Is Castilian Spanish different than Spanish?

Castilian Spanish

Is Castilian Spanish the same as Spanish or Español? What is the difference? Will I be understood when I travel to Spain? If you want to understand the differences, whether or not you are headed to Spain, or you are simply curious, then keep reading!

Brief History of Castilian Spanish

The Spanish from Spain is called castellano or Castilian Spanish, since it emerged from the Kingdom of Castile.  There have been many influences affecting the languages of the Iberian Peninsula over the last few centuries, from the Roman Empire to the Muslim Moors from the North Africa region.

The reconquering of present-day Spain from the Moors by the Kingdom of Castile between 711 and 1492, known as The Reconquest or Reconquista, along with the marriage of Isabella (the Queen of the Kingdom of Castile) and Ferdinand (King of the Kingdom of Aragon), helped bring castellano to the forefront.  Once the kingdoms were united, Castilian was made the official language of all the reconquered territories.

Castilian Spanish Differences

There are a variety of differences between Castilian Spanish from Spain and Spanish from Latin America. In Spain, the use of vosotros (informal plural you) as well as the famous Spanish lisp are prevalent. In addition, there are many different word choices, expressions and slang as well.  These differences are due to each region or countries’ individual history and cultural influences.

Even though Castilian Spanish has variations in pronunciation, word choices, expressions and slang, at the end of the day, it’s the same language.  Having said that, it is worthwhile learning the uniqueness of the language spoken. Learning Spanish from Spain can certainly be invaluable and help you enrich your experience with authentic interactions.

Does it matter?

In the same way as an English speaker can understand someone from a different region or country that also speaks English, Spanish speakers are for the most part able to understand one another. Having said that, there are a variety of differences between Castilian Spanish from Spain and Spanish from Latin America.

Learn Spanish from Spain

The Spanish language website Down to Earth Spanish is now offering a course geared towards people that want to learn Spanish from Spain. The Castilian Factor course will teach you what you need to know to be more confident with your Spanish while in Spain, when interacting with native speakers, and to learn the differences between Spanish from Spain and the rest of the world.

The course is taught by a Spanish language teacher with over 12 years of experience helping students succeed in their Spanish language journey and includes video presentations, audios, quizzes, digital downloads and authentic materials designed for students to learn effectively and reinforce their learning along the way, at their own pace

What will you learn?

There are a variety of topics and lessons that will help you learn Castilian Spanish effectively. With The Castilian Factor you will:

• Understand the differences of Castilian Spanish as compared with Spanish spoken in the rest of the world
• Know how to communicate effectively and be understood while traveling in Spain or interacting with native Spanish speakers
• Learn unique vocabulary, expressions, verb conjugations and slang from Spain and how and when to use them, as well as variations in accent and pronunciation of Castilian Spanish

What is included?

When you purchase The Castilian Factor you will have access to the following:

Exclusive Learning Materials

The course features video presentations, audios, quizzes, digital downloads and more so you can learn effectively and reinforce your learning along the way

Private community access

You will automatically join the course community, where you can post comments or ask questions to fellow students or your instructor.

Unlimited Lifetime Access                                                        

You will get unlimited lifetime access to all contents and materials of the course, so you can come back to review or engage with the community anytime.

Discount

Down to Earth Spanish is for a limited time giving a $50 discount on The Castilian Factor course if you enroll by October 31^st 2021!

Other Spanish courses offered by Down to Earth Spanish

Down to Earth Spanish also offers other courses designed to help you learn Spanish at your own pace such as:

• The Medical Professional – A course geared towards healthcare professionals to learn medical Spanish
• The Traveler – A course teaching useful Spanish for travel
• The Tilde Master – A course on written Spanish accents
• The Novice – A set of courses to help you start your Spanish language journey

In addition, Down to Earth Spanish offers free Spanish worksheets, printable and digital downloads to help you practice and improve your Spanish.