Defining Culture and Expectations

Culture is essentially the way of life for a group of people. It involves many aspects like music, art, history, social constructs, food, values, beliefs, politics, and behaviors that define a region. Prior to preparing for this trip, I knew very little about Spain and Spanish culture. Upon doing some research and reading up on the handbook we were given by our director, I have developed a basic knowledge of what I can expect in Spain. I learned that Spaniards are much more personal and intimate with one another; they don't require a lot of personal space, they greet each other with kisses, and they make a lot of physical contact with those they are speaking to. I also learned that going out for tapas is a very popular activity in Spain and that bars are more family-friendly than in the United States. I know that the political system in Spain is a parliamentary monarchy, but I don't fully understand the logistics of this type of political system, so I look forward to learning more about this and Spain's current political climate in general while I am there. I'm also really looking forward to learning what defines each region of Spain. At one of our pre-departure meetings, we learned that food like churros and paella and music and dancing like flamenco are staples of Spain; however, after doing a little more research, these cultural staples aren't necessarily found everywhere in Spain. For example, flamenco is more a cultural art-form of southern Spain, particularly Andalucia. Similarly, paella is viewed by many non-Spaniards as a Spanish dish, but Spaniards typically consider paella to be a regional Valencian dish. I'm eager to see what culturally defines Granada, Toledo, and Madrid. As someone who has never been outside of the United States, I am excited to gain a better understanding of the world around me. I can't wait to experience the art, music, and food of the areas in Spain that I travel to. Finally, and most importantly, I hope to strengthen my ability to converse with others in Spanish.

Comments

  1. Patrick McGinnisJune 6, 2019 at 1:42 PM

    Dear KT, i thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog post and actually learned a lot of things about Spanish culture i did not previously know. Like you, i am interested in learning about Spain's political climate and how citizens of Madrid and Granada view their political system. I look forward to eating tapas and experiencing the live music with you!

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