We have all heard Spanish spoken at some point in our lives. Most people are familiar with the basics of the language and understand where in the world it originated and even where it has spread. However, for those who do not speak the language or are not greatly familiar with it, there are many things you may not know. Spanish is a complex and beautiful language with lots of history and culture throughout the world. Here are five things you may not know about the Spanish language.
Spanish Spans Across the Globe
21 countries use Spanish as their official language. Europe, Africa, North America, and South America all have countries that use Spanish as their primary language. In these countries, Spanish is the main form of communication and is the only language you will find on signs, menus, TV, and on radio. In addition to these 21 countries, there are many other places where Spanish is a key language, including the US. These places have large Spanish-speaking communities that use the language frequently.
Spanish is the World’s Second Most Spoken Language
No other language in the world, except Chinese, is spoken by more people. Spanish boasts over 450 million native speakers around the world. Spanish has over 100 million more native speakers than English and can be found everywhere.
Spanish has Hundreds of Dialects and Regional Nuances
Since Spanish is spoken by so many people in so many different places, variations of the language can be found everywhere. These variations can include different words, syntax, and pronunciation by region and country. Some places use certain phrases that are unique to that area. Learning all of the different dialects can be a fun and interesting way to learn about a place’s history and culture.
Spanish is Inspired by Latin and Arabic
The history of the Spanish language is tied to the history of the people who speak it. Spanish is a descendant of Latin and has spread throughout the globe due to Spanish colonization. Arabic speakers influenced the language during the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula and modern-day Spanish contains over 8,000 Arabic words and phrases.
Spanish Is One of the Fastest Growing Languages
The demand for Spanish has only grown in recent years. The internet and easy-to-use language education programs like Bright Lingua are helping people across the globe learn Spanish. Spanish usage has risen by over 800% online and is now the third most used language on the internet. As businesses start seeing the value of hiring bilingual employees, the demand for Spanish has grown. As a result, many students are adding Spanish to their studies to become more employable while adding the ability to communicate with many more people across the globe. Currently, 6% of the world’s population speaks Spanish. In the next few years, the number is expected to rise to 10% of the population being able to communicate in Spanish.