Exploring Different Spanish Dialects | Sol Book Box

2023-04-15

Exploring Different Spanish Dialects

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“A different language is a different vision of life.”
-Federico Fellini

Did you know that Spanish began as a dialect spoken by a tribe of cattle farmers on the Iberian peninsula? Now it’s spoken by at least 500 million people and 21 countries (22 if you include the United States’ 41 million Spanish speakers). Yet within those figures there lies a curious characteristic: there are different types of Spanish. This is something that most native Spanish speakers come to realize and accept fairly quickly. In my native Miami, because we have such a rich and diverse Spanish speaking population (Miami has been called “the capital of Latin America) it’s common to borrow vocabulary and sometimes even accents (unintentionally) from Spanish speakers from other countries. The beauty of Spanish is that no matter where you’re from, be it Spain, the mother country of the Spanish language, Argentina, the land of the asado and tango, or la isla of Cuba, home of the Cuban cafecito and Celia Cruz, we can all communicate with each other. Let's take a look at just how that is.

Differences and Similarities

According to linguists, “two languages where speakers can understand each other are considered dialects of the same language, whereas two languages where the speakers cannot understand each other are, indeed, separate languages.” It is difficult to determine exactly how many dialects of Spanish exist, as different sources provide different estimates. However, it is generally agreed that there are numerous dialects of Spanish, which vary based on geographic, historical, and cultural factors.

Some sources estimate that there are between 20 and 30 distinct dialects of Spanish, while others suggest that the number is much lower or higher. The number of dialects can also vary depending on how they are classified, as some dialects may be grouped together as part of a broader regional variety. Some of the major dialects of Spanish include Castilian Spanish (spoken in Spain), Mexican Spanish, Central American Spanish, Caribbean Spanish, Andean Spanish, and Rioplatense Spanish (spoken in Argentina and Uruguay). Each of these dialects has its own unique characteristics in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

Differences:

  1. Pronunciation: One of the most notable differences between Spanish dialects is in pronunciation. For example, Spanish from Spain has a more "lispy" sound, with the "s" and "c" sounds being pronounced differently than in Latin American Spanish.
  2. Vocabulary: Different Spanish dialects use different words and expressions, and some words may have different meanings in different parts of the world. For example, in Spain, "coche" is used to refer to a car, while in Latin America, "carro" is more commonly used.
  3. Grammar: While the basic grammar of Spanish remains the same across all dialects, there are some minor differences in grammar and syntax. For example, in some parts of Latin America, the personal pronoun "vos" is used instead of "tú" to mean "you." Similarly in Spain the pronouns “vosotros” and “ustedes” are used instead of “tu” which as a result means the verb ending also changes. For example: 
    1. Spain: Vosotros habláis muy rápidoYou guys speak very fast.
    2. Ustedes hablan muy rápido – You guys speak very fast.

Luckily, these variations are systemic and easy to note. Quick tip: Have a look at the copyright page or author bio to learn where they are from. This will help you begin to notice the differences and similarities of Spanish dialects.

Similarities:

  1. Core Grammar: While there are some minor differences in grammar and syntax, the core grammar of Spanish remains mostly the same across all dialects. This means that speakers of different dialects can understand each other, even if there are some differences in vocabulary and pronunciation.
  2. Shared Culture: Spanish is a language that is closely tied to culture and history. Despite the differences in dialects, there are many shared cultural traditions and customs that are celebrated across the Spanish-speaking world. For example: Los Tres Reyes Magos holiday celebration (also known as epiphany) is a tradition that goes back to Spain and is also celebrated in Cuba. 
  3. Written Language: Written communication is generally easily understood across different dialects even if there are differences in pronunciation and vocabulary between Spanish dialects.

Why Learn Different Types of Spanish?

When it comes to raising bilingual children, exposing them to different forms of Spanish can be incredibly beneficial.  You can begin by explaining that there are different dialects in Spanish because Spanish is spoken all over the world and different people have different needs for the language. This begins the conversation on language as a living entity - one that is constantly evolving and adapting to the needs of its speakers. It also shows children that there are a variety of ways to express yourself and that there isn’t a “right” way of speaking Spanish. This will help develop a deeper appreciation for the similarities and differences between different forms of Spanish while also expanding their vocabulary and understanding of grammar. As they get older, you can explore the etymology of different words and even delve into a history lesson using language as the catalyst. They can learn to recognize the nuances in pronunciation and vocabulary, while also appreciating the rich cultural heritage associated with each language. An interesting link is the amount of words or arabic origin in Spanish. Here are just a few: 

  1. Azúcar - Arabic origin: السكر. Azúcar is a Spanish word that has its origins in the Arabic word al-sukkar (السكر). It means “sugar” in English.
  2. Arroz - Arabic origin: أرز. Arroz, meaning “rice” in English, is a word that developed from the Arabic word aruzz (أرز).
  3. Limón - Arabic origin: ليمون. You can see the similarities between this Spanish word and the Arabic word laymun (ليمون). It means “lemon” in English.
  4. Sandía - Arabic origin: سندية. Sandía means “watermelon” in English. It’s a Spanish word that has its origin in the Arabic language, and note that it evolved from the Classic Arabic word sindiyyah (سندية).

At Sol Book Box, we offer a wide range of books from publishers in Latin America, Spain, the U.S. and more. Our books are designed to help children develop strong reading skills, while also celebrating the rich cultural heritage associated with the Spanish language and developing a love for reading and learning.

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Karina Batchelor is a Latinx mama from the Magic City that runs on books and cafecito. Her haunts include her local leafy library, her homeschooling cooperative, the warm comfy nook near the window, and the theatre, where she works as a professional dramaturg.

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