’s Mediterranean climate also exerts a major influence. The summer heat makes it difficult to work, and the balmy evenings are perfect for outdoor socialising rather than staying inside. As in most countries, the further south you go, the more relaxed people become.

Why not click the link above, to visit our own site and find out how Cactus Language can help you to fully understand the culture of Spain – aswell as the language !