Panamanian Spanish Language
Spanish in Panama:
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. More than twenty countries have recognized Spanish as their official language. It belongs to the group of Romance languages. There are 483 million native Spanish speakers in the world today. Since the language is spoken in so many countries, there are multiple Spanish dialects. The version of the language spoken in Panama is known as Panamanian Spanish. It has 2.5 million native speakers and shares a lot of similarities with Caribbean Spanish. It is the official language of Panama and is spoken by the majority of the country’s population.
The language of Panama has a lot of common Spanish words that are also popular in Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and the Atlantic Coast of Colombia. The popular slang words in these countries are also the same. The linguistic influences of the Caribbean Spanish have made the language of Panama unique. However, the language also has certain features that make it different from other varieties that are spoken in the region. English is not very popular in Panama but the situation is slowly changing. It is mandatory now for the schools in Panama to offer English classes.
Facts About the Panamanian Spanish:
Regardless of where you live in the world, your language and culture will get influenced by others. Whether it is the people living in your country or tourists, whoever you come in contact with will change your life. If you visit Latin America once, you will end up learning a few Spanish words. Many people learn English words from others even before they get to learn the language themselves. In the Latin American country of Panama, a certain type of Spanish is spoken. The Panamanian Spanish language is different from other varieties of the language. Here are some facts about it:
1. Influence of English:
The English language is spoken all over the world. It has influenced almost all the popular languages of the world. English vocabulary has affected the Spanish in Panama. Some even refer to it as Spanglish to show that it has become a mixture of Spanish and English. Various English slang words are also popular in Panama City because of the popularity of foreign media. Since certain portions of Panama remained under the rule of the United States for some time, that also increased the popularity of English in the country.
2. Foreigners:
Panama City is a popular port city. Millions of people visit Panama City every year. The majority of the city’s population is made up of native speakers of Spanish. But foreign influence is greatly affecting the Panamanian slang and vocabulary. There are still many Spanish schools in Panama City but the popularity of English is also increasing.
3. Slang Words:
In the Panamanian language, slang words are pretty common. Whether you are visiting Panama City or any other part of the country, you will hear plenty of local slang. English slang words are also used by the younger generations of Panama. It is better to learn popular slang words before visiting the country. Indigenous languages have affected the vocabulary of the Spanish dialects of Panama. This is why they are different from other varieties of Spanish.
4. Basic Words and Phrases:
If you want to visit Panama, learning about a few common words and phrases spoken in the country will do you good. Here are some phrases and words you can start with:
- Firi firi. If you hear a Panamanian use firi firi in a sentence, you should know that they are talking about a very skinny man or woman.
- Diablo rojo. The Panamanian word for a ‘large city bus’ is diablo rojo.
- Gargola. This word is used to refer to a ‘very ugly woman’, so you should avoid using gargola if you don’t want to be rude.
- De repente. In other Spanish speaking countries, de reprente can mean ‘suddenly.’ In Panama, people say de repente when they mean ‘possibly.’
- Dale pues. Dale pues is one of those words that can be used in a number of affirmative ways. It generally means ‘okay’ and ‘go for it.’
- Perro tinaquero. The Panamanian word for ‘a stray dog’ is perro tinaquero.
- Beri beri. Beri beri is a synonym of faracho and both words mean ‘heart attack.’
- Vamos pal cuero. It means ‘let’s do it’ and is quite a common phrase in Panama.
- Echar un cinco. This is a phrase you can use when you want to ask someone to relax. Its literal meaning is ‘take five.’
Studying Spanish in Panama:
Panama is known for a lot of things including the world-famous Panama Canal. But a lot of people don’t know that the country is also known for its language programs. A lot of people want to enroll in a language program in Central America, but not all countries of the region are ideal for language study. In Panama, language students are offered the opportunity to live with a local family. This is the best way to teach students about the Panamanian culture and to give them a real Spanish immersion experience.
The available courses in Panama Spanish schools are ideal for both language students and businesspersons. You can learn everything from grammatical rules to Panamanian slang terms in the language schools of Panama. The language programs are designed in a way to improve the language skills of every student. Native Spanish teachers are hired to teach basic Spanish and basic Panamanian to the students. Cultural activities are an important part of the language program. They improve the quality of language study.
Habla ya Spanish schools offer the most popular language programs in the country. They teach basic Panamanian to thousands of students every year. The Habla Ya Spanish schools are located in Bocas Del Toro and Boquete. They have the most qualified Spanish teachers. Studying a Spanish language program in Panama not only means becoming fluent in spoken Spanish but also learning about the local culture and enjoying the sights.
Language study can be confusing. Although a lot of English slang and words have made it into Spanish vocabulary, there are still a lot of differences between the two languages. But if you enroll in a language program in Panama, you will reach the basic Spanish level in no time. So, choose a Spanish program in Panama today if you want to learn the language and enjoy the beautiful scenery at the same time.
