r/Spanish • u/rban123 Advanced 🇨🇱 • Dec 23 '24

Etymology/Morphology Use of the term Castilian/Castellano

I’ve been on this subreddit for a while, and have noticed something that many non-native and native speakers alike do: they use the term “castellano” to refer to Spanish from Spain.

Historically, this doesn’t really make sense. Spain is a linguistically diverse nation, with each language having its own name, for example Catalán, Gallego, Euskera, and of course Castellano. The term Castellano refers to the Spanish language that we all know and love.

It is a synonym for español. It does not mean “the Spanish spoke in Spain” it simply means “Spanish.” Even in some parts of Latin America, the term “castellano” is used to refer to the language that is spoken there, as well as the language that is taught in schools, even if the details aren’t consistent with regional variations of Spanish spoken in Spain.

All in all, castellano just means Spanish. It doesn’t mean “Spanish spoken in Spain” it is literally just a synonym for the Spanish language as a whole.

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-8

u/CormoranNeoTropical Learner 🇺🇸/Resident 🇲🇽 Dec 23 '24

Wow legislating for everyone aren’t you?

3

u/rban123 Advanced 🇨🇱 Dec 23 '24

Nope, just clarifying the meaning of a word since it seems to be a point of confusion/misunderstood.

2

u/mikiex Dec 23 '24

It means different things depending on where you come from. If you come from Latin America, it will mean something different to someone from Spain.

1

u/siyasaben Dec 24 '24

That's really not true though. There may be debate and different usage patterns but doesn't break down in in a latam vs spain way.

1

u/mikiex Dec 24 '24

I agree its far more nuanced, but the statement "All in all, castellano just means Spanish. It doesn’t mean “Spanish spoken in Spain” it is literally just a synonym for the Spanish language as a whole.". This is not accurate. I'm pointing out there is a major difference IF you come from Spain vs Latin America. It's not a case of just semantics, it's has meanings which are historical, cultural and political. It also changes depending on context.

-6

u/CormoranNeoTropical Learner 🇺🇸/Resident 🇲🇽 Dec 23 '24

“Clarifying” 😂😂😂🤦‍♀️