The Echo of Spanish 

Have you ever wondered why Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world?

From the Iberian Peninsula to the vast expanses of Latin America, via vibrant communities in the U.S., Philippines and Africa, Spanish echoes with polyphonic music in the concert of nations.  

But how do we get here? What are the historical, cultural and migratory factors that have shaped this linguistic map? Follow us on this exciting journey through the echo of Spanish!

The legacy of empire 

Conquerors and settlers: the historical footprint 

The history of Spanish as a global language begins with the expansion of the Spanish empire during the 16th century. Spanish conquistadores and colonists brought the language to the Americas, the Philippines, and parts of Africa and Oceania. Spanish consolidated and evolved, resulting in the many variants of Spanish we know today.  

The power of the pen: Spanish as a language of culture

During the siglo de oro, there was a true golden age of literature in Spain. Thanks to intellectuals such as Miguel de Cervantes and Lope de Vega, Spanish reached unprecedented literary heights. All this promoted the consolidation of Spanish as a language of culture, widely read and admired. 

Migration and globalization: expanding borders. 

Migration: looking for  better opportunities

During the 20th century, the migration of native Spanish speakers to the U.S. and other states resulted in an explosion in the number of speakers of the language. As a result, these communities brought richness and diversity to the linguistic landscape of the new lands. 

Globalization: an interconnected world

In the age of globalization, Spanish has become a major player in the global economy. As a result, trade and international collaborations have boosted the learning of Spanish as a second language, increasing its spread even more. 

Frequently asked questions. 

How many people in the world speak Spanish? 

It is estimated that more than 460 million people speak Spanish as a first language. In addition, more than 74 million speak it as a second language. 

Is it easy to learn Spanish?

Spanish is famous for its clear pronunciation and regular grammar. All this makes it relatively easy for speakers of other European languages.

In which countries is Spanish spoken?

Spanish is the official language of 21 countries including Spain, Mexico, as well as much of Central and South America. In addition, it is spoken profusely in the U.S., where the Spanish-speaking population is growing all the time.  

Conclusion

From conquistadores to migrants, from siglo de oro to globalization, the echo of Spanish has traveled a winding path to become the second most spoken language in the world. 

History , culture and migration have been the pillars of this expansion, endowing Spanish with an unparalleled richness and diversity. Let us not forget, however, that every word and phrase in Spanish is an echo of the individual and collective histories that have made Spanish what it is today. 

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world because millions of people have chosen it as the medium to tell their stories, their identities and their dreams. 

And that, my friends, is a story that continues to be written every day. 

In iNMSOL in addition to the grammar rules of Spanish, you can learn the cultural aspects of this language.