The Spanish Language: A Diagnostic Analysis

It is human nature to try and categorize the surrounding world. Science created a classification system in order to visualize the similarities between animals and plant life. The problem with this system occurs when one does not fit into a specific place. Even amongst themselves, humans have tried to assort themselves based on outward appearances, but many people fail to comprehend how diverse the human race truly is. Throughout history, variances in skin color, hair type and facial structures have been used to distinguish between types of people; among these, is the labels placed on each ethnicity. The ‘Hispanic’ group is one of the largest populated ethnicities with multiple countries that fitting into it. However, each nation, is completely
Sadly, racial differences has acquired a negative connotation over the years through because they lack of understanding of each other. It that sense it is logical to group the ones with the most similarities together to help them connect. However, speaking Spanish was practically the only criteria needed to be put under the Hispanic label. In every language, there is variance among the speech patterns and there is no exception in the Spanish language; regional dialects help determine where people are from. Even the word Spanish, was derived from one country that is believed to be where the language originated: Spain. But native speakers will agree that Castilian and Catalan, the official languages of Spain, are drastically different from other dialects spoken throughout the world. Castillian is extremely formal and only spoken in parts of Spain and phonetically it sounds very similar to Italian. On the official website of Barcelona University, they even prepare students for the drastic differences between the two languages spoken in an area that supposedly speaks just Spanish. “For foreign students, the Castilian Spanish accent is the easiest kind to understand. Every letter and sound in Castilian Spanish is carefully pronounced, as opposed to, for example, Andalusian Spanish, where letters or even whole syllables are sometimes dropped” (Johnson 8). Then when asked about Catalan, “No. Catalan is a language in
In the western area of the U.S, the most common Spanish speakers are Mexican, making their food the most prevalent. This has created a disconnect in the minds of the residents because they automatically assume any Spanish person or Latin food they come across is automatically from Mexico. In reality, Mexican food is uniquely known for its heavy use of spice and the main ingredient in their dishes, is corn. Even the candy is coated in a layer of chili. In an article with detailed facts about Mexico it is stated “Mexican candy is not only a piece of Mexican food, but also a piece of Mexican art. The “Calaveras de Azúcar”, or sugar skulls, are specially prepared for the Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead” (Mexican Food 7). Dominican or Puerto Rican however, have a strong Caribbean influence so their food is more focused on flavor then spice. The island herbs are combined into a paste called sofrito, the main seasoning that makes their food so distinguishable. Other popular foods are mango and plantains, the green banana. Spain, the country that every other one is supposed to have descended from, would not be seen as typical Spanish food. The people eat in small portions called Tapas that contain a huge amount of sea food because of the ports all around the country. Just by looking at how drastically different the foods of some of the countries are, it is hard to