History Of The Spanish Language
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Reference Education -> subcategory Language.
History of the Spanish Language
Overview
Spanish ranks as the third most spoken language globally, following Mandarin Chinese and English, with approximately 400 million native speakers. Its origins, however, are much more confined in both geography and number.
Origins and Influences
Spanish is classified as a Romance language, sharing roots with Portuguese, French, and Italian. Its foundation lies in Latin, specifically Vulgar Latin. The blend of Latin with other linguistic and cultural influences shaped the Romance languages as we know them today. In Spanish, distinct traits can be traced back to the Iberian and Celtic traditions.
Additionally, a considerable amount of Greek vocabulary was absorbed first by Latin speakers and later introduced into Spanish. Words like "escuela" (school) and "huérfano" (orphan) exemplify this influence. The seven centuries of Arab rule over the Iberian Peninsula also contributed significantly to the language, introducing many Arabic lexical elements, such as the surname "Almodóvar."
Development in Spain
Spanish, especially in Spain's bilingual regions, is often referred to as "Castellano" (Castilian), deriving from its origins in Castilla. Situated in north-central Spain, Castilla was a central hub of the Spanish Empire, which spread the language to more than twenty countries.
The unification of Spanish as a common language coincided with Spain's territorial unification, completed after the Reconquest from the Arabs at the end of the 15th century. Following the marriage of Isabel I of Castilla and Fernando II of Aragón, the Spanish state emerged, with Castilian language and culture becoming its dominant identity. The 16th and 17th centuries saw linguistic evolution and standardization, leading to the development of what is now known as Modern Spanish.
Regional Variations and Standardization
Though spoken Spanish varies significantly across Spain's regions in pronunciation and vocabulary, a standardized version is maintained by the Real Academia de la Lengua Española. This institution establishes guidelines ensuring a unified form of written and spoken Spanish that all speakers can accept.
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