Alma Dorndorf

You may feel it's completely unnecessary to master any Spanish if you're living in one of the popular expat areas on the Costa Blanca, such as, for example, Javea. You could just join the thousands of foreign residents who get by with little more than "una copa mas de vino tinto por favor" - and that's after they've lived here for 30 years!

Well, it's true - you can manage to live in Spain without speaking more than a very few words of the language. But my advice to you is to at least learn the basics because then you'll find the whole experience of living in Spain so much more rewarding - also, some mastery of the language could save you a lot of time, money and frustration on many occasions!

You don't have to be fluent - you'll find that a little goes a long way. In my experience, the Spanish are endlessly patient with foreigners who are prepared to have a bash at communicating in their own language (even if the results are fairly horrendous!).

It is often said that we English are notoriously bad about making any effort to speak any language other than our own. But nothing is guaranteed to make you more unpopular with the local community than speaking very loudly in English to a Spanish person who can hardly understand a word of what you're saying. I've never understood why a fair number of us assume that sheer volume will act as an aid to comprehension!

So take some lessons, carry your phrase book around with you and at least try to communicate in the language of the country in which you've decided to make your home. The Spanish really will appreciate your efforts and will generally bend over backwards to be helpful to you.  On a purely practical note, if you can deal directly with Spanish workmen, the Ayuntamiento and Telefonica, you'll be able to get things done more quickly and more cost-effectively than if you have to use an interpreter.

Of course the older you are, generally speaking, the more difficult it is to learn a new skill. But I've witnessed many pensioners getting on famously with their Spanish neighbours, relying on just a few Spanish words backed up by much gesticulating and back-slapping.