Anglicismos are words or expressions from the English language that have been adopted and incorporated into another language, in this case, Spanish. Their presence is particularly noticeable in Peninsular Spanish, the Spanish spoken in Spain.
What are Anglicismos?
Imagine English words "sneaking" into Spanish. This is essentially what an anglicismo is. It's a loanword. A loanword is a word borrowed from one language and incorporated into another.
These words can be adopted directly, with little or no change to their spelling or pronunciation. Other times, they are adapted to fit the phonological and grammatical rules of Spanish. The reasons behind the adoption of anglicismos are varied. Sometimes, there isn't a perfect equivalent in Spanish for a particular English word or concept. Other times, it's simply a matter of fashion or prestige; using English words can sometimes be perceived as modern or sophisticated.
Why are they used?
Globalization plays a major role. Increased communication and exchange between cultures leads to greater language contact. The dominance of English in fields like technology, business, and popular culture further contributes to the influx of anglicismos. Many technological innovations are first developed and marketed in English-speaking countries. Then, they naturally carry their English names into other languages.
The influence of media cannot be understated. Movies, TV shows, music, and the internet expose Spanish speakers to English vocabulary on a constant basis. This exposure, consciously or unconsciously, leads to the adoption of new words and expressions. Also, marketing strategies often rely on anglicismos to appeal to a younger, more international audience.
Examples of Anglicismos in Peninsular Spanish
Let's look at some common examples. Consider words like "email". It is directly adopted, and often pronounced similarly to English. "Marketing" is another frequently used term, often used as it is in English or adapted slightly. Other examples include: "software," "hardware," "online," "weekend," "hobby," "sandwich," and "show."
Many anglicismos are related to technology. "Smartphone" and "tablet" are commonplace. In business, terms like "meeting," "briefing," and "start-up" are often used. In sports, we see words like "penalty," "corner," and even sometimes "goal" alongside the Spanish equivalent "gol". These are just a few examples. The list is constantly evolving as new words and concepts emerge.
How Anglicismos are Adapted
Some anglicismos are incorporated directly into Spanish without any changes. Other anglicismos undergo adaptation to fit the grammatical and phonological rules of Spanish.
Sometimes the spelling is modified. For example, "parking" might become "parquin". This reflects a more Spanish pronunciation. The pronunciation also often changes to align with Spanish phonetics. English sounds that don't exist in Spanish are often approximated by the closest Spanish sound.
Furthermore, anglicismos are often given Spanish genders. Nouns are assigned either masculine or feminine gender. For example, "el email" (masculine) or "la web" (feminine). This process helps to integrate the new word into the existing grammatical structure of the language.
The Debate Surrounding Anglicismos
The use of anglicismos is not without controversy. Some purists argue that excessive borrowing from English threatens the integrity of the Spanish language. They advocate for the creation and use of Spanish equivalents instead of adopting foreign words.
Others see anglicismos as a natural part of language evolution. Languages constantly borrow words from each other. This has happened throughout history. They argue that anglicismos enrich the language and allow for the expression of new concepts and ideas. They believe resisting this process is futile.
The Real Academia Española (RAE), the official institution responsible for regulating the Spanish language, takes a moderate stance. It acknowledges the inevitable influx of anglicismos but also encourages the use of Spanish alternatives whenever possible. The RAE carefully monitors the use of anglicismos and incorporates those that become widely accepted into its official dictionary, often with adapted spellings and pronunciations.
Examples in Everyday Life
Think about ordering food. You might hear someone order a "sandwich" instead of a "bocadillo". Consider the workplace. People might talk about attending a "meeting" instead of a "reunión."
When using the internet, it's common to hear terms like "online" or "streaming". Even something as simple as a weekend activity could involve a "hobby" instead of an "afición". These everyday scenarios demonstrate how deeply ingrained anglicismos have become in Peninsular Spanish.
Conclusion
Anglicismos are a significant feature of contemporary Peninsular Spanish. They reflect the influence of English in various aspects of modern life. While their use is debated, they continue to evolve and adapt within the Spanish language. Understanding anglicismos is key to understanding the dynamic nature of language and the ongoing interaction between cultures.
