Did you know Spanish is the second-most spoken native language, surpassed only by Mandarin Chinese? This global tongue, one of the six official languages of the United Nations, is spoken by approximately 600 million people worldwide, 500 million of whom are native speakers.
The Origins of Spanish
Spanish dates all the way back to the third century BCE when Latin-speaking Romans arrived on the Iberian Peninsula. Over the next centuries, the language spoken was subject to many influences, including the Moors, who occupied the area from 711 to 1492. This year was highly significant in Spanish history. Not only did it see the fall of Granada and its Moorish occupation, but Christopher Colombus also set sail for the New World. This pivotal moment marked the start of the Spanish colonization of the Americas, shaping the linguistic landscape that still exists now.
Spanish in today’s world
Fast forward over 500 years and the impact of this one significant voyage of discovery is still felt. In Latin America, just under 65% of the population speaks Spanish (with around 34% speaking Portuguese and the remaining 1-2% other languages such as French and Dutch). In fact, Spanish is an official language in some 20 countries, ranging from Spain, the birthplace of the language, all the way to Central and South America, and even Equatorial Guinea in Central Africa.
Given the vast distances between these geographical areas, it is little surprise that there are considerable variations, in terms of vocabulary, register and even the grammatical structures themselves. Let’s take a closer look:
- Spain
Spain, the fourth-largest country in Europe, is of course the birthplace of the Spanish language. Sometimes the prevailing version of Spanish found here is known as “Castilian”, although technically this term refers to the dialect that originated in the Castile region. It is the basis of the standard Spanish language although many regions in the country have variations that are more dominant. In the Barcelona region, for instance, you’ll see signs in both Castilian and Catalan Spanish, while in the neighboring Basque region, the predominant dialect of the same name is a unique language isolate. This means, unusually, it is not related to any other language family in the world!
- Mexico
Spanish arrived in Mexico in the early 16th century. For many years, it sat alongside the existing indigenous languages, and today you’ll still hear their influences. For instance, the word for chocolate, a feature of many savory Mexican dishes, is “aguacate”, whereas in Spain you’ll hear “chocolate”. Today, Mexico is home to the largest Spanish-speaking population in the world.
- Argentina
In Argentina (and most parts of Uruguay), it’s Rioplatense Spanish, otherwise known as “River Plate Spanish”, or the variation used in and around the Rio de la Plata. It’s known for its melodic and gentle pronunciation. Curiously, you’ll notice the final /s/ sound is often not pronounced. Moreover, there are several Italian influences, thanks to immigration channels in the past.
- Colombia
In Colombia, the fourth-largest country in South America, the Spanish variant is known for its distinct pronunciation. Here, the rhythm of speech if faster and the intonation stands out from other Spanish-speaking countries, especially in the Medellín region. In Bogotà, the accent is more neutral, although you’ll still probably hear people say chevere (meaning “cool!”), bacano (meaning “fantastic) and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to eat sancocho, a traditional and hearty Colombian stew.
The role of Spanish translation services
With the wide-ranging differences in Spanish dialects across countries and even within them, it’s paramount that you select a language agency providing Spanish translation services that are adapted to these nuances and linguistic variations.
Look for an agency that has a proven track record translating to or from the most appropriate Spanish variant for your audience, whether that’s Castilian, or Colombian, Mexican or Chilean. Capital Linguists has unrivaled experience delivering top-notch, unbeatable Spanish translation services tailored to the particular needs of its clients and their target audience. Thanks to an unwavering commitment to linguistic excellence paired with a far-reaching understanding of cultural nuances, you’ll be delighted with Capital Linguists’ results. Hasta pronto!
