Hi, first time using this site but hoping to move to Lanzarote in about 12 months' time all being well. I just wanted to know whether there are any organised evenings in Puerto del Carmen/Matagorda where you can go and practice spanish i.e. in a local cafe/bar? I know there are in Playa Blanca where spanish people also use these evenings to improve their english.

I'm struggling to find time here to learn spanish and obviously not hearing it on a daily basis doesn't help. I'm unsure whether to labour on with it here or relax in the knowledge that there'll be opportunity to get to grips with it when we get there.

Also, the Canarian Spanish seems to be quite different to the spanish being taught here, though I'm told it shouldn't be a problem.

Would appreciate some guidance. Thank you

Take a look at the Lanzarote information website and search on intercambio, that should be exactly the sort of thing you are looking for. I believe there is still a class running in Puerto Calero.

I would keep at it back home. I used Michele Thomas C.D.s and whilst the final result isnt exacly how it is spoken over here he gives you the basic structure and you soon adapt to the way it is actually spoken. The vast majority of the Spanish I meet are from mainland spain origionally. There are different Canarian words that you will learn once here. Mixing with the local Spanish residents has been a great help too the ones I have met are all very friendly and more than happy to help you improve.
Having said that I still have a long way to go and am considering formal lessons.

Good luck keep at it, it is very satisfiying when you start to get there.

Ray

Hi
Yes, there are lessons available in PDC too that Tias authorities run and I suspect there is lots of help with this on the Island. Lots of similarities with canarian spanish and south american spanish too.

Restaurant staff are really helpful when you show an interest and also some taxi drivers. My friend has been living out there just over a year and has put lots of effort into learning spanish, he's very good now. A few different taxi drivers and other locals we've chatted to around the restaurants have complimented him on this and commented how good it is that he's taken time to learn the language as many ex pats move over to the Island and don't even bother.

Good Luck with it!
Jayne.x