When it comes to learning Spanish, one of the first questions that our students often ask us is whether to focus on Iberian Spanish or Latin American Spanish. While both varieties of Spanish are derived from the same roots, there are some key differences between the two.
Firstly, it's important to note that Spanish is the official language of 21 countries, including Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, among others. Iberian Spanish refers to the Spanish spoken in Spain, while Latin American Spanish refers to the Spanish spoken in the Americas.
Here are some of the main differences
Pronunciation and Vocabulary
One of the most noticeable differences between Iberian and Latin American Spanish is pronunciation. While both varieties use the same alphabet, there are differences in how letters are pronounced, especially the letters "c" and "z" and the "s" sound. For example, in Spain, the "c" and "z" are pronounced with a "th" sound (the closer we can get in English), while in Latin America, they are pronounced like an "s".
There are also differences in vocabulary between the two. In some cases, words have different meanings or are used differently in Spain compared to Latin America. For example, in Spain, the word "coche" is used to refer to a car, while in Latin America, the words "carro" (Mexico) or auto (South American) are more commonly used. Similarly, in Spain, the word "ordenador" is used to refer to a computer, while in Latin America, "computadora" is more commonly used.
Grammar
Another difference between Iberian and Latin American Spanish is grammar. In general, the grammar rules are the same, but there are some differences in usage. For example, in Latin America, the past simple tense is used more frequently than the present perfect tense, while in Spain, the present perfect tense is used more often. There are also differences in the use of pronouns and in the way that reflexive verbs are used.
Culture
Finally, it's important to note that there are also cultural differences between the two varieties of Spanish. These differences can be seen in everything from the way that people greet each other to the food that is eaten. For example, in Spain, it is common to greet someone with a kiss on each cheek, while in Latin America, a handshake is more common. Similarly, the food that is eaten in Spain is different from the food that is eaten in Latin America, with each region having its own unique cuisine and culinary traditions.
In a nutshell
While Iberian and Latin American Spanish are both variations of the same language, there are differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and culture. Ultimately, which variety of Spanish you choose to focus on will depend on your personal preferences and goals. Regardless of which one you choose to focus on it is important that you understand all varieties of Spanish and a good school / tutor will make sure you are exposed to different regional varieties. Also, note that things like a permanent accent is something you will pick up later in your journey, so this is not something you should worry about when you begin your studies.