3 Highly Influential Types of Spanish for Language Localization
It’s Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15)! Let’s break down three types of Spanish that are highly influential not just in culture, society, and travel… but in translation, interpretation, and localization.
Right now, you may be feeling confused: “What do you mean ‘types’ of Spanish? Spanish is Spanish!”
Well, there are at least ten main varieties of modern Spanish. And some of these have as many as ten sub-varieties of their own. These differences are the central preoccupation of language localization services.
There are about 500 million Spanish speakers worldwide. In general, they can understand each other. But if you’re learning Spanish or dealing with Spanish speakers, it’s great form for you to be aware which kind is being used.
Let’s begin where Spanish began.
1. Castilian Spanish
Today, Spain only makes up 10% of the world’s Spanish speakers. And even so, Spain’s linguistic patterns are quite varied. The most common variation is one that Spaniards don’t call español, but castellano. Or, in English: Castilian.
One of the distinguishing features of Castilian is that the second person plural (also known informally in the U.S. as “y’all”) uses the word vosotros. They only use the term ustedes in formal situations.
The other distinctive characteristic of Castilian is its famous ceceo. This refers to how z’s, ce–’s, and ci–’s, are pronounced with a “th” sound. This is what English speakers oftentimes incorrectly refer to as a lisp. Which is ironic, considering the English language also makes broad use of the “th” sound!
2. Andalusian Spanish
Isn’t it weird that Spain is the only Spanish-speaking country that uses vosotros or the ceceo? Even though they’re responsible for having colonized a fifth of the world and none of those nations adopted those features?
Time to double-take and look at the de facto dialect that was used in Spanish colonization. You’ll find it in the lovely southernmost province of Spain: Andalusia.
Andalusian sheds the use of vosotros and the ceceo – but it doesn’t stop there. It also sheds the S’s at the end of words. Or, more accurately, it replaces that “s” sound with an “h” sound, like an exhale. Gracias, for example, would be pronounced “graciah”.
This is very important to know, as it does much to explain the different kinds of Spanish we see around the world. It notably describes the varieties we see in the Caribbean and Central American regions.
3. Mexican Spanish
Latin America is where Spanish is correctly called the term we all know: español. In studying español, you may have heard that Mexican Spanish is the easiest type to understand. But why is that?
For a start, it is the variety with the most speakers. In addition, it will certainly tend to be the easiest to understand for Americans, simply because a large shared geographical border creates a significant amount of cultural interchange.
But that isn’t all. Mexican Spanish uses a slightly slower, more relaxed cadence. And clearer enunciation. What’s more, the ends of sentences are sonorous and rise in tone, which is engaging because it’s expressive and makes you feel like you’re listening to a story.
Some things, however, might make Mexican Spanish challenging. For instance, the fact that it is heavily influenced by indigenous languages. Or that fact that pronunciation is nasal. And then, of course, there is the delightful plenitude of unique slang.
Connect With a Culture
There are so many kinds of Spanish that haven’t even been touched on in this article. With so much variety, localization and training make all the difference. Connect with a language service today and learn about how you can relate your business with an untapped audience.
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, localization services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com
French Verlan: The Inverse Language
Every language has it’s own unique spoken variations. One commonly used slang in France, known as inverse French or Verlan, is becoming so common that it has even made its way into the dictionary. Learning and translating this French argot can be a fun and completely immersive way of learning the language..
(more…)
Does Anyone Speak Tigrinya Language?
Tigrinya language is a relatively obscure language in the United States, but in Eritrea it is the most widely spoken language. Recent political instability has lead to an increasing amount of people seeking refuge outside of Eritrea – and thus creating a need for Tigrinya interpreting services providers.
Luganda: The Language of Buganda
The Ganda people of the East African country of Uganda, reside primarily in the sub-national kingdom of Buganda. Luganda language is their mother tongue, and it is the language from which the name for the Zika virus originated.
What Are the Languages of the Future?
By 2115, it’s possible that only about 600 languages will be left on earth as opposed to today’s 6,000. So what will the languages of the future be, and how will they change?
A Kiss For A Question: Learning Chinese
Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language in the world. But it is also one of the toughest languages to learn if you are not a native speaker or did not have early exposure to the language and culture. Accidents, such asking for a kiss instead of a question might occur. Regardless, the demand for Chinese translation and interpreting services continues to increase.
What’s the Connection Between Mayan and Immigration?
As more Mayan language speakers flee from Guatemala to the U.S., immigration professionals and interpreting services providers must adapt to the added challenge of dealing with these new language barriers.
Is Saying Thank You in Hindi Disrespectful?
As India continues to rise in the global market, so does the importance of Hindi; learn about the language as a way to bridge cultural gaps.
Fun Facts about Hindi
Hindi is a language spoken as a first language by an estimated number of 425 million people in various parts of the world, mainly in India. It is a very old and rich language that has evolved over thousands of years. Today, Modern Standard Hindi is one of the official languages of India. Given its wide reach as well as India’s rising influence on the global market, it is good to know a little bit about the language. Below are some fun facts and tips about Hindi to get you started!
Pittsburghese: Welcome to Steel City
Fluent in American, Beginner in Pittsburghese
Have you ever heard of Pittsburghese accent? People often think of accents as being universally applicable within each country. For example, one might generalize and say that an Australian accent is more interesting than its British counterpart. However, anyone who’s visited Dallas and Boston can attest to the fact that there are some serious differences within countries. Even “Irish,” “Scottish,” “English” and “Welsh” are too broad as each city or region in the UK has its own variation, much more so than in the U.S., where detecting the difference between a person from Seattle and someone from Indianapolis can be easier said than done. (more…)
Moken: No Word For Worry?
The Moken are a group of nomadic peoples living off the coast of Thailand and Burma. They have had little contact with the outside world, and as such, their language has developed without much influence from other cultures…