Spanglish: The Colorful Fusion of Languages Shaping Our World
Blending borders in language and life
What is Spanglish?
Spanglish is a mix of Spanish and English. Bilingual people combine Spanish and English words and phrases, switching between both within the same sentence or conversation.
In parts of the United States, especially California, Texas, Florida, and New York, where speakers of both languages regularly interact, Spanglish is frequently used.
In Puerto Rico, Spanglish is common due to the influence of American culture and language on the island. It is part of our cultural identity; we feel comfortable switching between both languages.
As a Spanish professor, I had to be very careful with my vocabulary. I would tell the students a word that they couldn’t find in their books. For example, using ‘carro’ for automóvil (automobile), or ‘parquear’ for estacionar (to park). There are many examples. I’m including a short list at the end.
Although Spanish and English are the official languages in Puerto Rico, Spanish is used in daily life, in the government, and schools, but English is taught at every educational level.
