As bilingual teachers, we understand the importance of teaching our students about different languages and cultures. But how well do you know the Spanish language? With over 460 million native speakers, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world after Mandarin Chinese.
Here’s 20 interesting facts about the Spanish language that you can share with your bilingual students.
Interesting Facts about the Spanish Language
- Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, after Mandarin Chinese.
- It is the official language of 21 countries, including Spain, Mexico, and much of Central and South America.
- Spanish is a Romance language, meaning it evolved from Latin, just like French, Italian, and Portuguese.
- The Spanish language uses the Latin script and has 27 letters in its alphabet, with the addition of the letter “ñ”.
- Spanish has over 480 million native speakers worldwide.
6. Spanish is the third most studied language in the world, after English and French.
7. Spanish is the most commonly taught foreign language in the United States.
8. The Spanish language has numerous dialects, including Castilian, Andalusian, Catalan, Galician, and Latin American.
9. Spanish is the official language of the United Nations, the European Union, and the Union of South American Nations.
10. Spanish has a rich literary tradition, with writers like Miguel de Cervantes, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Pablo Neruda.
11. Spanish is a phonetic language, meaning that words are pronounced as they are written.
12. Spanish has two verbs meaning “to be,” “ser” and “estar,” that are used in different contexts.
13. Spanish is known for its “rolling r” sound, which can be difficult for non-native speakers to master.
14. Spanish has borrowed many words from Arabic, due to the centuries-long occupation of Spain by Muslim forces.
15. Spanish also has many loanwords from English, especially in the fields of technology and business.
16. Spanish has a formal and informal way of addressing people, using the pronouns “usted” and “tú,” respectively.
17. Spanish uses the subjunctive mood more frequently than English, especially in expressions of doubt, desire, and emotion.
18. Spanish has a rich culinary vocabulary, with words like “paella,” “chorizo,” and “tortilla” now common in English.
19. Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in the United States, after English.
20. Spanish is a beautiful and expressive language that has contributed much to the culture and history of the world.
Learning about the Spanish language can be a fun and engaging way to introduce our students to a new culture. From its rich history to its fascinating linguistic quirks, there are many reasons why Spanish is an important language to learn. By sharing these 20 interesting facts about the Spanish language with our students, we can help them appreciate the beauty and diversity of language, while also encouraging them to become lifelong learners who are curious about the world around them.
Share the Spanish Speaking World with Your Students!
If you think your students will enjoy these facts about the Spanish language, be sure to check out my Latin America Reading Comprehension passages. Featuring 18 Spanish-speaking countries, each one includes 5 comprehension questions and a digital version. Plus they’re available in English, Spanish, and a bilingual bundle with both!
Check out the Latin America Reading Comprehension passages on TPT using the links below where you can read more details, download a preview, and make a purchase.
- Latin America Reading Comprehension Passages in English
- Latin America Reading Comprehension Passages in Spanish
- Latin America Reading Comprehension Passages Bilingual Bundle
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