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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.

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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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Culture around Spanish language History of Spanish language

The Spanish of Argentina and Uruguay

If you listen to an Argentinian and a Uruguayan speaker, will you know how to differentiate each other? The truth is that it is challenging. There are those who say that the only way to distinguish them is by seeing what they have in their hand: the Argentinian will always have his hands busy with the mate and the thermos, while the Uruguayan will have the mate in one hand and carry the thermos in a bag. It’s not a wrong clue; it’s pretty accurate, but here we give you some linguistic tips so you can get to know them a little better and know where their unique way of speaking comes from.

¿Y vos cómo estás? The ‘voseo’ as a singular pronoun

Spanish began to spread throughout the American continent more than 500 years ago. Still, today, the unique use of the pronoun ‘vos’ as a second-person singular is a linguistic curiosity found only in Argentina and Uruguay.

Upon the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in America, ‘tú’, ‘vos’, and ‘vuestra merced’ were used in Spanish—these three expressions, each with unique connotations, refer to the second person singular. The communicative context determined the use of one over the others; both ‘tú’ (you) and ‘vuestra merced’ (your grace) were used in the context of closeness and trust, while ‘vos’ was exclusively used to address a person of greater authority.

Due to hierarchical relationships, the pronoun ‘tú’ was much more common. However, this changed over time. This is how, in the 16th century, the ‘vos’ began to be a disused expression in Spain and the places in America with a Viceroyalty, such as Peru or Mexico, and ‘you’ became the expression corresponding to the voice of I respect. Thus, the countries furthest from the viceroyalties, such as those in the southern cone and Central America, retained the ‘voseo’.

Currently, the ‘vos’ is widely used in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Costa Rica, and in some regions of Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Cuba, although in the latter, the connotation given to its use may vary according to regions and socio-cultural stratum.

¿Uruguasho, sho?

If you speak Spanish, you will know that an Argentinian and a Uruguayan speak very similar and, at the same time, different from any other Spanish speaker. They pronounce “y” and “ll” uniquely to any Spanish-American Spanish speaker. They say posho instead of pollo (chicken); they go to the plasha, not the playa (beach), and they call shuvia (rain) to the water that falls from the sky. Where does this way of speaking come from?

The unique sound in the Spanish of Argentina and Uruguay, also found in other languages ​​such as Portuguese and English, can be attributed to the nations’ formation by migratory waves from Europe. This linguistic landscape, further shaped by the proximity to Portuguese-speaking Brazil, has led to a contagion of certain sounds of these languages in the Spanish spoken in these regions.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, the Río de la Plata area experienced a substantial migratory influx from Spain, Italy and France, translating into the gradual incorporation of sounds from Galician, Italian and French. Furthermore, the Argentine sociolinguist María Beatriz Fontanella de Weinberg, a student of the Buenos Aires phonetic particularity, mentions in her works that at the end of the 19th century, there was a significant influence of French in Argentine culture and, with it, an explicit desire to incorporate phonological elements in your vocabulary. There are similar theories that explain the incorporation of sounds from Italian.

Whatever the explanation, the truth is that linguistic loans are transformed and finally appropriated to adapt to the values ​​and culture of the people that incorporate them. Whether it’s with a thermos in your hand or a bag, the culture of the Río de la Plata is inseparable from mate and herb, che!

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The language today

Spanish phrases and vocabulary on your summer holiday

Are you going on holiday to a Spanish-speaking country? What better opportunity to enjoy the heat, the beach or a nice tan and practice Spanish? Isn’t that a good plan for you?

Remember that Spanish is spoken in Spain and many other Latin American countries, such as Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. Also, in Central America and some African countries, there will always be a hot season in some months of the year, and you can practice Spanish in one of these countries. Isn’t it great? If you can travel, you can always enjoy good weather and a relaxed atmosphere like summer vacations somewhere in the world.

During the holiday atmosphere, there are always many relaxed activities to gain self-confidence and enrich your command of the language, so keep reading. We will give you a hand here so you can practice your Spanish.

First rule: you already know where you will travel, and your trip is almost there, so I advise you that if you want to soak up the atmosphere of the place, look for a movie set in one of the cities you will visit. That will make your visit much more interesting because once you are there, you will seek to recognise what you saw in the film, whether it be the landscape, way of life or, better yet, expressions or phrases you heard. Ah! And, of course, I encourage you to change the language of your mobile phone to Spanish.

Well, we’re there: now to practice.

As you gear up for your exciting summer adventure in Spain, let’s dive into the world of the Spanish language. Today, we’ll explore some key phrases and expressions that will help you communicate and enrich your stay.

  “Buenos días” (good morning) is one of the most common greetings. To greet a person in the afternoon, we say “buenas tardes” (good afternoon/evening) finally, we use “buenas noches” (good night).

Imagine you are walking down the street and must attract someone’s attention to ask them a question. In that context, you would use “perdone” (excuse me) in its formal form or “perdona” in its informal form, depending on the age of the person you are addressing. After saying this and attracting their attention, you can now ask the question you want.

Is this your first-time meeting someone, and you don’t know what to say at the end? If you’ve had a good time with her, you can use the classic “encantado/a de conocerle” (this is the formal version) (nice to meet you) or “encantado/a de conocerte” if it’s someone your age or someone you feel comfortable enough to speak on a first-name basis. You can also say, “es un placer” (It’s a pleasure) or simply “encantado/a” (delighted).

Basic vocabulary

Let’s consider the means of transport in Spain. We will mainly discuss el tren (train), bus, avión (plane), and coche (car).

When discussing accommodation, you must master the concepts of hotel, hostel, (Albergue juvenil) youth hostel, apartamento (apartment), camping, parador, casa rural (cottage), and camping. The Paradores is a public hotel chain in Spain managed by a state commercial company.

Spain offers a wide range of activities that are of interest to everyone. You can enjoy the sun and sand at the beach, cool off in a pool, explore the scenic mountains, go hiking, experience the outdoors with camping, immerse yourself in art and history by visiting museums, indulge in retail therapy with shopping, take a leisurely stroll around the city, or stay active with sports.

The recommended products for summer are protector solar (sunscreen), mapas (maps) and planos (plans). Sombrero (a hat) or gorra (cap), gafas de sol (sunglasses), cámara fotográfica (a camera), and cargadores (chargers). If you are not from the European Union, it is advisable to buy a tarjeta SIM (SIM card).

Essential extras: taxi, pasaporte (passport), billete (ticket), maleta (suitcase), mochila (backpack), equipaje (luggage).

Interrogative formulas

«¿Dónde está el hospital? » (Where is the hospital?)

«Tiene (usted)/Tienes (tú) un mapa?» (Do you have a map?)

«¿Cuándo nos vamos?» (When do we go?)

If you want to explain that you don’t speak Spanish well, you could say, «Disculpe, no hablo bien español» (Excuse me, I don’t speak Spanish well). If you don’t understand what they said, you can say, «no entiendo lo que ha dicho» (I don’t understand what you said), and add, «¿podría repetirlo, por favor?» (could you repeat that, please?).

If the situation is too complicated for you, you may want to ask if someone speaks English. In this case, you would have to say, «¿habla usted inglés?» (do you speak English?/poliness grammar) or «¿hablas inglés?». To ask for help, say, «¿podría ayudarme?» (could you help me?) and to express desire, for example, if you are in a cafe and you already know what to order, use the conditional verb: «me gustaría tomar un café, por favor» (I would like to have a coffee, please).

When you’re planning to travel within Spain, these questions can be your lifesavers: «Dónde se pueden comprar los billetes de bus/tren?» (Where can I buy bus or train tickets?) and «a qué hora sale el próximo tren a Madrid?» (What time does the next train to Madrid depart?).

I hope these tips are helpful for your practice and your next vacation. Remember that the key to learning Spanish, as with everything in life, is motivation, which is entirely up to you.

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History of Spanish language

Castilian or spanish? one language, two names

In the Anglo-Saxon world, Spanish is spoken in generic terms, but when they want to specify the Spanish spoken in Spain, they refer to this language as Castilian. However, all of us who speak Spanish do not make that difference in usage because we know it is incorrect since both terms are synonymous. Both names are correct and mean the same thing. Proof of this is that, in 1611, the first monolingual dictionary called Treasure of the Castilian or Spanish language was published.

Despite this, the question repeatedly arises about which of these two names is appropriate or which corresponds to which country. However, on behalf of the Royal Spanish Academy of Language (RAE) and the language academies of the rest of the countries of Spanish speakers, the answer is clear: the two names are synonyms.

Birth of Spanish

When languages derived from Latin had to be classified in some way, they began to be spoken of as Romance languages, and from this classification emerged the names Castilian, Catalan and Aragonese, among others.

In this way, around 1250, the term Castilian romance was born about the language spoken in the kingdom of Castile and León. As this kingdom’s political power grew, so did its language, which expanded and was enriched with contributions from the other languages spoken in the Iberian Peninsula.

Thus, at the end of the Middle Ages, different ways of speaking were grouped under the name of Castilian or Castilian language, both from Castile and León, Navarra, and Aragon, both from the north and the south. Starting in the 15th century, Spanish began to be used as a lingua franca throughout Spain.

The first records of the Spanish term

From the 16th century onwards, the new name, Spanish language or Spanish, began to compete with the traditional Castilian language. The name was not born in Spain but outside. At first, it was a purely geographical demonym, but later, neighbouring countries began to use it to refer to the language. Thus, little by little, driven first from abroad, the term Spanish language gained followers.

From then until the beginning of the 20th century, there was a clear and constant preference for the term Spanish language until, in the last century, Castilian and Spanish became interchangeable terms in the cultured language.

Currently, from a linguistic point of view, Castilian is the variety of Spanish spoken in the ancient Kingdom of Castile, that is, in central Spain.

Uses in Spain and Latin America

After the independence processes of the new American republics, the new countries were inclined to use the term Castilian, mainly to distance themselves from the demonym of the country from which they were becoming independent.

Currently, preferences are distributed: from Ecuador to the north, in Colombia, Venezuela, Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean and the United States, the use of Spanish or the Spanish language is overwhelming. In most of South America, the word Castilian is used more. Nevertheless, the international voice of the Spanish language has been gaining ground, especially among young people.

In Spain, the name Castilian is common in bilingual territories to distinguish it from other co-official languages such as Galician, Basque, and Catalan. At the same time, it is usually called Spanish in the rest of the country.

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