Romance Languages are those languages that were spoken in Roman times. Latin is the oldest romance language, and all the other romance languages are somehow derived from the Latin language.
The Latin language is an ancient language that is no longer in use which once was a widely used language. Spanish, on the other hand, is one of the modern romance languages derived from the Latin language.
Spanish is the official language of Spain. And the most spoken language in the world after Chinese and English.
Comparison Between Latin And Spanish
| Parameter | Latin | Spanish |
|---|---|---|
| Place of Origin | The Latin Language originated in Latium, Italy. | The Spanish Language originated from Castile, Spain. |
| Usage | The Latin Language is no longer in use. | The Spanish Language is widely used. It is the third most spoken language in the world. |
| Based on | Latin is based on Etruscan alphabets. | Spanish is based on Latin. |
| Official Language | Latin was the official language of three countries. | Spanish is the official language of twenty-one countries. |
Major Differences Between Latin And Spanish
What exactly is the Latin Language?
Latin is an ancient Indo – European language widely used from the 7th century BC to the 18th century AD. This language is no longer in use; thus, it is called a dead language. Latin was the official language of the countries – Hungary, Croatia, and Poland.
There are so many languages that are derived from the Latin language, such as Spanish, Italian, French, etc.
There are various types of Latin language, such as Old Latin, Classical Latin, Vulgar Latin, Medieval Latin, Renaissance Latin, New Latin, and Contemporary Latin. Old Latin is the oldest form of Latin known to us.
I/C
Features –
- A dead and Oldest Romance Language.
- The base for other romance languages such as Spanish, French, Italian, etc.
- Has seven types, namely Old Latin, Classical Latin, Vulgar Latin, Medieval Latin, Renaissance Latin, New Latin, and Contemporary Latin.
What exactly is the Spanish Language?
The Spanish language is a widely used modern Indo – European Romance language. Spanish is derived from the Latin language.
Although, Spanish uses a different grammar than the Latin language. It is the world’s third most widely spoken language after Chinese and English. 21 Spanish-speaking nations have Spanish as their official language.
These countries are Mexico, Columbia, Argentina, España, Peru, Venezuela, Chile, Guatemala, Ecudaor, Bolivia, Cuba, Republica Dominicana, Honduras, Paraguay, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, and Guinea Ecuatorial.
Contrast Between Latin And Spanish
Place of Origin
- Latin Language – Latin Language originated from Latium, Italy.
- Spanish Language – Spanish Language originated from Castile, Spain.
Age
- Latin Language – Latin Language is an extremely old language,
- Spanish Language – The Spanish Language is new as compared to the Latin Language.
Usage
- Latin Language – Latin Language is no longer in use.
- Spanish Language – Spanish Language is widely used and the third most spoken language in the world.
Based on
- Latin Language – Latin Language is based on the Etruscan Alphabet.
- Spanish Language – Spanish language is based on the Latin Language.
Official Language
- Latin Language – Latin was the official language of 3 countries, namely Hungary, Croatia, and Poland.
- Spanish Language – Spanish is the official language of 21 countries, namely Mexico, Columbia, Argentina, España, Peru, Venezuela, Chile, Guatemala, Ecuador, Bolivia, Cuba, Republica Dominicana, Honduras, Paraguay, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, and Guinea Ecuatorial.
Romance Language
- Latin Language – Latin Language was one of the Romance Languages.
- Spanish Language – Spanish Language is one of the Romance Languages.
Conclusion
Latin and Spanish are two Indo-European Romance languages that were/are widely spoken. The major differences between the Latin and Spanish languages are that the former is a dead language now while the latter is widely used in today’s world.
Latin is the base for many other modern languages, whereas Spanish is derived from Latin. Latin is based on Etruscan alphabets, whereas Spanish is based on Latin.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Which countries had Latin as their national language?
The Latin Language was the official language of Hungary, Croatia, and Poland.
Q2. What languages have been derived from the Latin Language?
The Romance languages, namely French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian, have been derived from the Latin language.
Q3. What are the major differences between Latin and Spanish?
The major differences between Latin and Spanish are:
1. Latin is a dead language, but Spanish is an in-use language.
2. Latin Originated from Italy, whereas Spanish originated from Spain.
3. Latin is based on the Etruscan Alphabet, while Spanish is based on the Latin Language.
4. Latin is difficult as compared to Spanish.
Q4. Which countries have Spanish as their official language?
Twenty-one countries have Spanish as their official language, and these are namely Mexico, Columbia, Argentina, España, Peru, Venezuela, Chile, Guatemala, Ecuador, Bolivia, Cuba, Republica Dominicana, Honduras, Paraguay, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, and Guinea Ecuatorial.
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