The Historical Development of the Spanish Language

Pre-Roman Iberia and Linguistic Substrates

The Iberian Peninsula, inhabited by various tribes during the 3rd and 4th centuries BC, featured diverse, limited dialects. These tribes included the Celts, Phoenicians, and Basques. We have inherited words from these pre-Roman languages (known as the substrate), such as perro (dog) and mantequilla (butter).

The Imposition of Latin (218 BC)

In 218 BC, the Romans arrived, and their language, Latin, was imposed throughout the territory. There were two main forms of Latin:

• Cultured Latin (used for writing and formal contexts).
• Vulgar Latin (the common, oral language spoken by soldiers and settlers).

Approximately 70% of the words we use today derive from Latin. This Latin was influenced by the linguistic substrate of the ancient pre-Roman tribes.

Post-Roman Influence: Visigoths and Germanic Contributions

In 148 BC, the Romans invaded Greece, acquiring significant cultural and religious influence. However, in the 5th century AD, Rome fell, and the Iberian Peninsula was invaded by Germanic tribes, primarily the Visigoths, who dominated the region for over 200 years. Names such as Ramiro, Rodrigo, and Fernando originate from these Germanic tribes.

The Arab Invasion and Linguistic Enrichment (8th Century)

In the 8th century, the Arabs (Moors) invaded the peninsula. Their presence profoundly influenced the developing language, contributing approximately 4,000 words of Arabic origin (e.g., azúcar, almohada, alcalde).

During this time, a series of ballads were written and sung by minstrels across Spain. For two centuries, the relationship between Arabs and Christians was relatively peaceful.

The Reconquista and the Rise of Romance Languages

Starting in the 10th century, the Arab Caliphs sought to impose their rule by force. This marked the beginning of the Reconquista period, which moved southwards and lasted until the 15th century. This era was characterized by abundant warfare and instability.

The 10th century also saw the consolidation of the Romance languages across Europe. These seven languages, derived from Latin, include:

1. Castilian (Spanish)
2. Portuguese
3. Italian
4. French
5. Romanian
6. Catalan
7. Sardinian

Key Milestones in Castilian Standardization

12th Century: The Poem of the Cid

The 12th century saw the creation of the first major poem written in Castilian: The Poem of the Cid. Composed by minstrels, it narrates the exploits of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, a central hero of the Spanish Reconquista.

14th Century: Alfonso X the Wise

In the 14th century, Alfonso X the Wise gathered scholars in his court and commissioned the compilation of significant works written entirely in Castilian, promoting its use as a language of learning and law.

15th Century: Grammar and Global Expansion

The 15th century brought two monumental changes:

• The Discovery of America, which introduced new vocabulary and customs, expanding the language globally.
• The publication of the first Spanish grammar, Gramática de la lengua castellana, written by Antonio de Nebrija in 1492.

The Golden Age and Modern Standardization

16th Century: The Spanish Golden Age

The 16th century marked the Golden Age of Spanish literature, featuring influential writers such as Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and Calderón de la Barca.

18th Century: The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE)

It was not until the 18th century that the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) was founded. Its official motto is: “Limpia, fija y da esplendor” (It cleans, fixes, and gives splendor), focusing on regulating and standardizing the language.

20th Century: International Academies

In the 20th century, institutions like the Academia Argentina de Letras were founded, reflecting the global reach and continued development of the Spanish language across different nations.