In the United States, more than 41 million people speak Spanish as their first language. It’s also the most studied language in the country, with 70% of K-12 students choosing Spanish to fulfill their foreign language requirement.
But where did this widely spoken language originate, and how did it grow into the global phenomenon it is today? In this article, we’ll explore the history of Spanish language, including its history, evolution, and cultural significance—along with where you can sharpen your own Spanish fluency and appreciation for Spanish-speaking cultures.
The Spanish language emerged from the Iberian Peninsula, the section of the European continent occupied by modern day Spain, Portugal, and the southernmost part of France. Like other Romance languages, Spanish traces its roots to Rome—not for its “romantic” qualities, but because it evolved from Latin.
Specifically, it developed from Vulgar Latin, the spoken form used by common people, rather than Classical Latin, the formal version seen in the works of Virgil, Ovid, and Cicero. The modern form of Spanish can be traced to the northern coastal region of Spain in the ninth century.
In the centuries after the modern Spanish language developed, it spread to the Americas and elsewhere through exploration, colonization, immigration, and religious missions. It continued to develop into different dialects, with Castilian being the variety most spoken today.
Spanish is now spoken in at least 20 countries on four continents, here listed by largest number of speakers to smallest:
As of 2023, the world is home to an estimated 360 million Spanish speakers, with more than a third of native speakers living in Mexico and only about 12% living in Spain.
Where did the Spanish language originate?
The Spanish language originated in the Iberian Peninsula, which is modern-day Spain, Portugal, and the southernmost part of France. It developed from Vulgar Latin, the spoken form of Latin used by common people, and its modern form can be traced to the northern coastal region of Spain in the ninth century.
How did Spanish become an international language?
In the centuries after its development, Spanish spread to the Americas and other parts of the world through exploration, colonization, immigration, and religious missions.
How many countries speak Spanish today?
Spanish is spoken in at least 20 countries across four continents: North America, South America, Europe, and Africa.
How many Spanish speakers are there in the world?
As of 2023, there are an estimated 360 million Spanish speakers worldwide.
Why are Romance languages called ‘Romance languages’?
Romance languages are named for their connection to Rome, not for their ‘romantic’ qualities, as they evolved from Latin.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online graduate-level course dedicated to the history of the Spanish language. If you’d like to learn more, History of the Spanish Language (SPAN 6321) was designed with you in mind. While we’ve provided a condensed history of the language, this 3-credit, eight-week course offers a fascinating, detailed look at the evolution of the Spanish language from its Latin roots to its present-day form through an examination of literary texts.
Spanish fluency can help you qualify for a wide variety of roles, and the international reach of the language brings with it the potential for employment in many countries around the world. Through an exploration of culture, literature, linguistics, and teaching language methodology, UT Permian Basin’s graduate Spanish programs help you develop the linguistic proficiency to achieve your professional and personal goals. You can access these programs from anywhere, 24/7, and complete them according to your own schedule.
Online Master of Arts in Spanish
Taught entirely in Spanish, this 30-credit program prepares you for doctoral studies, if you choose that route, and confers a degree that will enable you to compete for advancement. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that master’s degree holders enjoy 16% higher median earnings than those who have a bachelor’s degree alone.
Online Graduate Certificate in Spanish
Not looking for a master’s degree? This 12-credit program is the perfect way to quickly improve your Spanish fluency and add a new credential to your resume.
We also have an undergraduate certificate specifically for first responders who want to improve their communication skills for use in emergency situations. Learn more.
“Spanish” has many meanings: It’s a language with many dialects. It’s a variety of rich cultures. It’s a nationality. Discover the broader story and see what a mastery of the language can mean for your future.
Get full program details and apply today!
Sources:
https://www.berlitz.com/blog/most-spoken-languages-world
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Spanish-language
https://www.worldatlas.com/peninsulas/iberian-peninsula.html
https://www.thoughtco.com/why-late-latin-was-called-vulgar-119475
https://www.statista.com/statistics/991020/number-native-spanish-speakers-country-worldwide
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