Spain was one of the most influential countries in the 15th century. The Spanish Empire flourished during that time as they acquired many colonies and lands overseas. When Christopher Columbus’s voyage was sanctioned by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella little did they know that the Spanish language and culture would create such an impact on the world.
The arrival and settlement by the Conquistadors started a change in the cultural landscape of the Americas. The indigenous population of countries like Mexico, Peru and Guatemala were exposed to a new language, different foods, and a totally different way of life. Similar experiences happened to the slaves who were brought to work in Spanish colonies such as Cuba and Hispaniola.
Today Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world. The country with the largest Spanish-speaking population happens to be Mexico, a former colony and not Spain, the mother country. The spread of Spanish language and culture has tremendous influence on twenty countries with nineteen of those countries located in the Americas. It is obvious that outside of Spain, Latin America is the melting pot for Spanish culture.
There are other countries and regions that have also come under the influence of this language. Countries such as the Philippines have been influenced by Spanish language after they have been colonized by Spain for about 300 years. Other countries especially those within the Caribbean region retained elements of Spanish language in their dialects from passing between the hands of Spanish and other European colonization at some time in their history.
In recent times immigration has been responsible for the spread of the Spanish language and culture. A growing Hispanic population in the United States and Canada to some extent has led to the growth of a new culture and way of life.
