Bella come here. Bellita ven aqui. Though both phrases have the same meaning, the Spanish phrase is undeniably more pleasing to the ear. Spanish is my second language. My grandparents are Peruvian and Mexican. My parents, both fluent in Spanish, tried to speak to me in both English and Spanish as a child. Understandably though, speaking to a child in two different languages requires tedious focus and patience, so my parents predominantly spoke to my siblings and I in English. However, I yearn to speak Spanish fluently. I am drawn to the Spanish language not only for its lyrical and endearing tone, but its ties to the Hispanic culture.
In Celia Cruz’s popular and catchy song “La Vida Es Un Carnaval,” she sings “Todo aquel que piense que la vida es desigual tiene que saber que no es así que la vida es una hermosura, hay que vivirla.” Even if I didn’t understand Spanish, I’d still be amazed by the rhythmic and beautiful sound of such words. Someone could say something as simple as, “me gustaría una taza de café,” and it would sound more profound than the English translation, “I would like a cup of coffee.”
Words like “mijo,” “mi amor” and diminutives demonstrate the intimacy and warmth of Spanish. It’s not uncommon to hear adults address other children as their son or daughter (mijo or mija). At my school, I’ve even heard Spanish-speaking cafeteria workers call students “mijo” and “mija.” Such simple words evoke nostalgia as I recall my childhood days filled with Spanish songs and stories. The endearing words reflect a hospitable culture in which the importance of family, friends, and community triumphs over monetary success. Spanish diminutives, word endings that connote affection and smallness, further express the language’s intimate nature. For example, my father named Carlos is called “Carlitos” by his family and close friends. The English counterpart, “little Carlos,” fails to evoke as much sentiment as “Carlitos.”
Spanish is wonderfully diverse. In Spanish speaking countries, there are distinct vocabularies and accents. In Argentina, Spanish pronunciations are influenced by its Italian roots. In Spain, the “seseo,” which resembles a lisp, is used to pronounce the sounds of of “z” and “s.” The discrepancies of the Spanish language reflect the various cultures of Spanish-speaking countries with their rich history, savory cuisine, distinct apparel and lively music. The Spanish language unites the differing cultures but also celebrates the uniqueness of each. As a third-generation Hispanic woman, I’ve encountered more difficulty relating to my Peruvian and Mexican heritage than my parents and grandparents. I believe it is my obligation to become fluent in Spanish as a way to preserve my cultural roots. Yes, Spanish is captivating. Beautiful. Endearing. It is also the language of my ancestors–people I admire for their ambition, love of learning, and compassion towards others. In honor of such individuals, I celebrate Spanish as my language and hopefully, the language I’ll pass on to my descendants. As Charlemagne once said, “to have another language is to have another soul.”
