Galego- a Little Known Region of Spain, and Galica- Spain's Little Known Language

Galician or Galego is the official language together with Spanish and is used everywhere: in schools, newspapers, regional television and indications and explanations in museums, to name but a few. Therefore it’s extremely helpful to be able to read and speak a few words and phrases as you will even find road signs in Galego.

The language has its origins in Latin and arrived in the Roman province of Gallaecia in the 1^st century AD. It evolved from Latin and, between the 12^th and 15^th century was popular all over Spain as a language of literature, religious poetry and prose.

During the 15^th century, in what is known as the “Dark Century” , the language was relegated more or less to oral usage only and became the way of communication of the rural population. Romanticism in the 19^th century saw the literary heyday of Galego.

During the times of Franco, Galego was forbidden and persecuted, but, after the constitution of 1978 and the Statute of 1981 granting Galicia autonomy, the language has made a huge come back.

When seeing text in Galego, you will note that there is a great similarity to Portuguese. Compared to Spanish the absence of the letter “J” is notable. The same applies to the letters “K,W and Y”. The letters only exists in words of foreign origin, including Spanish. Foremost is the letter “x” which replaces the Spanish “j” in Galego and is pronounced ‘sh’ like in the English word “she”. Otherwise Galego is pronounced much as written, which make it quite easy for travelers.

Greetings

Bos dias – Good morning

Bos tardes – Good afternoon

Boas noites – Good night

Abur – good bye

Pleasantries

Que tal? – How are you?

Eu ben, e ti – Fine, thanks, and you?

Eu chamome – my name is...

Ti como te chamas? – what´s your name?

Encantada – pleased to meet you

Ti – you (informal)

Vostede – you (formal)

De onde es? –where are you from ?

Eu son americana – I’m American

Vinemos todos xuntos de vacacions – we are all together on holiday

Perdona, pero non entendin o que dixeches – sorry, I don’t understand what you are saying

Non falo ben galego – I don’t speak Galego well

Important signs

Saida/Entrada – Exit/Entrance

Praias – beaches

Homes/Mulleres – men/women

Prohibido verter lixo – no littering

Cans ceibos – Beware of the dog

Aberto/pechado – open/closed

Perigo – danger