SPANISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES IN THE AMERICAS

Spanish is an official language in various North American countries.

The most important Spanish speaking country in North America is Mexico.

In the Caribbean Region, Spanish is mostly spoken in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has also declared English as an official language.

In Central America, Spanish is mostly spoken in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. A particular situation can be found in Belize, where English is the official language, but a high percentage of the population speak Spanish as their first language.

South American countries where Spanish is the official language.

In South America, there are numerous Spanish speaking countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Other languages that are also spoken in South America are Portuguese (Brazil), Dutch (Surinam), English (Guyana and the Falkland Islands), and French (French Guiana).

Most of these countries also still use various native tongues that have not died out, and continue to produce their own specific culture in music, arts and crafts.

POLITICAL MAP OF LATIN AMERICA

This map is in the Public Domain. Source: the University of Texas

Comments.

This short summary shows the extreme variety to be found in all this territory that lies “south of the River Grande” and which it will be my pleasure to explore through the various posts to this Blog.

There are several indigenous languages still in use in Spanish America.  Some of the most important ones include Nahuatl, still spoken in Mexico. Quechua is spoken in present day Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador and Aymara is still used in Peru, Bolivia and the North of Chile.

In all the countries of Spanish America, many place names reflect the languages of the specific area where the place is located. The arts and crafts also maintain the basic characteristics of the area where they originate.

It is this rich diversity that makes Spanish America such a fascinating study!

SPANISH VERSION

Este post enumera los países de habla hispana en Norte y Sur América. Los términos son fáciles de comprender y no necesitan mayor traducción.

Otros idiomas europeos que se hablan en Sur America son los siguientes: Portugués (Brazil), Holandés (Surinam), Inglés (Guyana y las islas Falklands), and Francés (French Guiana).

En los comentarios, se enumeran algunas lenguas nativas en uso en la actualidad, tales como Nahuatl, Quechua y Aymara. Se enfatiza también la gran variedad y riqueza cultural de esta enorme área.

LANGUAGE TIPS FOR ENGLISH

Words that go together! * Have a good time - * Have sympathy - * Do business- * A ball of string – *A bunch of carrots

LANGUAGE TIPS FOR SPANISH.

Expresiones de uso frecuente: * Dorar la píldora - * Echar leña al fuego - * En boca cerrada no entran moscas

How is your level of comprehension?          ¿Cómo está su nivel de comprensión?

© 2012  joanveronica  (Joan Robertson)

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