Changes

The As mentioned above, the Comunidades are not only administrative districts; many of the regions have their own culture, language and some even don’t consider are reluctant about considering themselves as a part of Spain. For example the dominating language in [[Catalonia]] is Catalan, so be aware of that. Nevertheless(be careful before calling aNevertheless, everyone speaks ''castellano'' (Spanish). Aside from Spanish, obviously 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, etc and Galician are spokenwidely used in their respective regions, and learning a handful of words even or at least showing your interest in local languages, may make the driver loosen up. Note: Althugh the trend is to translate into Spanish the signs on the road and other kinds of key information (i.e: restaurant menus), 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 ask the locals. [[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.  The Spanish phrase ''¡Hola! Vas a... ?'' (Hello, are you going to... ?) with a wide smile is an excellent starting point.Remember most Spaniards actually meet the stereotype of being loud and friendly, but aren't used to see hitchhikers on the road. Therefore, you'd better be extra framiliar and polite by saying things like "¡Gracias, buen viaje!" (Thank you, have a nice trip!) after your driver drops you off or when they make excuses to not pick you up (this way they will think twice the next time they bump into a hitchhiker). Check the Spanish section in the [[Western Europe phrasebook|phrasebook]] for more basic words.  Warning!