Speaking the language?

[firecop680]

Is speaking Spanish a must in Tulum or not?

[digummm]

It sure helps, but is not really needed.

[calowie]

Speaking the language certainly makes life easier. It allows you to ask and discuss real issues with local residents, such as their opinion on the proposed new airport, etc. However, even the use of some simple phrases, hello, thank you, please, I am sorry, I do not speak Spanish, etc are appreciated and will indicate a respect for the language.

[Jessie James]

My spanish sucks big time, but I know a little. Thankfully Jessie (my girlfriend, I'm James) speaks and understands ok. Understanding what they're saying helps a lot, but most of the Hotel workers, cab drivers, and restaurants have people working that speak english. It's good to know some basics though. At least pick up a simple cd and learn some.

[Gale in KY]

Most people I encountered spoke better English than I do Spanish..which isn't saying much..but we managed to communicate with just some basic travelers spanish.

Here are some good starter words
http://www.surfersteve.com/quick_spanish_for_travelers.htm

http://www.spanishintheworld.com/resources/basic-spanish-expressions.html

and of course, it helps to know the pronounciations..lol!


A= like the A in all
E= like the E in grey
I= like he double E in see
O=like the O in no
U=like the double O in moo

[austxdan]

So the last spanish classes I took was as a kid in high school while still living in Chicago. Never thought I'd wind up in TX or vacationing in MX, so I should have paid better attention ;) .

However, my wife is pretty fluent and we get by fine. I found that for myself all you need to do is start off with a "Hola" before your request and you'll be better off than most. Many touristas just jump right in and fire off their questions, gripes, etc. The culture respects a cordial introduction first. This will get you a long way.

Funny story. We were riding the collectivo from Playa to Tulum and I struck up a conversation with a local. My knowledge of spanish allows me to understand about every 6th word or so, but I'm getting by. Finally I ask my wife what this guy was saying and she looks at me and says "He's not making any sense because he's drunk". :p That made me feel better about my lack of understanding.

Seriously, you'll get by fine without spanish, but it is better to at least try, and always be friendly in your introductions.


Dan

[lambert13]

Spanish is not really necessary in Tulum but as others have said it can be very helpful. When you do not have the Spanish vocabulary to communicate properly.....a sense of humor goes a long way. Just as in any other place you are, friendliness and courtesy go a lot further than fear and ego. I have come across quite a few situations in Mexico where I spoke little to no Spanish and the person I was dealing with spoke even less English. Everytime ended with all of us laughing and shaking hands and me getting something close to what I needed.

[Juanito]

Your local bookstore or online retailer probably sells a cheap Spanish-English phrase book.

This is anecdotal information. But if the people that live in Tulum see you make an effort to speak Spanish, even if it's reading out of a phrase book, they will really appreciate it.

Back when I lived in southern California, a few words of my bad Spanish got me, um, More Entertaining margaritas when I visited Ensenada.