In the numerous Spanish-speaking countries throughout the world, the language varies greatly from one country to another. Because the Spanish language reaches so many different peoples and cultures, it is not surprising that it takes on many different forms. So, which one is the best? Is the Spanish in one country really better than that in another? Well, yes and no. Perhaps it isn’t fair to generalize but that is what we do when we want to get a general idea of how things are.
So, apologies aside, it is often considered that Colombia has the “best” Spanish. It is said that the Spanish spoken in Colombia has a very “neutral” accent. However, that can be a matter of opinion. One might say that just as the Mexican accent is Mexican, the Colombian accent is Colombian. It may be a matter of opinion which accent is “neutral” or “better.” Although the Colombian accent, as well as the Colombian Spanish, is considered by many to be the “best” and “most pure,” it depends on who you ask.
One reason Colombian Spanish is considered to be the most pure, is because, compared to other Spanish-speaking countries, it has little influence from other countries or languages. In places like Puerto Rico and Belize, where both English and Spanish are spoken, there is often an overlapping of the languages and as such, the Spanish has been somewhat altered. Mexico’s proximity to the United States as well as the presence of American and Canadian tourists has allowed many English words to creep in. Take for example the verb “check,” meaning to verify. Not long ago, this would have translated to verificar but somehow the term has become widely known as checar. Argentina has a history of European immigration, which has influenced its Spanish. Because Italian and Spanish are quite similar, it is only natural that the Italian presence has influenced the Spanish of Argentina. Again, it is a question of who you ask because some may say that some of the best Spanish in the world is in Mexico or Argentina.
Spain has a very distinct Spanish. Some people like it and others do not. It is true the Spanish in Spain is quite different from that spoken in most of Latin America. Not only is the Spanish (from Spain) accent distinct from other Spanish, but they also make use of vosotros. Although Spain’s Spanish is different and may sound a bit strange to some Latin Americans, Spain is, after all, the birthplace of the language. So some may say that they should set the rules for what is correct.
Perhaps the most important points to consider are the particular individual who is speaking the language and the context in which he or she is speaking. If you go to a poor area of Colombia where many of the people do not have access to education, it is very unlikely that you will hear a high level of Spanish. However, if you attend a business meeting in Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic, you most likely will hear Spanish correctly spoken.
Perhaps we should develop our own opinion on where the best Spanish is spoken and which “kind” of Spanish we prefer. To do so, it is important to have many experiences with Spanish speakers from a wide variety of backgrounds and nationalities. In the meantime, if you are trying to improve your Spanish, rather than worrying about where the best Spanish is, just start using it as much as you can.
Photo: Exequiela Goldini
