Source – Unsplash – Jon Tyson
Find out about the differences between Spanish speakers around the world for a deeper understanding of this beautiful language.
Nearly 600 million people around the globe currently speak Spanish, and over 750 million are expected to speak the language by 2060.
As it is so widely spoken you might not be surprised to hear those figures. What you might be surprised to know is that there are major differences in Spanish across the world. Just like many different languages, Spanish has an incredibly rich history across many different parts of the world, causing it to split into many different dialects and accents.
To enhance your understanding of Spanish to help your audio translation accuracy, to boost your Spanish know-how, or to help you in future travel plans, let’s take a look at the most common types of Spanish and how they differ:
1. Castilian
Castilian is the official Spanish language and is spoken in central Spain by 45 million citizens. You can listen to an example of Castilian Spanish here – https://youtu.be/aDN_eoPVQdY
2. Murcian
Murcian is a Spanish accent and is generally only heard in the Murcia region of Spain and is entirely specific to this area. You can hear an example of the Murcian Spanish accent here – https://youtu.be/XJOrcZk7Do0.
3. Andalusian
Andalusian is a Spanish accent and is considered to be softer and more gentle sounding compared to the standard Castilian Spanish accent. You can learn more about Andalusian Spanish accents here – https://youtu.be/QNujZfhl6a0.
4. Language Groups
There are several different language groups in Spain relevant to different areas. They are their own specific language specific to different regions of Spain and the main types are: Gallego, Catalan and Basque.
5. Canarian
Canarian is spoken in the Canary Islands and is most similar to Carribean Spanish, but also sees an influence from Portuguese. You can hear an example of Canarian Spanish here – https://youtu.be/G8M5U-n7XNE.
6. Llanito
Llanito is spoken in Gibraltar and is a combination of English and Spanish Andalusian language. Listen to some Llanito Spanish here – https://youtu.be/Xf1h3BhRitE.
7. Latin American Spanish
Latin American Spanish is slightly different in its style to standard Spanish and is spoken widely in many areas of Latin America including: Peru, Mexico and Columbia. The language does sound different in each area but generally it can be understood across the Latin American countries. Listen to the slight differences between Latin American Spanish and Castilian Spanish here – https://youtu.be/ixUfyu-sVsM.
8. Caribbean Spanish
In the Carribean around 25% of people speak French, 15% speak English, 5% speak Dutch and Spanish is a predominant second language. There is also a regional version of Spanish spoken, which is Caribbean Spanish.
Carribean Spanish is spoken in areas of Central America, in some parts of Mexico, in Cuba, The Dominican Republic and in Puerto Rico. Listen to the Caribbean Spanish accent here – https://youtu.be/IuuemtL2vTA.
9. Rioplatense Spanish
Rioplatense Spanish is spoken in certain parts of Argentina and Uruguay. You can hear an example of this type of Spanish here – https://youtu.be/rsmIHIUXAa8 .
10. Equatoguinean Spanish
Equatorial Guinea is the only Spanish speaking country in Africa.
This dialect is spoken in Africa and takes influence for various areas across the world including New Guinea and Cameroon. You can hear how this type of Spanish sounds here – https://youtu.be/Vsp0yAGxV2M.
Understanding that there are so many different versions of Spanish is useful, and even essential depending on why you might need Spanish for your latest project. If you’re learning the language to go travelling, it can be essential to know which type of Spanish will be spoken in the countries you are visiting.
If you are hiring a professional voice over agency or looking for audio transcription, it is so important to get the specific type of Spanish you need for your project, otherwise your budget can be wasted and your project rendered ineffective.
With the right version of Spanish, you’ll ensure that your use of this beautiful language is well received and effective, however you choose to use it.
