June 6, 2023 / by the SimulTrans Team Estimated read time: 6 minutes
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. With over 486 million speakers worldwide, it is the third most popular after English and Mandarin.
Differences between the two Spanish variants
Spanish is the official language in 21 countries, including Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru, among others. However, Spanish used in Spain and Latin America differs in some aspects, including pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.
Pronunciation
One of the most noticeable differences between Spanish in Spain and Latin America is the pronunciation. In Spain, the pronunciation is characterized by the “th” sound, known as the distinción. This sound is produced by pronouncing the letters “c” and “z” like the “th” sound in the English word “think.” In contrast, in Latin America, this distinction is not made, and the “s” sound is pronounced in all cases, known as seseo.
Vocabulary
There are also some differences in vocabulary between Spanish in Spain and Latin America. In some cases, the same word can have different meanings, while in other cases, different words are used to describe the same thing.
For example, in Spain, the word “ordenador” is used to refer to a computer, while in Latin America, the word “computadora” is more common. Similarly, in Spain, the word “coche” is used to refer to a car, while in most Latin American countries, the word “carro” is more common.
Grammar
Another difference between Spanish in Spain and Latin America is the use of grammar. In some cases, the differences are subtle, while in others, they are more significant.
- For example, in Spain, the present perfect tense (haber + past participle) is more commonly used than the simple past tense. In contrast, in Latin America, the simple past tense is more frequently used.
- For example, in Spain, one would say “he comido” (I have eaten) to describe a recent action, while in most Latin American countries, one would say “comí” (I ate).
What caused these differences?
The differences between Spanish in Spain and Latin America can be traced back to historical and cultural factors. Spanish was brought to Latin America by the conquistadors, who arrived in the region in the 16th century. The Spanish spoken in Latin America was influenced by the indigenous languages of the region, resulting in variations in vocabulary and pronunciation.
On the other hand, the Spanish spoken in Spain was influenced by other languages such as Catalan, Basque, and Galician, which have their own unique features.
Do users expect content in their regional variants?
Do users expect content in their regional variants, or can the same Spanish version be used worldwide? In general, Spanish speakers are accustomed to hearing different variants of Spanish and can understand each other with ease. However, when it comes to creating content, it is essential to consider the target audience and their regional variant of Spanish.
For example, if a company wants to launch a product in Mexico, it is essential to use Mexican Spanish to appeal to the local market. Using Spanish from Spain could lead to confusion or misunderstandings.
What is international Spanish?
International Spanish, also known as neutral, standard, or mid-Atlantic Spanish, is a concept that refers to a version of Spanish that is intended to be understood by all Spanish speakers, regardless of their regional variant. It avoids using regionalisms or expressions that may be unfamiliar to some Spanish speakers.
However, the concept of international Spanish is not without controversy. Some argue that international Spanish is a form of cultural imperialism that seeks to impose a particular variant of Spanish on all speakers, while others feel that it is a useful tool for communication and understanding between different Spanish-speaking countries.
The use of international Spanish depends on the context and the target audience. For example, in academic or scientific contexts, it is common to use international Spanish to ensure that the content is understood by speakers from different countries. On the other hand, in marketing or advertising, it is more appropriate to use regional variants to appeal to specific markets.
What is translation adaptation?
In conclusion, Spanish in Spain and Spanish in Latin America have several differences in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. With about a 25% difference between the variants, SimulTrans recommends adapting translations for each region.
The adaptation process is typically less expensive than a separate translation into the two languages but requires additional time since it can only be completed after the initial translation has been completed. It is usually most effective to translate into the variant with the largest market for your content and then adapt the translation into the secondary market.
Ultimately, the choice of which variant of Spanish to use or whether to opt for an international version should be based on the purpose of the communication and the intended audience.
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