Could someone from Spain communicate effectively in Argentina? Would a Colombian manage well in Spain? What are the main differences Between Latin American Spanish and Castillian Spanish and will it hinder communication in different parts of the world?
Just as British and American English speakers understand each other and find no significant communication barriers, similarly, while Spanish speakers may employ distinct vocabulary, accents, or expressions, mutual comprehension remains strong.
First, let’s look at how the language evolved.
The Evolution of The Spanish Language
The concept of “continental lag,” introduced by linguist Albert Marckwardt, refers to the phenomenon where a language brought to a new region evolves more slowly than in its place of origin.
This could help explain why the words and phrases used in Latin America differ from those in Spain with the Castillian Spanish, the language didn’t fully “catch up” to changes in its mother country.
Additionally, the influence of neighboring countries and cultures affects vocabulary and speech patterns. For instance, words borrowed from English due to proximity to the United States or the UK like bistec, champú, and cóctel are commonly used across both Spain and Latin America.
Indigenous languages like Quechua in Peru and Nahuatl (Aztec) in Mexico have significantly shaped the Spanish spoken in those regions, with many native words being integrated into the local vocabulary before and after the arrival of the Spanish.
Are you ready to learn some of the most distinctive differences? Read on to explore 5 differences between Latin American Spanish and Castillian Spanish.
Vamos!
1. Pronunciation
A noticeable difference between Spanish spoken in Spain and Latin America is the pronunciation of Z’s and C’s. In Spain, these letters are pronounced with a “TH” sound, often likened to a lisp. In Latin America, however, they are pronounced more like an “S” sound.
Not only that:
The Colombian Paisa region and Andean Spanish dialects also have a Z and C pronunciation similar to that found in Northern Spain.
There’s a popular legend that claims this “lisp” originated with King Ferdinand, who had a natural lisp, and that the nobility adopted this speech pattern to flatter him, which then spread throughout the country.
Keep in mind:
While it’s an entertaining story, the truth is that these pronunciation variations arose through a natural linguistic evolution that occurred between the 15th and 17th centuries.
Different stages and variations of this shift have been studied and debated, but in essence, the geographical distance and political changes of that period played a significant role in the divergence of these speech patterns.
2. Vocabulary
Another difference between Spanish in Latin America and Spain is the varied vocabulary used for the same objects.
You might be accustomed to hearing a particular word for something, only to be surprised on vacation in Chile, for example, when an avocado is called palta instead of aguacate, which is used elsewhere. Similarly, in Mexico, a swimming pool is called alberca, while in most other places, it’s known as piscina.
Here are some more examples:
- A pen is called bolígrafo or boli in Spain and pluma or lapicera in Latin America.
- Popcorn is referred to as palomitas in Spain and poporopo, pipoca, or canchita in different parts of Latin America.
- A peach is melocotón in Spain and durazno in Latin America.
- A car is coche in Spain and carro or auto in Latin America.
- A cell phone in Spain is móvil and celular in Latin America.
- The verb “to drive” is conducir in Spain and manejar in Latin America.
3. Ustedes vs Vosotros
Another significant difference between Spanish in Spain and Latin America is the use of “vosotros” and “ustedes” to mean ‘you all.’ In Spain, you’re more likely to hear vosotros, while in Latin America, ustedes is the standard form.
In fact:
There are other variations as well; for instance, in countries like Costa Rica, it’s common to use the singular form vos, as in vos decís. Whether you use tú or vos, a Spanish speaker will still understand you.
4. Vos vs Tu
Much like Spain uses vosotros, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay use the pronoun vos instead of tú. This distinction affects verb conjugations, with vos using different forms compared to tú. For example, in Argentina, you might hear vos decís instead of tú dices.
This regional variation is a distinctive feature of the Spanish spoken in these countries.
5. Grammar
Spaniards and Latin Americans also differ in how they discuss past events. In Spain, it’s common to use the present perfect tense to describe a completed action, such as Hoy he ido al trabajo (I have gone to work today).
Why?
This tense emphasizes the connection between the past action and the present moment. In contrast, Latin Americans generally prefer the simple past tense for the same context, as in Hoy fui al trabajo (I went to work today).
This usage focuses more on the event itself rather than its relevance to the present. This distinction highlights how regional variations influence the way past actions are conveyed in Spanish.
Final Thoughts on the Differences Between Latin America Spanish or Castillian Spanish: Which Should You Learn?
Whether you choose to learn Spanish from Latin America or Spain depends on your personal goals, preferences, and the resources available to you.
Both variants will open doors to a rich linguistic and cultural experience, and you’ll be understood across the Spanish-speaking world regardless of the variant you choose.
Consider your future travel plans, cultural interests, and which version feels more accessible to you. Ultimately, the key is consistency in your learning whichever path you take will lead you to fluency and a deeper connection with the Spanish-speaking community.
Guest Blogger
Daniel Herrera, lover of Foreign Languages, successful entrepreneur, and the man behind byondlanguage.com lives a life unfettered by fear. Daniel has found the freedom and fulfillment he could never have imagined, and his goal is to help you find and master your Spanish voice, too.
