It’s the fourth most spoken language in the world behind English, Mandarin, and Hindi, according to some sources. Spanish is a diverse language that you might encounter across a wide swath of the globe. But where did it come from? Here we’ll present a brief history lesson on the origins of the Spanish language and explain where you can hone your own Spanish fluency—not just of the language but of the unique contributions of Spanish-speaking cultures. 

Everything Began With the Romans 

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 the other Romance languages—so named not because of their “romantic” qualities but rather their connection to Rome—Spanish had its foundations in Vulgar Latin, a spoken form of Latin used by common people, as opposed to Classical Latin, the more formal version of the language seen in the works of writers such as Virgil, Ovid, and Cicero. The modern form of Spanish can be traced to the northern coastal region of Spain in the ninth century.  

Spanish Becomes an International Language 

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:  

  • North America 
  • South America 
  • Europe 
  • Africa 

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.  

History of the Spanish Language: The Graduate Course 

The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online graduate-level course dedicated to the history of the Spanish language. If you’re keen 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. 

Boost Your Spanish Fluency and Your Future Potential 

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. 

See salary and job projections for this program. 

Online Bachelor of Arts in Spanish 

UTPB offers the only online Bachelor of Arts in Spanish program in the UT System!

See salary and job projections for this program. 

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. 

See salary and job projections for this program. 

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