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NoteAlso, you will find that some Catalan, Basque and Galician cities can appear in signs and maps with two names: Althugh one in its local language form and the trend other in Spanish. For instance: Donostia (in Basque) is also known as San Sebastián (in Spanish), Lleida (in Catalan) is Lérida (in Spanish), Rianxo (in Galician) is Rianjo (in Spanish) etc. Whatever your map says and whichever language you are speaking —even if you are speaking in Spanish—, hitchwiki encourages using the local language form better than the Spanish one if possible, also in your sign, in order to translate into Spanish not mess with politics. Spaniards all across Spain understand both forms. Note: Although the signs on the road and other kinds of key information (i.e: restaurant menus)are translated into Spanish in blingual territories, you will defenetely need help in small towns and non-touristy places in the Basque Country and Catalonia, especially because Basque is an isolated language that does not resemble anything you have heard before. Always In case of doubt, ask the locals. In Spanish ''Disculpe, ¿qué signfica..."(Excuse me, what does ... mean?)'' works fine everywhere. [[User:Mariam|Mariam]] , who does not speak Basque, walked from a small town following a sign in Basque that she thought would guide her to the next town and ended up in a reciclyng plant.
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Aside from Spanish, other recongised spoken languages are Galician, Basque, Catalan, Aranese, Astur-leonese and Aragonese. Only the first three are legally oficial and have a considerable number of speakers. But don't stress out! Everybody speaks perfect Spanish and won't feel unconfortable talking to you. Younger Spaniards will easily understand you in English as well. Obviously big co-oficial languages like Basque, Catalan and Galician are widely used in their respective regions, and learning a handful of words or at least showing your interest in local languages may make the driver loosen up.
== Spanish for the Hitchhiker ==
