Tag: Spanish

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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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Improving language Spanish as a language Writing in Spanish

Spanish and its distinction between ser and estar

As mentioned in previous articles, Spanish is one of the world’s most extensive and diverse languages ​​. It also stands out for a particularity that distinguishes it from many other languages: the difference between the verbs “ser” and “estar” to express the concept of “being” in different senses. This distinction, which may seem complex to non-native speakers, reflects a philosophical and historical depth that has influenced the language’s grammar and how speakers perceive reality.

The distinction between “ser” and “estar”: origin and philosophy

The separation between the concepts of “ser” and “estar” has roots in Vulgar Latin, the colloquial form of Latin spoken by ordinary citizens in the Roman Empire. Although in popular Latin, there was still no differentiation between the verb that referred to the essence or nature of things and the verb that referred to temporary states or conditions, there were esse (to exist) and stare (to stand). As Latin evolved into the Romance languages, Spanish retained these two verbs and expanded their meaning. In contrast, other languages ​​, such as Italian or French, simplified their verbal systems and merged these concepts into a single verb.

Philosophically, the distinction between “ser” and “estar” implies a dual view of reality: a difference between the immutable essence of something and its transitory state or condition. When we use “ser,” we are talking about an intrinsic or defining quality, as in “es una persona gentil.” When we use “estar,” we point to a momentary condition, as in “está cansado.” This usage reflects a complex perception in which Spanish distinguishes between the permanent and the temporary, the essential and the accidental.

Examples in other languages

Spanish is not the only language that distinguishes between two concepts of “being”. In Galician and Catalan, other Romance languages ​​of the Iberian Peninsula, two verbs differentiate between an essential quality and a temporary condition. This distinction is crucial in Galician, for example, where “ser” and “estar” are used in a way essential to understanding the language.

Outside of the Romance languages, modern Greek also has an interesting differentiation between the verb “είμαι” (eímai) to describe more permanent states and additional verbs to describe transitory states, although there is no exact correspondence. In other Indo-European languages ​​, such as Hindi, some verbs specialise in expressing temporary conditions versus permanent states, although they do not function like in English. This trend indicates that the need to separate concepts of ser and estar reflects, in part, how different cultures interpret reality.

Consequences of Teaching Spanish

For students of Spanish as a foreign language, distinguishing between “ser” and “estar” is one of the most challenging aspects to master. This is particularly true for speakers of languages ​​that do not have this distinction—English, for example. In English, the verb “to be” covers both meanings, and the distinction is only inferred from context or additional modifiers. This reliance on context and modifiers to understand the distinction in English can make it challenging for learners to grasp when to use ‘ser’ or ‘estar’ in Spanish, as it requires a shift in understanding how a language can structure and categorise reality more precisely in terms of permanence and temporality.

The different use of “ser” and “estar” not only enriches the vocabulary of Spanish but also provides a powerful tool to express ideas and nuances that in other languages ​​require longer explanations. The language thus reflects a particular sensitivity towards the characteristics of people, objects and situations, showing a nuance that has both linguistic and cultural roots. For example, in Spanish, we can say “él se dejó ser” and “él se dejó estar”, and both expressions refer to totally different things. The first alludes to the fact that he decided to live the life he wanted. The second expression indicates that he abandoned himself, probably referring to his physical condition, causing the years to affect his physical state negatively.

The duality between “ser” and “estar” in Spanish is not merely a grammatical issue; it reflects how Spanish speakers perceive reality and distinguish between what is essential and what is transitory. This differentiation, shared to a certain extent with other languages, reveals a cultural depth that is part of the identity of the language. By learning to use “ser” and “estar,” one learns a grammatical rule, and at the same time, one better understands the richness of a language that seeks to capture the essence and change precisely. Isn’t that beautiful?

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Culture around Spanish language

Ten curiosities about Spanish

Spanish, the second most widely spoken language ​​in the world after Mandarin Chinese, is a rich and diverse language with unique features. If you’re not familiar with these peculiarities and curiosities, they are sure to surprise you. Keep reading to discover the fascinating world of Spanish.

Spanish is the official language of twenty-one countries spread across Europe, the American continent and Africa. Its extensive geographical area of ​​influence and diversity make this language’s richness evident. So, let’s look at ten curiosities about this beautiful language:

1. The letter ñ: It is par excellence, the distinctive symbol of Spanish since it is an exclusive letter to this language compared to other European languages. The sound derived from Latin is a fundamental part of its cultural identity.

2. Origin of Arabic words: During the Arab occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, the Spanish incorporated many Arabic words into their lexicon. Terms such as almohada (pillow), azúcar (sugar), almuerzo (lunch), and albahaca (basil) come from Arabic, showcasing the profound influence and rich history of this culture on the Spanish language.

3. Spanish and Latin: as a Romance language, Spanish inherited a grammatical structure and vocabulary from Latin, although over time, variants developed in different countries, enriching the language.

4. Words without an exact translation: Spanish has unique words that are difficult to translate directly, such as sobremesa, which refers to the time spent together after a meal.

5. The subjunctive: The subjunctive is an exclusive verbal mode that allows you to express desires and doubts, something that surprises speakers of other languages ​​where this verbal form does not exist. Spanish is the only language that uses it, along with Portuguese. An example is in the second part of the saying, adonde fueres haz lo que vieres (wherever you go, do what you see.)

6. Diminutives and their richness: Dimitives (such as “—ito ” or “-illo”) are commonly used in Spanish to express affection, size, or to soften the tone, which is not so common in other languages.

7. Dialects and regional variations: The differences in vocabulary and pronunciation between Spanish-speaking countries are vast, and some words can have very different meanings from one region to another. We will talk about this in an article next month 😉

8. W is the letter that is used the least and has the most names: despite appearing the least frequently in the Spanish lexicon, it is the letter that has the most ways of being named; it is called “uve doble,” “doble uve,” “ve doble,” “doble ve,” and ” doble u.”

9. The difference between the verbs ser and estar: Spanish is one of the few languages ​​in the world with such a clear distinction between both verbs. Not even Latin, the language from which it originated, made this distinction. Learn more about this philosophical difference in the article we publish next week 😊.

10. Spanish is the second fastest to pronounce: The University of Lyon studied different languages ​​worldwide to determine which are pronounced the most rapidly. The result? Japanese is the fastest language in the world, followed by Spanish. The study showed that both languages ​​condense a smaller amount of information per syllable, unlike others, such as Vietnamese, for example, which is at the opposite end. This means that Spanish uses more words and longer grammatical constructions.

Keep learning curiosities about the language and the Spanish language, visiting and reading the articles we publish weekly on the iScribo blog. If you want to improve your Spanish writing and correct a specific variant of this language, subscribe to our superb grammar checker. We are waiting for you!

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Improving language

Using prepositions in Spanish: Complete guide with rules and exceptions

Prepositions are small words that play a crucial role in sentence structure, allowing relationships to be established between different elements. Although they may seem simple, their correct use can challenge both native speakers and Spanish learners. Prepositions can indicate location, time, cause, and belonging, among other things, and their misuse can alter the meaning of a sentence. In this article, we will explore the basic rules for using prepositions in Spanish and the exceptions and exceptional cases that often confuse.

What are prepositions?

Prepositions are invariable words that introduce complements and connect different elements within a sentence. For example, in the sentence: Voy a la tienda (I’m going to the store), the preposition a connects the verb voy with the place la tienda, indicating direction. Some of the most common prepositions in Spanish include a, de, en, con, por, para, sin, sobre, and desde, among others.

Basic rules for the use of prepositions

1. Using “a” to indicate direction or movement:

The preposition “a” expresses movement or direction toward a place or a goal. It is essential to let you know a destination.

  • Example: “Voy a la universidad” (I’m going to university) (direction).
  • Example: “Llamé a mi madre” (I called my mother) (goal or recipient).

An essential rule with a is that it is also used before direct objects when they are people, known as the “personal a”.

  • Example: “Vi a Juan en el parque” (I saw Juan in the park).

This rule is omitted when the direct object is not a person:  “Vi el perro” (I saw the dog).

2. “De” to indicate belonging, origin or cause

The preposition ‘de’ is a versatile tool in Spanish grammar. Its applications range from expressing possession and origin to indicating matter, among other uses. Its broad applicability will enhance your understanding of the language.

  • Example: “Este libro es de María” (This book is Maria’s) (belonging).
  • Example:  “Soy de España” (I am from Spain) (origin).
  • Example: “La mesa es de madera” (The table is made of wood) (material).

It is important not to confuse the use of “de” with “desde” since the latter indicates a starting point in space or time: “El tren salió desde la estación” (The train left from the station).

3. “En” to indicate location or time

The preposition “en” generally indicates location or time. Unlike “a,” which implies movement, “en” means something or someone is in a specific place without indicating displacement.

  • Example: “Estoy en casa” (location).
  • Example: “Nos vemos en enero” (time).

An interesting exception is that “en” is not always used for transportation since we say: “Voy a pie” (not “en pie”).

4. “Por” and “para”: a typical case of confusion

These two prepositions often need clarification because, in some contexts, they have similar meanings in other languages, such as English. However, in Spanish, they have particular uses:

  • “Por” is used to express cause, means, duration or exchange.
  • Example: “Lo hago por ti” (I do it for you) (cause).
  • Example: “Viajo por tren” (I travel by train) (means).
  • Example: “Estudié por tres horas” (I studied for three hours) (duration).
  • “Para” indicates destination, purpose or recipient.
  • Example: “Este regalo es para ti” (This gift is for you) (recipient).
  • Example:  “Trabajo para ganar dinero” (I work to earn money) (purpose).

5. “Con” for company or instrument

The preposition “con” indicates company or how an action is carried out.

  • Example: “Fui al cine con mis amigos” (I went to the movies with my friends) (company).
  • Example:  “Corto el pan con un cuchillo” (I cut bread with a knife) (instrument).

It’s important to note that there are exceptions to the use of ‘con ‘. In verbal expressions such as  soñar con (dream about) or enamorarse de (fall in love with), the meaning does not indicate company but rather an idiomatic construction. Understanding these exceptions can be a challenging yet engaging part of learning the Spanish language.

Exceptions and special cases

Prepositions in Spanish, although they follow explicit rules, also present exceptional cases that must be memorised:

  • “A” + infinitive: The preposition “a” can be followed by an infinitive to indicate an imminent purpose or action: “Voy a estudiar.”
  • “De” + infinitive: In expressions like “acabar de + infinitivo,” an action that has just happened is expressed: “Acabo de llegar.”
  • Verbs with a fixed preposition: Some verbs in Spanish always require a specific preposition. For example:
  • “Depender de”.
  • “Soñar con”.
  • “Consistir en”.

Using the wrong preposition in these cases alters the meaning or results in a grammatical error.

Tips to avoid common mistakes

  1. Memorize the prepositions that accompany certain verbs: Some verbs always require a specific preposition, such as “fall in love with” or “think about.” Learning these cases is crucial in avoiding mistakes.
  • Context is key: The meaning of a preposition can shift depending on the context. For instance, “por” can denote cause (“Lo hice por ti”/ ”I did it for you”) or means (“Hablé por teléfono”/ “I spoke on the phone”). Understanding these nuances will boost your confidence in using prepositions correctly.
  • Beware of literal translations: Not all prepositions have a direct counterpart in another language. For instance, in English, we say “think about,” but in Spanish, it’s “pensar en.” Being mindful of these differences will enhance your language skills.

Correct use of prepositions is essential for clarity and precision in Spanish. Although they may seem difficult due to the numerous rules and exceptions, with practice and attention, they can be mastered. Remembering the basic rules, memorising the exceptions, and observing the context in which they are used can help you avoid common mistakes and improve your fluency in Spanish.

Keep learning curiosities about the language and the Spanish language, visiting and reading the articles we publish weekly on the iScribo blog. If you want to improve your Spanish writing and correct a specific variant of this language, subscribe to our superb grammar checker. We are waiting for you!

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Culture around Spanish language

Spanish in music: from flamenco to reggaeton

Do you remember the song Despacito, a hit by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee that became world-famous a few years ago? It sounded like this:

♫♬♪Despacito,

quiero respirar tu cuello despacito,
deja que te diga cosas al oído 
para que te acuerdes si no estás conmigo. ♫♬♪

(Slowly
I want to breathe in your neck slowly.
Let me murmur things in your ear
So that you remember if you’re not with me)

In 2017, this song was heard in practically every country, including Europe, Asia, Latin America, and, of course, the United States. This began to change the dynamics of the global music market. The United States began to look to Latin America, and after years of being in the shadows in the musical field, the Spanish began to enjoy recognition worldwide. Today, it is the second most listened-to language in the musical world.

Music is one of the most universal forms of cultural expression. In the Spanish-speaking world, Spanish has been the vehicle for a vast diversity of musical genres that reflect each country’s cultural richness and linguistic evolution of the language. From flamenco to reggaeton and trap, through salsa and rock in Spanish, each genre tells a story, not only through its melodies but also with language. Today, we will explore how Spanish manifests itself in different musical genres and how it reflects the cultural and social aspects of Spanish-speaking communities.

Flamenco: the essence of Andalusia

Flamenco, originating in Andalusia, Spain, is much more than a musical genre: it is a comprehensive artistic expression that combines singing, dancing and guitar. This style reflects centuries of multicultural influences, from gypsy music to Arabic and Jewish sounds. In flamenco, Spanish is intertwined with cante jondo, a deep and emotional style of singing that tells stories of suffering, love and everyday life. Flamenco lyrics are loaded with local expressions, Andalusian dialects and rich poetry that reflects the region’s idiosyncrasies.

The words, full of feeling, are often stretched and deformed to fit the rhythm or emotion of the performance. Phrases such as “Ay, pena, penita, pena. Pena de mi corazón” (Oh, sorrow, pain, grief, pain in my heart) express a deep sadness, an emotion beyond what everyday language might convey. Furthermore, flamenco often uses metaphors and symbolism that are characteristic of Andalusian culture, such as the use of nature to represent emotions: “pena que me corre por las venas, con la fuerza de un ciclón” (pain running through my veins, with the force of a cyclone).

Salsa: Caribbean flavour and neologisms

Salsa, born in the Caribbean, mainly in Cuba and Puerto Rico, is a musical genre that combines Afro-Caribbean rhythms with influences from jazz and other styles. Salsa lyrics, primarily sung in Spanish, capture urban life, romance and social resistance. In this genre, Spanish reflects the rich cultural fusion of Caribbean communities and their ability to create unique neologisms and expressions.

Songs such as “Pedro Navaja” by Rubén Blades tell stories of typical city characters, using colloquial language full of idioms and expressions typical of Hispanic communities in Latin America. Salsa also reflects the Latin diaspora in cities such as New York, where modern salsa was born. Thus, the language in this genre is a lively mix of Caribbean Spanish influences with Spanglish, a fusion of Spanish with English that arises from bilingual coexistence.

Rock in Spanish: The Voice of the Counterculture

Rock in Spanish, a Spanish-speaking response to the global phenomenon of rock and roll, emerged with a surge of bands in the 1960s and 1970s. It became a powerful channel for expressing youthful rebellion and political concerns in countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Spain. Bands like Soda Stereo or Héroes del Silencio used their music and lyrics to address existential, social, and political themes, making Rock in Spanish a musical genre and a socio-political movement.

In this genre, Spanish was used innovatively, with more complex narrative structures and wordplay that reflected an evolution of the musical language in Spanish. Unlike other, more traditional genres, rock in Spanish shows the language’s ability to adapt to global influences without losing its identity. It allows the creation of its lexicon within the music scene.

Reggaeton: The New Urban Language

Originating in Puerto Rico in the 1990s, reggaeton has evolved to become one of the most popular genres worldwide. Its characteristic “dembow” rhythm and mostly Spanish lyrics reflect urban life, love, partying, and often themes of social criticism. Reggaeton is a genre marked by its simplicity in lyrics, with repetitive phrases that are easy to remember and that appeal to a young audience. Trap, on the other hand, has evolved with darker and cruder lyrics. Initially, the trap talks about street life, drug trafficking, and social difficulties. In Latin trap, themes include self-improvement, economic success, betrayal, violence, and internal struggles, although it can also address themes of romance or heartbreak.

However, what is interesting about reggaeton and trap is how they have incorporated Spanglish and urban slang. English words are mixed with Spanish in the lyrics, reflecting globalisation’s cultural and linguistic influence. Reggaeton and trap are a mirror of life in the big cities of Latin America and the United States, where Spanish coexist with other languages ​​and urban identity is built from multiple influences.

Linguistic diversity in Spanish music

One of the most fascinating aspects of using Spanish in music is how the language adapts to different Spanish-speaking cultures. Each country and region has its dialect and set of expressions that are reflected in its music. While flamenco uses a Spanish full of Andalusian turns of phrase and reggaeton mixes Spanglish and urban slang, the music of Latin America and Spain continues to evolve, incorporating new forms of linguistic expression.

The Spanish language has adapted, evolved, and expanded through genres such as flamenco, salsa, rock in Spanish, reggaeton, and, most recently, trap, reflecting the social, political, and cultural changes of Spanish-speaking peoples. Each song is a fragment of history, and each musical genre reveals how Spanish remains a living, dynamic, and constantly changing language.

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Improving language Writing in Spanish

Let’s play Scrabble! The most common letters and words in Spanish

Have you ever played Scrabble? Scrabble is a crossword game in which players form words using letter tiles and a board divided into squares. Some letters and words in Spanish are more common and can be strategic to maximize your score. So, let’s explore how to use these frequent letters and words to play Scrabble in Spanish effectively.

Most common letters

In the Spanish language, the most common letters are the vowels “a”, “e”, “i”, “o”, and “u”, along with the consonants “s”, “r”, “n”, “l”, and “d”. These letters appear frequently in the game and are worth one point, which may seem low, but their abundance makes it easier to create words. Within the vowels, the most common letter in Spanish is undoubtedly the letter “e”, followed by the letter “a”. The third most common letter is also a vowel and is the letter “o”. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the letters that appear less frequently in the Spanish vocabulary are the letters “x”, “k”, and “w”. The letter “w” was the last to be added to the Spanish alphabet, only incorporated in 1969 as a loan from the English and German languages. Although it may seem strange, the most representative letter of Spanish, “ñ”, is also one of the least used letters.

Now that we’ve explored the most common letters in the Spanish language, let’s turn our attention to the most common words. This will help us understand which words we can form most easily when playing Scrabble.

Most common words

Two- and three-letter words are precious in Scrabble because they allow you to use limited spaces and connect with other words already on the board. Some of the most common two-letter words in Spanish are “un”, “la”, “el”, “en”, “es”, “al”, “lo”, “de”, “me” and “se”. These words are handy for quickly scoring points and strategically opening or blocking the board. If you don’t have many options or are already at the end of the game, using these monosyllables is always a good idea, so save this as a game strategy 😉.

Additionally, three-letter words like “una,” “los,” “con,” “del,” “las,” “par,” “por,” “más,” and “dos” are essential to mastering the game, as they allow you to score additional points by crossing over with other words or by being placed in double or triple word boxes. “Vida,” “país,” and “años” are also widespread words in Spanish that will allow you to score several points (especially the word “años”) if you manage to put them together.

Strategies based on common letters and words

An effective strategy is to try to form words with the most common letters and keep some valuable vowels and consonants in your reserve. Vowels, in particular, are crucial for connecting words, while consonants such as “s” and “r” can create plurals or verb forms extending words already played.

For example, if you have the word “casa” on the board, adding an “s” to form “casas” allows you to score points for the new word created. Also, if this extension crosses another word or is placed in a double or triple scoring box, the score can increase significantly 😃.

In short, knowing and taking advantage of Spanish’s most familiar letters and words gives you a significant advantage in Scrabble. With a good strategy, using short words and frequent letters, controlling the board and accumulating points effectively is possible, ensuring success in this challenging and fun word game. So go ahead and practice Spanish through the game and let us know how it goes! Good luck!

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Improving language

Ugh, ugh, it’s so hot! 14 summer sayings in Spanish

Proverbs come to mind because it is already summer in the northern hemisphere, along with the heat, the longer days, the holidays and the afternoons on the beach, so that vast repertoire of popular origins and unknown author sayings express a lesson moral or invite reflection. There are many Spanish proverbs on a wide range of topics, and today, we will review many of the Spanish proverbs linked to summer. Let’s see what the Spanish proverbs say about the hottest season of the year:

  1. El verano que más dura, buen invierno asegura. It is said that when summer is long, it announces an abundant winter.
  2. En julio, beber y sudar, y el fresco en balde buscar. It would be best to drink a lot of water in July and look for ways to cool off because it is the hottest time of year.
  3. Julio caliente, quema al más valiente. No matter how brave you are, you won’t be able to withstand the heat of July.
  4. Por mucho que quiera ser, en julio poco ha de llover. July is the driest month of the year.
  5. Si quieres vivir sano, madruga en verano.
  6. Verano que dura, otoño asegura.
  7. A invierno lluvioso, verano caluroso. If the winter has been freezing and there is a lot of rain, it means that the meteorological forecasts for this season have been met and that, in the same way, summer will arrive with the heat typical of the season.
  8. En julio y agosto se quema el rostro.
  9. Ramos mojados, verano mejorado. If it rains on Palm Sunday, summer weather will be nice.
  10. Una golondrina no hace verano.  A proverb that warns that a general rule or norm cannot be deduced from the confirmation of a single fact.
  11. Veraneando, se va el tiempo volando: Summer is possibly the season that goes by the fastest. One main reason is that it is the season when people usually take vacations.
  12. Abril tronado, viene buen verano: When there are many storms during April, a quiet summer is about to come.
  13. Llegadas las golondrinas, el verano encima: Swallows are looking for warmth. Therefore, the heat is approaching when they return from migration, and summer is upon us.
  14. Frío en invierno, calor en verano, esto es lo sano.

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History of Spanish language

Origins of seseo

One of the characteristics shared by the variants of Spanish spoken in America which differentiates it from the Spanish spoken in the Iberian Peninsula is the absence of the zeta /z/ sound. Although Spanish variants spoken on the American continent differ, they have one characteristic in common. In none of them is a distinction made between pronouncing the letters s, c and z. They are all pronounced as /s/.

Among the many characteristics of Spanish variants are those who distinguish the sounds of s, c, and z, those who lisp, and those who wish. Those who pronounce these three letters as a /z/ and those who pronounce them all as an /s/.

One of the key distinguishing features of Spanish variants is the pronunciation of the sounds of s, c, and z. Some pronounce these three letters as a /z/(ceceo), while others pronounce them as an /s/ (seseo). This contrast in pronunciation is a fascinating aspect of the linguistic diversity within the Spanish language.

In a scenario where 67% of the world’s population speaks Spanish (see Spanish dialects around the world), it is significant to highlight that – although seseo is strange in Spain – it is today the majority variant of Spanish since more than ninety per cent of those who speak it, they mean. Let’s see, then, where its origins go back.

Columbus and the Conquest of America

Some say that the sound of the zeta became extinct in America, but the truth is that it never embarked on the continent. When Christopher Columbus travelled to America in 1492, he accompanied a majority crew from Andalusia, especially from Seville. They pronounced (and still pronounce) all words that contain s, c, and z as /s/.

The Canary Islands were colonised almost simultaneously with the American continent, marking the beginning of a significant historical era. Christopher Columbus’s route in 1492 was pivotal: He departed from the Port of Palos in Huelva, heading to Gran Canaria. This journey established a commercial route that would link Seville, the Canary Islands, and America, playing a crucial role in shaping the history of these regions.

At the time of the conquest of America, in the south of Spain, the pronunciation of the zeta was related to the Muslims converted to Christianity from the Kingdom of Granada (Moors) and symbolised the lower class, making Seville opt for the seseo. In contrast, Granada, the last Muslim stronghold of the time, loses the /s/ sound and acquires the tendency to lisp excessively.

Therefore, the seseo of the Canary Islands and America can be traced back to Seville. As we mentioned, the crew that sailed with Columbus was predominantly from Andalusia, with over 37% of the crew members hailing from Seville. This geographical and historical connection was crucial in spreading the seseo to the new territories.

The spoken language was that of Seville, but the court marked the written language. In Castile, a distinction was made between the pronunciation of /s/ and /z/; therefore, the language was not simplified in terms of its writing. America varied in its pronunciation, but the spelling rules remained the same as those established by the Castilian crown.

And this is how we arrived at the current situation, where in the Canary Islands, the region of Andalusia, and throughout the American continent where Spanish is spoken, the use of ‘seseo’ is a testament to the rich diversity of Spanish pronunciation. In the rest of Spain, the distinction between/s/and/z/sounds is maintained, and in areas of southern Spain such as Málaga, Granada and Cádiz, ‘ceceo’ is prevalent, adding to the appreciation of the language’s variety.

In the 19th century, attempts were made to introduce the differentiating sound of /z/ in America. Still, modifying a phonetic habit passed down through generations for more than four centuries is tough.

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Culture around Spanish language

Qué pena con usted. Colombia, why do you cause us so much confusion?

It is 3 pm in Bogotá, and I crave trying the classic tamales with hot chocolate. “Ay no, qué pena con usted, pero ya no tengo tamales” [Oh no, what a pity for you, but I don’t have any more tamales], the saleswoman tells me. That qué pena con usted [what a pity for you] resonates in my mind and is very funny because I do not understand that something so unimportant causes you “pity”. Is it not a bit exaggerated to feel so much grief for so little? I was a little confused, but I managed to understand the central idea of ​​the message. Instead of dwelling on the confusion, I accepted the cultural difference and did not give it much importance.

My walk through Bogotá continues, and so does my interaction. This means I will repeatedly hear the phrase: ” What a pity, the food is taking a little longer than expected.” “Excuse me, what a pity for you, but can you explain how I can get to Teusaquillo?” And so many times, the phrase echoes in my ears, persistently reminding me of my confusion, still without understanding why they use “pena” [pity] in that expression.

The RAE, Royal Academy of the Spanish Language, highlights the sense of shame for countries in Central America, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela within the meanings of pity.

I already knew the expression—but from a distance—and that was the first of many times it was said to me directly. Sometimes, it was in its shorter version, with a simple “what a pity,” and then in its extended version, with all the feeling that “what a pity for you” contains. It is indeed an expression that arouses a lot of tenderness but also draws attention due to its excessive politeness.

As one becomes familiar with the expression, one realises that it is very versatile, with multiple uses. It is used to apologise, ask for a favour, attract attention, or deny something. It is a kind and courteous way of addressing someone. Some foreigners love it; others, however, find that courtesy in the spoken language of Colombians implies a degree of condescension that, at times, produces a lot of discomfort.

Where does this way of speaking come from?

The answer seems to lie in two references. On the one hand, the significant influence of the Catholic Church, which calls for respect for elders and authority figures, and in general terms, good manners. On the other hand, the influence of the colonial era, characterised by servility and respect for hierarchies, was very marked at that time. These two influences make up essential elements of the Colombian peculiarity, which helps explain that in its language, everyday uses expressions such as ‘what a pity for you’ or the usual a la orden [‘at your service’] and para servirle [‘to serve you’]. The phrase para servirle is a product of this historical context, where servility and respect for hierarchies were highly valued.

If you are a foreigner, I understand that it may shock you the first time you hear “to serve you” because if one is not familiar with the expression, one emphasises its literal meaning, while a Colombian, probably due to the everyday nature of its use, is no longer governed by the literally, if not for the meaning that the use has given it, which would be equivalent to “you’re welcome.” In this way, the expression has lost the literal force of its meaning and has acquired a sense of courtesy.

In Colombian speech, courtesy and kindness are not just values but the cornerstone of effective communication. The unique cadence and respect they show to their interlocutor through language are genuinely remarkable. Unsurprisingly, Colombian citizens are highly valued in customer service positions in other Spanish-speaking countries.

Some argue that the courtesy and kindness embedded in Colombian speech are a powerful tool to counteract and confront the pervasive violence Colombians experience daily. It’s a unique way to combat violence with courtesy, a cultural significance that is often overlooked.

I hope you learned more about this variant of the Spanish language and gained a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of Colombian speech. As Colombians say, qué pena con usted, but this article has ended. Quedo a sus órdenes para lo que necesite. I look forward to sharing more insights in the next blog post.

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