When you think of the phrase Romance language, what images does your mind conjure? Do you imagine strolling along the cobblestone streets of Europe? Or perhaps you’re at a quaint café in South America, sipping a rich cup of coffee as you savor the lively chatter of locals speaking Spanish, a language so melodious that you dream of incorporating it into your daily life.
According to UNESCO, there are about 7,000 languages spoken around the world. Out of those thousands, only a handful are considered romance languages, and Spanish is among the most well-known. But what qualifies a language as Romantic—and does it have anything to do with love and passion?
Today, we’re exploring five facts about Spanish as a Romance language, including how mastering Spanish can prove an asset in multiple areas of your life.
#1 Spanish Is Derived From Latin
Spanish is classified as a Romance language, but what exactly does that entail?
During its expansion westward, the Roman Empire introduced Vulgar Latin to the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Portugal and Spain). Over time, the Latin language intermingled with indigenous languages spoken by local populations on the peninsula, giving rise to the original Spanish dialect, Castilian Spanish.
Therefore, the designation of Spanish as a Romance language is not due to romantic connotations but its association with the Romans and their linguistic legacy on the Iberian Peninsula.
#2 Spanish Isn’t the Only Romance Language
In addition to the Iberian Peninsula, the Romans spread over a vast expanse of Europe in pursuit of cultural and political dominance. This included modern-day regions such as Italy, France, Spain, and Romania. These regions incorporated elements of their native languages with Vulgar Latin, resulting in some of the other frequently spoken Romance language we now recognize as:
- Italian
- French
- Romanian
- Portuguese
#3 There’s a Melodic Essence to Romance Languages
Together, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian make up the main five Romance languages spoken around the world, and they have more in common with ‘romance’ than simply their connection to the Romans.
The sound and phonetics of romance languages also contribute to their classification as ‘romantic.’ Certain linguistic characteristics, such as their melodiousness, emphasis on vowels, and patterns of stress and intonation, reflect the soft, musical quality that we often associate with Romance languages.
#4 If You Can Learn One, You Can Learn Them All
Learning one Romance language often paves the way for easier acquisition of others. While it’s not a two-for-one deal, mastering one language can significantly enhance your prospects of proficiency in another for a few reasons:
- They have a shared vocabulary.
While not every word is the same, Romance languages share a similar Latin foundation, allowing for quite a few similarities in their vocabulary. For instance, the word friend is amico in Italian, ami in French, and amigo in Spanish.
- They have similar grammar.
Each Romance language has its own grammar rules, but they often share similar structures and patterns. This reduces the learning curve when absorbing the grammar concepts of another Romance language.
#5 Spanish Can Benefit You in Multiple Areas of Life
There are several ways that learning Spanish can benefit you in your day-to-day life, including:
- Expanding your communication skills
Approximately 457.1 million people around the world speak Spanish. Whether you’re using your Spanish mastery during your travels or in the workplace, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively to a broader audience.
- Advancing your career
In a country like the United States, where approximately 41 million people speak a Romance language at home, knowing how to speak a Romance language can prove advantageous in the workplace. Many industries search for bilingual applicants, especially those who speak Spanish.
- Immersing yourself in travel adventures
If you’re an adventure seeker with a passion for wanderlust, learning a Romance language can enrich your travel experiences. With the confidence of the local language under your belt, you can fully immerse yourself in the local customs and culture.
Improve Your Spanish Skills With a Credential From UTPB
At The University of Texas Permian Basin, we understand how beneficial the Spanish language can be in your professional life. That’s why we offer several completely online programs tailored to your professional aspirations, including:
- Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
Our BA in Spanish offers a comprehensive curriculum that delves into key topics of the Spanish language, cultivating essential skills in reading comprehension, speaking, active listening, and writing.
- Master of Arts in Spanish
This 30-credit online master’s program dives deeper into the Spanish language through a combination of courses taught entirely in Spanish, including topics on literature, culture, and teaching language methodology.
- Graduate Certificate in Spanish
Our 12-credit graduate certificate is the ultimate option for those interested in adding a career-distinguishing credential to their resume. With a diverse course list, you can choose the courses that pique your interests and align with your professional goals.
- Certificate in Spanish for First Responders
This online certificate is ideal for—you guessed it—first responders. The program provides a solid foundation in oral and written Spanish, ensuring you’re prepared to assist Spanish-speaking individuals in real-life situations.
Choose the program that’s right for you, and apply today!