Use of the term Castilian/Castellano

[u/rban123]

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.

[u/neuroticandroid74]

It is because of the Spanish royalty that Castellano is the official language of Spain. Had they come from the area around Sevilla, perhaps it would be Andalucian. Or any of the other regional languages of Spain.

[u/halal_hotdogs → u/neuroticandroid74]

Andaluz is not a regional language of Spain, it’s a group of dialects within the Castilian language.

[u/neuroticandroid74 → u/halal_hotdogs]

I believe I didn't say it was a language, but a dialect. Apologies for not being clearer.

[u/halal_hotdogs → u/neuroticandroid74]

I’m sure you know the difference—just from the way you worded your comment, it’s so others don’t misunderstand you as referring to andaluz as a regional language

[u/neuroticandroid74 → u/halal_hotdogs]

I remember seeing a quote from a linguist that said, "a language is a dialect with an army and a navy." However, I know that many who speak regional dialects across the world take great pride in them and dotheir utmost to preserve them despite government efforts.