Hi! I've spent time in Catalunya every year for the last decade. I feel like I should learn some Catalan.
I've done the DuoLingo program and I think I have some basics, but there's precious little out there in terms of user-friend web pages, apps (I use ios), or even library books. If it's any help, I consider myself fluent in Spanish (Castellano).
Does anyone have any suggestions? It would be handy if I had a Catalan friend nearby who needed some tutoring in English.
-Marc
Hi Marc,
There's a free service by the Catalan government called www.parla.cat for learning the basics.
Once you reach a minimum command of the language, there's a very useful resource to enhance one's knowledge: "language volunteering" (http://allaboutcatalonia.blogspot.com.es/2009/11/voluntaris-per-la-llengua.html), a free program available in many cities and towns across Catalonia served by volunteers -native speakers- that offer their spare time to accompany a learner in enhancing his/her conversational skills. This consists of a commitment on both sides (learner and volunteer) to meet one hour per week for ten weeks in a relaxed environment (ie. having a coffee, strolling, etc.) to practice one-to-one conversational Catalan so that the learner can enhance his/her confidence and command in using this language. There's no cost for the learner nor any remuneration for the volunteer. This program is also aimed to help the learner to immerse into the Catalan culture and these 'linguistic couplings' often result in longtime friendships. More info: http://www.vxl.cat/ I believe they introduced as well a Skype-based system now, so you don't need to be in Catalonia to be matched in a linguistic couple.
Enjoy!
PS. And kudos for showing sensitivity towards my home country.
Enric,
Moltes gracies!!!! I will check out those resources. I'm fascinated by the Catalan culture. We spend two weeks a year in your beautiful country and we really enjoy our time there.
-Marc
