Spanish and English cultures are two of the most prevalent in the world. The two exist side by side and often operate in unison. Looking at a few similarities and differences can be a great way to understand our neighbors.
In Spain itself, the Spanish language is also called Castellano. Spanish is spoken by three quarters of the population in Spain, much of north America, all of central and south America, and other regions of Europe. Obvious differences exist between Spanish and English. While both are Latin based, Spanish is a romance language while English is Germanic. Pervasive in business and entertainment, the English language has become a conventional language around the world. Cigar, guerrilla, comrade, patio and tornado are all examples of Spanish loan words used in English and evidence of the commingling between cultures.
In Spanish cultures, the family plays a central role in both social and business life. In the western world, family has been a historical staple of personal life, but businesses are more often seen as individual ventures. The UK and America have seen a dramatic rise in divorce rates over the last 30 years, resulting in less tightly knit family units.
The contrast in diet can be stark. America is the birthplace of notoriously unhealthy fast food, and the UK is known for fish and chips. By contrast, Spain and the Latin Americas have stuck more to an unprocessed diet, with many fresh natural ingredients in recipes like gazpacho or tacos.
Forms of entertainment emphasize different things. Time outdoors plying physical games, either at the playground or on the soccer field are emphasized. The US and UK have a higher number of citizens engaged in sedentary activities like watching television, video games or online. Much of the difference in activities has to do with the climates. Much of the Spanish cultures lie in warmer, tropical or Mediterranean regions. In the UK and USA, many areas are subject to long periods of cold and adverse weather.
Spanish and English cultures are prevalent in much of the world and contact with either highly likely. Learning about either is a great way to expand a world view and find new ways to interact with your neighbors.
Spanish and English cultures are different but have very close resemblances. Differences and similarities exist between these cultures that can be of immense interest both personally and professionally. Check out our comparison guide.
