Peeling Back the Layers of Spanish: 10 Lesser-Known Facts

Spanish, or español, is one of the most spoken languages worldwide, with its roots in the Iberian Peninsula and its influence stretching across oceans and continents. While its widespread use, iconic literature, and evocative music are well-known, there are aspects of the Spanish language that might surprise even ardent aficionados. Here are ten intriguing tidbits about Spanish.

1. The World’s Second Most Spoken Language:

While many know that Spanish is widely spoken, few realize that it’s the second most spoken language by native speakers, trailing only Mandarin Chinese. Over 460 million people speak Spanish as their first language.

2. Judaeo-Spanish or Ladino:

When the Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492, they took their version of Spanish with them. Known as Ladino or Judaeo-Spanish, this language is still spoken by Sephardic Jewish communities, especially in Israel, Turkey, and Greece. It offers a linguistic snapshot of 15th-century Spanish.

3. Geographic Nuances:

Within Spain, regional variations are profound. Castilian is the standard form taught worldwide, but regions like Catalonia, Galicia, and the Basque Country have their languages: Catalan, Galician, and Basque, respectively. Each has influenced Spanish in terms of vocabulary and pronunciation.

4. Influence of Arabic:

During the 700 years of Moorish rule in Spain, Arabic had a significant impact on the Spanish language. It’s estimated that around 4,000 Spanish words are of Arabic origin, including commonly used ones like “azúcar” (sugar) and “naranja” (orange).

5. A Phonetic Language:

Spanish is considered a phonetic language, meaning words are generally pronounced the way they are spelled. This makes it more accessible for learners to master pronunciation, in contrast to English, where combinations like “ough” have multiple pronunciations.

6. Royal Spanish Academy (RAE):

Founded in 1713, the RAE is the institution responsible for overseeing the Spanish language. It sets linguistic standards, and its dictionary is considered the definitive guide. The motto of RAE is “Limpia, fija y da esplendor” (It cleans, sets, and gives splendor).

7. Voseo:

In Argentina and parts of Uruguay, Paraguay, and Central America, the informal second-person singular pronoun “tú” is replaced by “vos,” and it’s accompanied by a distinct verb conjugation. This form, called “voseo,” is the standard in these regions and is an interesting divergence from other Spanish-speaking areas.

8. Only Language with a Character as Its Symbol:

The “ñ” is a unique letter in the Spanish alphabet and represents the language itself. In fact, the Spanish word for the Spanish language, “español,” contains the ñ. The symbol itself originates from a medieval abbreviation.

9. Palenquero and Papiamento:

Spanish has given birth to Creole languages, where it blends with other tongues. Palenquero is spoken in parts of Colombia and mixes Spanish with African languages. Papiamento, spoken in Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire, blends Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and African languages.

10. World’s Second Most Studied Language:

Spanish is the second most studied language in the world after English. Millions of people are currently learning Spanish, drawn by its global influence, cultural richness, and economic significance.

Conclusion:

Spanish, with its rich tapestry woven from different cultures, historical epochs, and regional influences, offers linguistic treasures waiting to be discovered. These lesser-known facts provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of this vibrant language and its multifaceted history. Whether you’re a seasoned Spanish speaker or a curious onlooker, there’s always more to uncover about español.