Who wouldn't want a fun job that involves traveling to different beautiful locations?
 If you're planning to learn a little about the culture while you're walking in Spain, having a good grasp of the Spanish language can be a real boon to your efforts. Even if you only know a few phrases, it can help smooth the way to make an effort with a little Spanish - and it will certainly garner you a little goodwill - as well as giving some insight into the beautiful natural landscapes you wander across. When exploring the country, learning a few helpful words and phrases can be very useful in making sure you come away from your travels having had a rich, full experience. However, the Spanish language and its offshoots are a far more complex field of study than many visitors might realise!
What's in a name?
The true origins of the name España (and the derived names 'Spain' and 'Spanish') have been disputed by scholars. The ancient Roman name of 'Hispania' may originate from the use of the term 'Hesperia' to refer to the country. However, the word may also be a derivative of the Punic word 'Ispanihad', meaning 'land of rabbits' or 'edge', a reference to Spain's geographical position at the edge of the Mediterranean. Interestingly, Roman coins from the region show a female figure with a rabbit at her feet!
When walking in Spain, it can be fun to try and puzzle out the mystery behind the name. The linguistic origins of the name remain an enigma - but yet another recent theory has come to prominence, claiming that the root of the name is the Phoenician word 'spy', meaning 'to forge metals'. Their name 'i-spn-ya' would mean 'the land where metals are forged'.
Spain's different languages
Although Spanish is spoken all over the county, making it a reliable standby for your adventures while walking in Spain, there are other regional tongues which have been declared co-official, making them useful to learn if your travels will take you to a particular region. Basque is spoken in the Basque Country and Navarre, Catalan is spoken in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, while a Catalan offshoot, Valencian, is spoken in the Valencian community.
While Spanish is officially the language of the nation, these other regional languages are robust and widespread enough to have daily newspapers published in them within the relevant regions. Picking up a local paper and enjoying it with a morning coffee while on holiday walking in Spain can be an excellent way to decipher some of the history, culture and modern lifestyles of this wonderful country.
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