Spanish is a fascinating and widely-spoken language. According to many linguists, it is one of easiest languages to learn. Due to the language’s popularity, Spanish translation is provided by language service providers from around the world.
Here are six amazing facts about Spanish:
1. Spanish Translation Is In High-Demand
Spanish is spoken by more than 559 million people globally. With about 474 million native speakers, Spanish is the world’s second-most-spoken language (Mandarin holds the top title). Spanish is expected to become most popular by 2050. As a result, there are a high demand for professional Spanish translation services. In the U.S., Spanish stands as the second most spoken language; over 41 million people (13% of the U.S. population) speak Spanish at home.
2. Spanish Is The Official Language In 21 Countries
Spanish enjoys official language status in 21 countries across Europe, Africa, Central, South, and North America, making it an essential global language. Additionally, Spanish is also one of the official languages of the U.N. The U.N. Spanish Language Day is observed annually on 23 April (the United Nations celebrates six “Language Days” each year, dedicated to the six official languages of the United Nations: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish).
3. Spanish Translation Into English Doesn’t Always Work
There are some words in Spanish that cannot be easily translated into English. Here are three examples:
- Sobremesa — This word describes the moment after eating a meal when the conversation is still flowing at the table despite the table being cleared.
- Estrenar — This word mean to wear or use something for the first time.
- Antier — This word is a one-word way of saying the day before yesterday.
4. Many English Words Are From Spanish
While you might be surprised that many English come from Spanish, English has also been borrowing from Spanish for a long time! Here are some examples:
- California — a mythical island from the 1510 Spanish novel Las sergas de Esplandián by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo.
- Colorado — “red-colored” (referring to the color of the river that is the state’s namesake).
- Montana — from montaña (“mountain”)
- Nevada — “snowy”
- Texas — The Spanish adopted the word Tejas from the language of the indigenous Cado people. It means “friends” or “allies.”
5. Spanish Has Two Names: Castellano and Español
Spanish speakers often refer to their language as español and/or Castellano, which is the Spanish word for “Castilian.” The term used varies by area and can even reflect political and social differences. Individual dialects of Spanish spoken in northern and central Spain are referred to as “Castilian Spanish” in English. The word is also used more loosely to refer to Spanish spoken in Spain rather than Latin American Spanish.
Spanish Translation Services at Language Connections
Are you looking for language translation or interpreting services? The Spanish translation team at Language Connections consists of trained linguists who provide exemplary professional language services. We translate and interpret both from and into Spanish. Our Spanish specialists come from diverse backgrounds and are experts in their subject areas so that we can complete projects from most industries. If you have any questions about Spanish medical translation, technical translation, legal translation, or others. Do not hesitate to contact us!
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, 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