Spanish Language Day

Spanish Language Day History

Spanish Language Day or 'Día del Español', honors the history, culture, and achievements of the Spanish language. The day seeks to raise awareness about the importance of multilingualism and cultural diversity. This day also advocates learning multiple languages as a tool to promote peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation among different communities, nations, and cultures. Spanish, also known as Castilian, is the world’s second most spoken native language, thus making it a useful tool for communication in diverse fields, from business to academia.

The concept of Spanish Language Day was instituted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2010. For Indian audiences, the rationale and significance of Spanish Language Day are particularly relevant in today's globalized context. India's increasing economic engagement with Latin American countries and Spain has accentuated the necessity for learning Spanish and appreciating its cultural nuances. Moreover, the presence of numerous language institutes and universities offering advanced Spanish linguistic courses indicate an increasing interest in this language among Indian youth.

In India, Spanish Language Day is observed in various educational institutes, Spanish academies, and cultural centers, typically through activities like Spanish language workshops, seminars, exhibitions, and film screenings. Students get opportunities to exhibit their linguistic skills in Spanish, therefore enhancing their proficiency and understanding of the language’s cultural heritage. Spanish Language Day is observed on October 12, coinciding with a Spanish national holiday, the Fiesta Nacional de España, also known as Spain's National Day.

Facts about Spanish Language Day

• According to Rosetta Stone, Spanish is the second most spoken language around the world with over 500 million speakers.
• One of the most well-known and important works of the Spanish language is Miguel de Cervantes’ El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha (The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha).
• According to the Instituto Cervantes, the organization that promotes Spanish language and culture worldwide, there has been a ten-fold increase in the number of people studying Spanish in India between 2008 and 2018.
• Despite the interest, the Spanish-speaking population in India is relatively small. Data varies, but it's usually estimated to be around 30,000 people.

In the News and Trending in India for Spanish Language Day

Top things to do in India for Spanish Language Day

• Watch the UN's webinar celebrating Spanish Language Day. The webinar focuses on raising awareness about gender-inclusive Spanish.
• Learn Spanish, enjoy Spanish food and culture, or read Spanish works of literature.
• Visiting Embassies or Cultural Centres: The Embassy of Spain or Instituto Cervantes, if a city has one, often has special events for Spanish Language Day.
• Read a book to learn more about the Spanish Language:
  1) Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish - by Margarita Madrigal - This is a very practical, user-friendly guide to Spanish grammar and vocabulary.
  2) 501 Spanish Verbs - by Christopher Kendris and Theodore Kendris.