Barcelona journal: learning and living in the world - American studies Spanish culture and language

Black Issues in Higher Education, August 14, 2003 by Kristina Lane

"Barcelona seems to be much more 'European' than other Spanish cities. Its proximity to France and Italy and its centuries of seafaring life have given it a feeling of being more connected to the great ports of the Mediterranean, such as Marseilles, Genoa and Venice, rather than the rest of Spain," he says. "It is very international, sate, proud and open to visitors. I can't help but wonder if some of the effects of finding the 'New World' rubbed off on Barcelona more than the rest of Europe."

Today, according to Barbosa-Torralbo, the city is also seeing an increased presence of South American cultures with waves of new immigrants, particularly from Ecuador.

WINDOW ON THE WORLD

By the time the seminar drew to a close, l felt it wasn't enough time, that I'd only scratched the surface of Spain. The place had sparked a curiosity in me to explore, learn and understand more about it and the rest of Europe.

It's that kind of curiosity that needs to be stirred up among all Americans, according to Kipper. At the Washington press conference, she said Americans have become increasingly afraid of other cultures since Sept. 11, and that the fear needs to be quashed.

"We in America are afraid, not because we're threatened, we are afraid because we don't understand the world in which we live. We are ignorant. We don't understand other people's culture, language, way of eating, food, dressing, whatever it may be. And it's absolutely vital to be living in the globalized world for us to do so," she said.

Based on my experiences in Spain, I can say that Barcelona, with its eclectic culture and rhythm, seems like a perfect place to study abroad and quash any fear.

BARCELONA: QUICK FACTS

* Second largest city in Spain, founded around 230 BC

* Capital of Catalonia, i of 17 autonomous communities

* Population: 1.5 million

* Languages spoken: Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2%

* Religion: Roman Catholic 94%, other 6%

* Government: Parliamentary monarchy