Jos Deuling,  Tuesday, 8 August 2017

 

A selection of links to articles about Etiquette & Customs in Spain. The links are grouped by the following topics: Books, Bureaucracy, Business, Dating, Dresscode, Eating, Family Live, Integration, Language, Meeting and Greeting, Rudeness, Stereotypes and Working.

Last updated on August 8th, 2017.

Books

: The author’s honesty and self-deprecating style are refreshing as he takes us through the triumphs and disasters of his early days in Spain. Full of colourful anecdotes and keen observation and with a humorous insight into the Spanish way of life.

: A guide to understanding the Spanish that views them with the same light-hearted attitude that they themselves display in life.

: How does one attempt to live in modern Spain? How does one attempt to negotiate one’s way through the maze of politics, local customs and the intricacies of a language not one’s own.

: A fully revised, expanded and updated edition of this masterly portrayal of contemporary Spain.

Bureaucracy

: A parody showdown between the Spanish bureaucracy and an informed citizen.

Business

: The way business is conducted in Spain is more relaxed compared to other Western European nations; you should be prepared for rather time-consuming and lengthy negotiations.

: Doing business in Spain is similar to doing business in the rest of Western Europe. A few tips, though, may help you in developing your business relationships in Spain.

: After reading this section you will have an understanding of the type of verbal and non-verbal communication that is expected in Spain. Also, you will have an appreciation of typical Spanish working life and the style of conducting business that you should expect from your Spanish counterparts.

Dating

: Image gallery

: If you think dating is complex, you have clearly never dated in Spain. Hear from six expats who took the plunge and offer insight into dating a Spaniard.



: ’m beginning to think the American men dating Spanish women are a rare breed, because I’m back today with another interview of an American woman dating a Spanish man.

Dresscode

: This is a guide for educated visitors to Spain who want to blend in and not stand out as tourists.

Eating

: If cultural observation is one of my favourite sports, then I must admit that there is no better arena than the dining table.

: Tackling The Tough Questions Like Where to Put the Olive Pit.

: You might not have your own Spanish granny to tell you what the Spanish table manners are so we have endeavoured to help you to not make a fool out of yourself at the dinner table!

: A Local's Guide To The Etiquette For Tapas Dining.

Family Live

: For the Vega Méndez family in Barcelona, it is strong family ties that will see Spain through its severe recession.

General Info

: Who are the Spanish? What are they like? Let’s take a candid and totally prejudiced look at the Spanish people, tongue firmly in cheek, and hope they forgive my flippancy or that they don’t read this bit.



: 15 Things Every Visitor Should Know.



: As a general rule Spanish people are very curious about foreigners and will be the first to address a newcomer. Spanish culture is very welcoming and wants to make sure the visitor feels comfortable among us.

Integration

: You tend to find that spanish extended families spend their spare time at the weekend together so children play with their cousins rather than school friends.

: While some expats are getting involved in Spanish politics, a lot still fall into the stereotypes of reclusive retirees or boozed-up ravers.

: About how bad British people in Spain integrate into the spanish lifestyle.





Language

: New book explores the origins of puzzling Spanish idioms that sound shocking to outsiders.

Meeting and Greeting



: All countries have their own particular social customs and Spain is no exception. As a foreigner you will probably be excused if you accidentally insult your host, but you may not be invited again.

: The Basics of Being Polite in Spanish-Speaking Cultures.

: The Spanish can be an overly friendly bunch of people at times. I have women coming up to me all day trying to kiss my face off. Well, not quite but I often wonder who "needs" a kiss and is it rude not to kiss? Let's take some different scenarios.

Rudeness

: As a doctor, I'm often asked by visitors: Are the Spanish really as rude as they seem to be? The answer to this is, of course, Yes and No.

: Discussion on the LonelyPlanet Forum.

: Mid-sentence interruptions, invasion of personal space... Rude Spanish behaviour or expat pet peeves?

Stereotypes

: Maybe hate is too strong a word but ok then I dislike Spain, I’ve had enough, get me out of here – whatever your choice, the end result if the same. I’m leaving Spain to go back to the UK.

: Stereotypes can be pretty offensive, even if they’re based on observable features of a culture. It made me wonder: What stereotypes form the image of Spain around the world, as well as inside of Spain?

: The sun, the beach and the noisy fiesta were commodities exploited to attract tourists – in real life, Spaniards work longer hours than most Europeans, writes Carmen Morán.





: The idea of Spaniards as mighty Latin lovers has stuck – but the statistics are more prosaic

Working

: Spaniards tend to be less productive and more stressed than their European neighbors.