The Evolution and Features of Spanish in America

The Spanish-American Language: Evolution and Features

The term 'Spanish American' refers to the speakers of Castilian in various American countries. This linguistic reality stems from the Hispanization process that began in 1492 with the discovery of America. Essential factors for understanding this linguistic reality include the influence of native ethnic substrates on Castilian, and the imposition of a Castilian language that was already highly dialectalized.

Regional Linguistic Divisions

In Spanish America, linguistic variations often divide into two main zones:

• Highland (Cold Regions)

  Predominantly settled by Castilians. Characterized by weak vowels, with unstressed internal vowels tending to disappear.

• Lowland (Hot Regions)

  Predominantly settled by Andalusians. Characterized by consonant relaxation, aspiration, and loss of 's'.

Phonetic Characteristics and Andalusian Influence

Phonetically, there is a clear 'Andalusian' impression on the Spanish spoken in America. It shares the following traits with Andalusian Spanish:

• Seseo
• Yeísmo
• Aspiration or loss of s at the end of a syllable or word
• Confusion and mutual interchange of r and l
• Aspiration of the initial h (derived from Latin f)

Debate on Andalusian Influence

The similarity between Andalusian and American Spanish has been attributed to three possibilities: independent evolution in both territories, a coincidental match, or a direct Andalusian influence. Today, it is widely believed that this similarity is primarily due to a significant Andalusian influx during the early settlement period.

Morphological Features: Voseo

However, a main morphological feature is voseo, which involves the use of 'vos' instead of 'tú'. This form is often used to address peers or those considered hierarchically inferior. While some practitioners may perceive it as vulgar, its use often conflicts with standard school teachings. The specific pronominal usage can vary regionally: for example, 'vos' for familiar contexts, 'tú' used in some regions for both familiar and formal address, and 'usted' for respectful address.

Lexical Similarities and Differences

The lexicon of Hispanic American Spanish largely coincides with that of Peninsular Spanish, though, naturally, there are notable vocabulary differences between regions of America and Spain.

Archaism and Neologisms in American Spanish

In many remote areas where Spanish is spoken in America, the language environment tends to be more conservative. This has led to the preservation of many words that are now considered obsolete in Spain, representing archaisms from a Peninsular Spanish perspective. Conversely, Spanish American is also more permeable than Peninsular Spanish to the incorporation of neologisms, particularly due to Anglo-American influence and immigration from diverse countries.

Linguistic Unity and Future Concerns

Despite the existing linguistic unity between Peninsular and American Castilian, there is ongoing concern about the persistence of this situation amidst evolving linguistic landscapes.