It may surprise you to learn that there is actually a lot of variation in how Spanish is spoken. Though when you are learning Spanish, it seems like a straightforward language, there are actually many differences between the Spanish that is spoken in Spain and the Spanish that is spoken in Latin America. In this blog, we will outline some of the main things that differentiate between Spanish spoken in these places.
Accent/pronunciation
Contrary to what you may believe, Spanish is not spoken the exact same way in all of the places it is spoken. There are actually several differences between the way Spanish speakers pronounce certain sounds in Spain and Latin America respectively. For example, in Spain, “Z” usually sounds like “TH”; this is also the case when there is a “C” before an “E” or “I.” In contrast, “Z” sounds like “S,” as does the “C” before “E” or “I,” in Latin America.
Additionally, there are parts of both Spain and Latin America that pronounce “R” as an “L,” specifically in southern Spain and the Caribbean. Also, in some Latin American countries, like Uruguay, “LL” words like lluvia are pronounced like “SH,” instead of “Y,” as you might expect them to be if you are learning Spanish.
Grammar
There are also grammar differences between Spanish in Spain and Spanish in Latin America. For example, when you are speaking to someone, you can use either TÚ, the informal “you,” or USTED, the formal “you.” This is a universal rule in Spanish. But in Spain, there is also a difference between the plural of “you,” which is either VOSOTROS (formal) or USTEDES (informal). Latin Americans only use USTED.
There are other differences between these two regions. Come learn them at Crossing Borders Languages in Houston! We offer Spanish classes for adults. Contact us today!