Meetings and emails: what language colleagues really use

Key rules

• Switching: Colleagues usually switch to Spanish when a non-speaker joins, since nearly all regional-language speakers are bilingual.
• Side conversations: Expect the regional language to continue among colleagues in informal chats.
• Formal and written work: Language for documents and formal work depends on your employer, so ask what applies.
• International firms: English is mainly used in international firms.

The short version

Colleagues often use the regional language among themselves, and they usually switch to Spanish when someone who does not speak it joins. Written and formal work depends on the employer, so ask early what your workplace does.

In conversation

Nearly everyone who speaks Catalan, Basque or Galician also speaks Spanish. So when you join a chat, people tend to change to Spanish for you. Don't take a few minutes of regional language before that as a sign you are being shut out. It is simply the habit of the group.

Expect the regional language to carry on in side conversations, at lunch or over coffee. The switch is not always consistent. It is less reliable in some Basque settings and in rural Galician or Catalan places. If you need to follow something, ask politely for Spanish. People will normally agree.

In meetings

Meeting language depends on the organisation and who is in the room.

• Mixed teams and outside parties: Spanish is common.
• Teams where everyone speaks the regional language: Catalan, Basque or Galician is often used internally. This is also common in regional administrations and local firms.
• International firms: English is mainly used.

If you are the only one who does not speak the regional language, the meeting will most likely move to Spanish, or English in an international firm. If it does not, ask for a short summary afterwards.

In emails and written work

Emails to a wider group often default to Spanish or English. Formal documents, internal notices and client communications follow the employer's own policy, and that varies. Ask your manager or HR which language is used for each kind of document, and whether you can reply in Spanish.

If you try the regional language

If you speak it as a learner, people generally respond with encouragement. You don't need to use it at work, but a few greetings and phrases are usually welcome.

Before you start

Ask these questions in your first week:

1. Which language do team meetings use?
2. Which language do group emails and formal documents use?
3. Is there anything I must write in the regional language?

The questions and answers below cover more of the day-to-day worries.

Frequently asked questions

Which language will group emails use in a bilingual workplace?

Group emails often default to Spanish or English, even when colleagues speak the regional language among themselves. Regional administrations and local firms are more likely to write internally in Catalan, Basque or Galician. International firms mainly use English.

Will colleagues keep speaking the regional language if I do not understand it?

Usually they switch to Spanish when you join a conversation, because nearly all regional-language speakers are also fluent in Spanish. Side conversations may stay in the regional language. Switching is less consistent in some Basque settings and in rural Galician or Catalan areas.

Will colleagues mind if I try to speak the regional language as a learner?

No, learners are generally met with encouragement, so trying it at work is usually welcome. Colleagues will often help you or switch to Spanish if you get stuck.