Castilian Spanish

Many have asked me if my Latin American Spanish is any different than the spoken in Spain.  There is a slight variation, though not much of one.  Lorena’s Spanish is known as the Castilian Spanish.  The most noticeable difference between the two is what is called the “theta.”  Most “C’s” before i  and e as well as the letter “Z” are pronounced with a “TH” sound.  Here is an example using the word heart:  Corazón vs. Cora(th)ón.

Linguist debate where this subtle variation came from.  Some have suggested a Spanish King once had a lisp, and his subjects then took on the lisp in deference to him.  This is perhaps more mythical than anything.   Another suggestion by linguist scholars is that it is “related to a local pre-Roman language, or perhaps Basque.” (The History of Spain, p. 11)  In any event, my Spanish is now changing to the Castilian with Lorena’s help.  I have preached and carried on many conversations in Castilian without any significant problems. 

But if we went back a bit further in history, say a few thousand years, we would find a story that actually gives us insight into the origin of languages.  Genesis 11:1-9 explains to us not just the origin of languages but their purpose.  God in His mercy and grace exposes the builder’s sin of pride and fragments their one language into many so as to continue with His ultimate plan to redeem mankind through Jesus Christ.  So if you ever hear someone speaking another language, with or without the “theta,” let it be a reminder of God’s mercy and grace.

Prayer Requests

·          We will be moving to cut expenses as we travel. 

·          Fruit from relationship building with churches and individuals

·          Our sending church, Living Stone Baptist Church, as we grow alongside them.