Author: Constanza Jeldres

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The language today

Spanish in Business: The Language of Today and the Future

Spanish, with over 500 million native speakers and official status in 21 countries, has evolved from being a cultural communication tool to a key asset in international business. In an increasingly globalised world where opportunities transcend borders, speaking Spanish can mean the difference between closing a successful deal or falling behind the competition.

A Growing Market

With countries like Mexico, Spain, and Colombia establishing themselves as regional economic powerhouses, Spanish is the second most spoken language globally by native speakers and the third most used language on the Internet, surpassed only by English and Chinese. This growth highlights not only its cultural relevance but also its commercial potential.

For example, with its continually expanding market, Latin America represents an attractive destination for foreign investment. Sectors such as technology, agribusiness, renewable energy, and e-commerce are booming, and knowing the local language facilitates transactions and builds trust with business partners.

Trust is Key in the Business World

Speaking a client’s or partner’s language enables smoother communication and demonstrates respect for their culture and values. This gesture can be decisive in Spanish-speaking countries, where personal relationships are often as meaningful as professional ones.

Moreover, many technical and financial terms in Spanish have unique nuances that don’t always translate directly into English or other languages. Understanding these linguistic subtleties helps prevent misunderstandings and costly errors. For instance, terms like factura (invoice), nómina (payroll), or responsabilidad limitada (limited liability) carry specific meanings within legal and accounting contexts that vary from one country to another.

A Language for Digital Business

The digital revolution has also placed Spanish at the global economy’s centre. With millions of users consuming content online, businesses have begun investing in Spanish-language marketing and advertising strategies. From social media to e-commerce, having a presence in Spanish can open doors to untapped markets.

Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have enormous Spanish-speaking audiences, making Spanish an indispensable tool for any company aiming to expand its reach. Furthermore, in the digital economy, localising products and services in Spanish is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity.

Teaching Spanish as a Corporate Investment

Many international companies are incorporating Spanish language training into their internal development programs. Sales teams, executives, and managers are learning the language to improve their negotiation skills and expand their professional networks.

This investment benefits the company and its employees, who become more competitive in a globalised job market. Learning Spanish opens doors and helps professionals better understand local cultures, enabling them to design more effective and culturally appropriate strategies.

The Future of Spanish in Business

All signs point to Spanish playing an increasingly important role in business. Estimates suggest that by 2060, the United States will be the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, emphasising the language’s importance in Latin America and emerging markets like the U.S.

Additionally, the growing interconnection between Asia and Latin America is positioning Spanish as a mediating language in transactions previously conducted exclusively in English. Asian companies seeking to establish themselves in the region are turning to bilingual professionals fluent in English and Spanish, recognising the language’s significance for international trade.

Beyond Words: A Language, a Culture

Speaking Spanish in business is not just about mastering technical vocabulary or knowing key phrases; it also involves understanding the cultural nuances of each country. For instance, in Mexico, using usted is essential to maintaining a respectful tone, while in Argentina, a more informal approach can foster greater closeness.

Meeting schedules, negotiation styles, and expectations of courtesy can also vary significantly. Mastering the language, therefore, is a way to adapt and thrive in a diverse environment.

The Power of Spanish in the Business World

Spanish is not just a language but a gateway to a vibrant, culturally rich market full of opportunities. In a world where global connections are essential, speaking Spanish is a competitive advantage that builds bridges, fosters trust, and opens new frontiers.

From traditional commerce to digital marketing and Latin America to Asia, Spanish is solidifying its position as the language of business today and in the future. So, if you’re considering learning it, don’t hesitate: investing in Spanish is investing in success.

Remember, whether you’re entering new markets or strengthening existing ones, Spanish is more than just a tool—it’s a key to unlocking global potential.

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History of Spanish language

Did You Know That Medieval Spanish Was More Abbreviated Than Modern Spanish?

Medieval Spanish, that fascinating phase of our language between the 13th and 15th centuries, left us with not only curious words and poetic constructions but also an incredible array of abbreviations that would put modern texting shortcuts to shame. But why was abbreviation so prevalent back then?

The Economy of Parchment and Time

Writing was neither easy nor cheap in the Middle Ages. Books were copied by hand, and parchment, the material used for writing, was a precious resource. To save space and time, medieval scribes developed an elaborate system of abbreviations. Every inch of parchment was valuable, and abbreviations were the perfect solution for maximising its use.

For instance, common words like “Christ” were represented by a simple “X” (derived from the Greek letter chi), and endings like -us or -um were reduced to a single wavy line above the word. These marks, known as “suspension” or “contraction” abbreviations, were so prevalent that reading medieval texts without a guide was nearly impossible for the untrained eye.

The Art of Abbreviation

Abbreviations weren’t just practical—they reflected the scribes’ creativity and ingenuity. Each school or scriptorium developed its variations, making abbreviations almost like a language within a language. Some scribes even created systems so intricate they resembled secret codes.

For example, words like “que” (that) and “quien” (who) were reduced to a simple “q” with additional marks, and entire phrases such as “dijo que” (he/she said that) could be compressed into a single symbol. This system saved space and added an air of sophistication to the texts.

What Remains of These Abbreviations Today?

While many medieval abbreviations vanished with the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, some survived and are still in use today. For instance, abbreviations like “etc.” for “et cetera” and “Mr.” for “Mister” are direct descendants of these medieval practices. These small relics remind us that while modern communication is filled with emojis and acronyms, the need to abbreviate is as old as language.

So, the next time you type “LOL” or “BTW” in a message, remember that you’re continuing a tradition that began centuries ago. Brevity has always been the soul of wit—even in medieval Spanish!

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Culture around Spanish language

New Year in Spain and Latin America: Grapes, Suitcases and a World of Traditions

…3, 2, 1, Happy New Year! In the Spanish-speaking world, the New Year is a festival of customs, rituals and superstitions that reveal the region’s cultural diversity. From Spanish grapes to suitcase rides in Latin America, the transition to January 1 is full of joy and touches of ingenuity. Each unique and charming tradition shows that the festive spirit knows no borders.

Spanish grapes: a classic that unites everyone

Seeing off the year without the famous twelve grapes is unthinkable in Spain. When the clock strikes midnight, millions of Spaniards gather grapes in hand at the Puerta del Sol in Madrid or in front of the television, ready to accompany each chime with a bite. This ritual, born at the end of the 19th century, symbolises good luck for each month of the coming year.

But beware, it is not as simple as it seems: you have to keep up with the clock, and between the nerves and the laughter, some end up with stuck or incomplete grapes. It is part of the charm! Added to this is the toast with cava and sometimes with a gold ring in the glass to ensure prosperity and fortune.

Many New Year’s traditions in Latin America are linked to desires for adventure and exploration. In Venezuela, Colombia and other countries, those who dream of travelling next year take a suitcase and go for a walk around the block at midnight. Some, like in Chile, even run to secure an international itinerary. This cute ritual is fun and reinforces the idea that dreams can come true if you push them. That’s why it’s not unusual to be with a family hugging each other and see someone running with an empty suitcase in the middle of the night.

The lucky colour

Red or yellow underwear? The answer varies by country, but in the region, it is believed that the colour of your underwear influences what you will attract in the new year. In Spain and Mexico, red is for love; in Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, yellow symbolises prosperity. Some people even wear new underwear as a sign of renewal, ensuring that everything they wear that night is an omen of positive things.

The Old Year: Fire to Close Cycles

In Ecuador and Colombia, one of the most symbolic traditions is the burning of the “Old Year.” This doll, made with old clothes and stuffed with paper or sawdust, represents the problematic or harmful moments of the year that are ending. The doll is set on fire at midnight, leaving the bad behind and making room for new opportunities.

In some cases, the “Old Year” includes masks representing public figures or controversial characters during the year. It is a mix of humour, catharsis, and ritual, perfect for starting over.

Flavours of a New Beginning

There is no party without food, and New Year is no exception. In Mexico, romeritos and cod are the stars; in Venezuela, ham and hallacas mark the festive table; and in Argentina and southern Chile, barbecue is the absolute king.

In Peru, in addition to the traditional turkey, panettone and hot chocolate are a must, while in Puerto Rico, roasting suckling pig and coquito (a delicious coconut liqueur) gives the final touch to the celebration. Food is a delight and a way to share and strengthen family and friendship ties.

A colourful sky

Nothing is more representative of a massive celebration than fireworks, and in countries like Guatemala and El Salvador, the sky is filled with lights and explosions of colour at midnight. In Chile and Argentina, families often gather in gardens or patios to enjoy the fireworks and the warm summer air. It’s a spectacular way to mark the beginning of a new chapter.

Superstitions and small magical gestures

Throughout the region, superstitions and rituals seek to attract good luck, health and love. In Mexico, some sweep the house outwards to eliminate bad energies. Meanwhile, baking bread in the shape of stairs in Bolivia promises promotions and prosperity.

No matter how small, every gesture is loaded with hope and faith that the new year will be better.

A mosaic of shared hopes

From grapes in Spain to suitcases in America, the New Year in the Hispanic world is a unique and diverse celebration with a common denominator: the desire to start over with joy, hope and unity.

Whether you burn a doll in Colombia or run with a suitcase in Chile, the important thing is to remember that every tradition, no matter how simple or extravagant it may seem, is a way of expressing confidence in a bright future. So, happy New Year! May 2025 be full of adventures, love and lots of toasts.

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Culture around Spanish language

Christmas in Latin America: between carols, posadas and Santa Claus

Christmas in Latin America is a mosaic of traditions, flavours, and celebrations that vary as much as the Spanish accents in the region. Although they all share the festive spirit, each country gives a unique touch to this magical season. From the colourful Mexican posadas to the Christmas “asados” in Argentina, Christmas in this corner of the world is an unforgettable experience full of diversity and human warmth.

Santa Claus, Father Christmas or Pascuero?

One of the great Christmas dilemmas in Latin America is what we call the chubby character who hands out presents. In Mexico, Central America and much of the Caribbean, it is more common to hear “Santa Claus”, adopted directly from the American model. However, in countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, the “Santa Claus” figure predominates, influenced by European traditions.

In Chile, the beloved “Viejito Pascuero” steals the show. This name, a mix of the traditional and the tender, reflects the affection with which Chileans have integrated him into their culture. Although the character is essentially the same, how he is named shows how cultures reinterpret global symbols to make them their own.

The road to Bethlehem: posadas and novenas

In Mexico and Guatemala, posadas are an essential ritual in the days before Christmas. These recreations of Mary and Joseph’s pilgrimage to Bethlehem combine songs, prayers, and piñatas filled with candy. The hosts open their doors, symbolising the spirit of hospitality that defines Christmas.

Christmas novenas take a more spiritual approach in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. For nine days, families gather to pray, sing Christmas carols and share traditional sweets. At these gatherings, there is no shortage of buñuelos, natillas or hallacas, demonstrating that faith and food always go hand in hand in Latin America.

Christmas tables: a diverse feast

If one thing unites the region, it is food, but each country has its interpretation of a Christmas dinner. In Argentina, Uruguay and southern Chile, the barbecue is the star of the evening, while in Peru, turkey accompanied by Russian salad and panettone is a must.

In Venezuela, hallacas (stuffed tamale) are the table’s centrepiece, accompanied by pork and ham bread. In Mexico, the menu may include cod a la vizcaína, romeritos and tamales. At the same time, in Puerto Rico, the star is roasted suckling pig, accompanied by rice with pigeon peas and coquito, a coconut liqueur-like punch.

Fireworks and outdoor traditions

In much of Latin America, Christmas is celebrated with warm temperatures, which invite people to take the festivities outdoors. Countries like Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil are expected to gather in patios and gardens to enjoy food under the stars.

F fireworks are central in countries like El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. At midnight on December 24, the skies light up with colourful explosions that mark the beginning of Christmas. In Chile, it is expected to see children playing in the street after midnight with the toys that Santa Claus has given them.

Days of togetherness and family celebration

Although the names and customs vary, the spirit of Christmas in Latin America is universal: it is a time for family, faith, and solidarity. Each tradition, from the most solemn to the most festive, reminds us that Christmas transcends borders. Some give a single gift; others want to surprise with many gifts. There are secret friends, office celebrations, and more austere celebrations.

So, whether you toast with coconut, eggnog or champagne or give gifts from Santa Claus, Father Christmas or Santa Claus, in Latin America, you will always find a unique and memorable way to experience the magic of Christmas. The important thing is to have the company of family or friends on that particular night.

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Culture around Spanish language

Why Spanish has two different words: yerno and nuera? Origin of these words

Spanish, full of curiosities and linguistic inheritances, also keeps secrets in words we use daily. Today, we focus on the peculiar case of yerno and nuera, the terms we use to refer to the husband or wife of our children. But why don’t we say nuero and yerna?

The etymological origin of yerno and nuera

The word yerno comes from the Latin gener, which is related to concepts of genealogy and lineage. In classical Latin, gener specifically designated the daughter’s husband, reflecting the importance of family roles in Roman society. The term evolved phonetically to gignere in Vulgar Latin and yerno in Spanish.

On the other hand, nuera comes from the Latin nurus, which means “son’s wife.” This word shared a root with terms related to care or upbringing, echoing the traditional roles assigned to women in ancient families. Thus, both words have Latin roots and well-defined roles from ancient times.

Why is there no such thing as yerna or nuero? The absence of terms like yerna and nuero can largely be explained by how languages ​​reflect historical social structures. Languages ​​often encode the roles with the most remarkable cultural relevance in their words. In ancient patriarchal societies, kinship relationships with the daughter’s husband (yerno, son-in-law) and the son’s wife (nuera, daughter-in-law) were the most important for maintaining lineage and family alliances.

In contrast, there was not as much need to define “mirror” categories like yerna or nuero because these relationships did not carry the same cultural or symbolic weight in those contexts. Language did not develop words that were not necessary for their social function.

In contrast, father-in-law and mother-in-law exist because both relationships – with the couple’s father and mother – were relevant in family structures. These words also come from Latin: socrus (suegra, mother-in-law) and socrer ( suegro, father-in-law), and they reinforce symmetry in ascending kinship relationships.

Language, like culture, adapts to what society needs to name. So, while we continue to use yerno and nuera, we remember that our words are a living testimony to the traditions and structures of our ancestors.

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Culture around Spanish language

Spain: the cradle of Spanish and a linguistic kaleidoscope

Spain, that great peninsula in the Mediterranean, is not only the birthplace of Spanish but also of a mosaic of languages ​​intertwined in its history and geography. Although Castilian is one of the most widely spoken languages ​​in the world today, its roots, along with those of other Iberian languages, are marked by conquests, cultures, and evolution.

Where was the Spanish born?

Contrary to what many might imagine, the Spanish did not emerge in a large city or a majestic setting but in a small town in the province of Burgos called San Millán de la Cogolla. With just 14 inhabitants today, this place witnessed the first attempts at the language that would conquer the world.

In the San Millán and Valpuesta monasteries, monks began recording texts in a Romance language that would evolve into Spanish. Among the oldest documents are the Cartularies of Valpuesta, which date back to the 9th century and contain familiar words, although wrapped in a primitive linguistic structure.

The jar of Iberian languages

Although Spanish became the predominant language of Spain and, later, of much of Latin America, it is not and was not the only language on the peninsula. Since ancient times, Spain has been home to a rich linguistic diversity that includes Catalan, Basque, Galician and, of course, the various variants of Aragonese and Astur-Leonese.

Catalan

Spoken in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and the Valencian Community (where its variant is called Valencian), Catalan has roots in Vulgar Latin but with influences that make it unique. In the 21st century, it remains a living and strong language, with a robust literary culture and speakers passionate about its preservation.

Euskera

Euskera (or Basque) is the true rebel of the group: it is not related to any other known language and is considered one of the oldest languages ​​in Europe. Although its origins are a mystery, its resilience is undeniable, as it survived Romanization and other linguistic influences that dominated the peninsula.

Galician

Galician is like Portuguese. It is spoken primarily in Galicia, where the language resonates with nostalgia for the vieiras and the sea. It was a literary language of great importance in the Middle Ages, and although it lost ground to Spanish, it has regained its vitality in recent decades.

From dialects to empires

Spanish began as one more variant among the Romance languages ​​of the peninsula. Its rise coincided with the growth of the Kingdom of Castile, which extended its influence both territorially and linguistically. During the 15th century, with the unification of the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon under the Catholic Monarchs and, later, the conquest of America, Castilian became a tool of communication and cultural domination.

The first step towards its consolidation as a standard language was the publication of Antonio de Nebrija’s first grammar of Spanish in 1492. He stated that a language is the companion of an empire, and Spanish indeed accompanied the Spanish empire in its global expansion.

Today, Spain remains an example of linguistic diversity. Co-official languages ​​such as Catalan, Galician and Basque coexist with Spanish, although not without political and social tensions. Each language ​​represents a way of speaking, an identity and a regional pride.

For example, the debate on the teaching and official use of co-official languages ​​is a recurring theme in the Spanish political landscape. While some defend linguistic homogenisation, others advocate the protection and active promotion of these minority languages.

Spain: a model of plurality

Beyond the tensions, Spain’s linguistic plurality is a treasure that enriches its culture. From Rosalía de Castro’s Galician poems to the Basque songs that resonate in the Basque Country, each language contributes to the cultural puzzle that defines Spain.

Ultimately, Spain is not only the birthplace of Spanish but also a living reminder that languages ​​reflect the history, resilience and creativity of the people who speak them. So, the next time you walk through San Millán de la Cogolla or listen to a song in Catalan, remember that you are witnessing the linguistic richness that makes Spain unique.

If you are interested in delving deeper into the history of Spanish and the languages ​​of Spain, you can explore sources such as the Instituto Cervantes and specialised historical studies.

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Culture around Spanish language

Say it here, not there: the multiple lives of a word in the Spanish of the world

With more than 500 million speakers worldwide, Spanish is a linguistic kaleidoscope where the same word can be transformed into a thousand meanings depending on the place. What in one country may be an everyday and harmless term, in another, may trigger laughter, confusion, or even an embarrassing situation. Let’s discover how the Spanish navigates these rivers of semantic and cultural diversity.

The art of misunderstanding

Imagine an Argentinean saying he needs a “pila” for his remote control and a Mexican saying he has many “pilas.” Although both people mention the same word, they talk about different things: in Argentina, “pila” is a battery, while in Mexico, it means energy or enthusiasm. This duality illustrates the phenomenon of contextual polysemy that characterises our language.

Another iconic example is the word “guagua.” In Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the Canary Islands, it means a city bus, but in Chile, northern Argentina, and southern Peru, it is a term of endearment for a baby. Meanwhile, in Colombia or Ecuador, “guagua” refers exclusively to a small child. Thus, a small word can have different meanings depending on the cultural context.

If we talk about “tacos” everyone in Mexico will immediately think of food. In contrast, in Chile, someone can say, “I’ll be late because I’m stuck in a traffic jam”, and everyone knows they are talking about traffic congestion.

When food speaks

Gastronomy is also fertile ground for misunderstandings. In Mexico, a “torta” is a sandwich; however, it is a type of cake or pie in Spain. And what about “maní”? This delicious nut is known as “cacahuate” in Mexico, “cacahuete” in Spain, and simply “maní” in Argentina, Chile, and other South American countries. Travelling can become a linguistic adventure when the restaurant menu seems like a cultural riddle.

The traps of double meanings

Some words acquire humorous or unexpected connotations in certain countries. For example, “chucho” can refer to a dog in El Salvador, but in other places like Guatemala, it means “cold”, and in Spain, it can be a nickname for someone called Jesus. Similarly, “concha” is an innocent word that refers to a type of bread in Mexico. Still, in Chile, Argentina, and other countries in the Southern Cone, it can generate uncomfortable laughter due to its vulgar meaning. The same happens with “polla” (cock); in Chile, it is nothing more than a traditional lottery game, but in Spain, this word refers to the male organ for copulation. For this reason, it is traditional that if a Spaniard travels to Chile, he takes a photo in the building that says in large letters, “Chilean charity cock”. 😮😆

Spanish as a Cultural Mirror

These variations are not errors or obstacles but reflections of Spanish-speaking communities’ cultural and social richness. Each country has woven its history, traditions, and way of seeing the world into its language. For example, the use of “coger” in Spain is widespread and means “to take” or “to grab,” but in Mexico and other countries, it can have sexual connotations.

The Language Traveler

The key for those who travel the Spanish-speaking world is adaptation and curiosity. Knowing local variants can avoid misunderstandings and open doors to new friendships and experiences. Accepting linguistic differences with humour and willingness is part of the magic of being a Spanish speaker.

In short, Spanish is a language as rich and varied as the landscapes where it is spoken. Each word is an invitation to discover a meaning, a history and a culture behind it. So, the next time you use a word, remember: say it here, but maybe not there.

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The language today

Pronunciation of v and b in Spanish: which one is correct?

In Spanish, the question often arises as to whether or not there is a difference in the pronunciation of the letters v and b, mainly due to the influence of other languages, such as English, where this difference is clear. However, there is no phonetic distinction between the letters in modern Spanish, Spain, and Latin America. Both are pronounced similarly and are known as voiced bilabials, producing a sound represented in phonetics by the symbol /b/.

This unification in pronunciation has historical roots: in ancient Spanish, both sounds were distinguishable, but over time, the differences were lost. Today, throughout the Spanish-speaking world, the letters b and v often sound identical, which creates the peculiarity that, when speaking, these letters are distinguished only in writing. This characteristic means that in Spanish, the term “uve” is often used to refer to v and thus differentiate it from b, called “be”.

It is important to note that, although this equalisation in pronunciation is the norm in modern Spanish, some Spanish speakers in frequent contact with English tend to mark the difference between v and b when speaking Spanish, imitating the English pronunciation. This is observed in some areas of Latin America, where speakers, especially bilinguals, try to reproduce the difference to avoid confusion in English, a language in which b and v represent different sounds.

This distinction is also present, now spontaneously, in Valencian or Majorcan speakers and in areas of Catalonia due to the influence of Catalan. Additionally, it is found in certain very specific parts of America, where the influence of Amerindian languages has led to the use of labiodental articulation to pronounce the letter v.

From a normative perspective, the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) states that there is no need to make this distinction in Spanish since it is not part of the phonetic system of the language. So, to speak correctly in Spanish, it is optional to differentiate these sounds. This particularity of our language is an example of how it has evolved to simplify communication without losing clarity.

Now, from a linguistic point of view, there is no “mistake” in pronouncing b and v in one way or another; in fact, linguistics records the different ways of speaking. What is certain is that pronouncing b and v in the same way is the most widespread way in the Spanish-speaking world.

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History of Spanish language

Medieval Spanish and modern Spanish: the evolution of a language

Spanish has evolved profoundly from its medieval form to today’s modern language. This process has been marked by phonetics, grammar, vocabulary, and orthography changes, from medieval Castilian closer to Latin to classical Spanish of the Golden Age and, finally, to contemporary Spanish.

Phonetic and orthographic evolution

During the medieval period, Spanish retained some phonetic influences from Vulgar Latin, including sounds and letters that no longer exist today. For example, letters such as “ç” and letter combinations such as “ss” were used for sounds that we currently represent with the letter “s” or “z.” Likewise, the Latin “f” in words such as “ferrum” (iron) was transformed into a silent “h” (as in “hierro”). These changes reflect the phonetic development that allowed Spanish to simplify its pronunciation and eliminate certain sounds that could be confusing or redundant.

The standardisation process began for spelling from the Renaissance onwards. Antonio de Nebrija’s 1492 creation of the Grammar of the Castilian Language marked a milestone, establishing grammatical and spelling rules that guided the use of the language and helped to unify its forms of writing. Since then, the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) has continued to modify the spelling rules to reflect the evolutions in the everyday use of the language.

Changes in vocabulary and semantics

The vocabulary of medieval Spanish was not static but dynamic and constantly evolving. It was a blend of Latin, Arabic, Germanic, and Celtic words, reflecting the diverse influences in the Iberian Peninsula. As the language evolved, new words emerged, and meanings changed. The Renaissance period, marked by increased contact with other European cultures, they further enriched the language with terms from Italian and French, especially in art and science.

Over time, some Old Spanish words have fallen into disuse or have changed their meaning. For example, in Old Spanish, words like “facer” (to make) and “fablar” (to speak) were part of the everyday lexicon but were replaced by their modern forms. In addition, medieval words that had a specific meaning were transformed or had their meaning expanded. This semantic change is standard in the evolution of languages ​​and allows the language to reflect cultural and social changes.

Grammar and syntax

Spanish grammar has also changed substantially. In old Spanish, different constructions and verb forms were used. For example, the personal pronouns “vos” and “vuestra merced” were respectful and formal ways of addressing others. Over time, the use of “vosotros” and “ustedes” became established, differentiating peninsular Spanish from Latin American Spanish, where the “voseo” persists in some regions (you can see more about this in the article on the Spanish of Argentina and Uruguay.)

Another essential difference is syntax. In the Middle Ages, sentences tended to be more complex, with syntactical constructions influenced by Latin. Over time, Spanish modernised its structures, favouring more straightforward sentences, making learning and spreading easier.

Classical Spanish: The Golden Age

Classical Spanish of the Golden Age (16th and 17th centuries) is considered a golden age for Spanish literature. Authors such as Miguel de Cervantes and Lope de Vega helped to consolidate and enrich the language. Their contributions, along with the stability in grammar and syntax that Castilian gained during this time, have led to the creation of expressions and idiomatic phrases that have stood the test of time, connecting us to our literary past.

Similarities and legacy of ancient Spanish in modern Spanish

While modern Spanish has simplified many features of the medieval language, it still retains specific structures and vocabulary, albeit in a diverse manner across different regions. Medieval literature and poetry have left a mark on modern Spanish, with traces of the old words still found in certain expressions and proverbs. Additionally, some phonetic features from medieval times persist regional dialects of Spain and Latin America, adding to the richness and complexity of the language. For example, expressions like “a buen recaudo” and “en un santiamén” or words like “fierro” instead of “hierro” in parts of Latin America, continue to reflect the influence of medieval Castilian.

Spanish has come a long way from its medieval form, adapting to cultural and social changes. This process of constant change has made it a rich and flexible language, capable of incorporating new words and structures while maintaining a deep historical foundation. The evolution of Spanish reflects not only the development of a language but also the history of a culture that lives on in every word and expression of the language today.

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