Spanish Dialects

Spanish is not a homogenous language. As a result of centuries of evolution across the world, nearly every Spanish-speaking country has its own dialect. When you are translating a document into Spanish, it is paramount that you consider how universal (or local) your translation should be. Your choices for translations are as follows:

Neutral Spanish

This dialect uses generic terms to avoid colloquialisms and potentially offensive language. It also includes some verb tenses that have disappeared from other varieties of Spanish. The result is a dialect that can be understood by almost all Spanish-speakers.

When to use:

This is the most universally recognized variant of the Spanish language. Translate documents into Neutral Spanish when the material will be used across many Spanish-speaking countries and your budget doesn’t permit tailored translations.

Also known as:

Standard Spanish, Global Spanish, or Universal Spanish

Castilian Spanish

From the region of Castile, this dialect became the language of a unified Spain. The Real Academia Española (Royal Spanish Academy) upholds the purity of this dialect.

When to use:

This is the variant of Spanish used in Spain and should be used for all documents intended for that country.

Can also refer to:

The dialect of North-Central Spain, as opposed to Spanish dialects spoken in other regions of Spain (ex. Andalusian in the South).
Standard Spanish (see above).

Latin American Spanish

This includes all of the Spanish language dialects found throughout Latin America. These vary in grammar, idiomatic expressions, and vocabulary from Castilian Spanish and from each other. These dialects particularly differ from European Spanish in the use of loan words from English (i.e. email instead of correo electrónico).

When to use:

For documents that will be used in a particular Latin American country, be sure to localize your translation to the proper Spanish dialect.

United States Spanish

An estimated 70% of Hispanic households in the United States speak Spanish at home. This includes immigrants and descendents of immigrants from every Latin American country, resulting in a complex mix of dialects and cultures. For example, the Spanish spoken in New York City often has a Puerto Rican influence, while the Spanish in Los Angeles is closer to that spoken in Mexico.

When to use:

Translating documents to be understood by Spanish-speakers in the United States taps into a large potential market. It also poses its own set of challenges. Consider which market you are targeting and tailor your translation accordingly.

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