The Spanish of Avila

In Ávila, "Castellano" is spoken. This is the standard Spanish.

Dialects and languages of the Iberian Peninsula.

While in many regions of Spain, “Castellano” (= “Spanish”, or “Castilian”) is not always used, for political or social reasons, you can nevertheless use it everywhere as, according to the Constitution, it is the official language, throughout Spain.

Here we can find many historical reasons (e.g. the “Reconquistas”) to consider the idiom of our region as especially pure and classic: as in our region only Castilian is spoken, the student is not subject to influences of other dialects or languages.

In other regions of Spain no Castilian is spoken, or if so, it is aside from the other languages and dialects which are recognized by the Constitution.

In Avila, the student, whether in or outside of the classroom, will receive only Castilian as the language of communication. This will lead to a greater progress in learning and avoid unnecessary confusions.

The Catholic Kings – Fernando and Isabel – who created the base of the modern Spanish state and with this the official Spanish language of today (Castilian), passed their summers in a palace in Avila.

Further evidence of Ávila as playing a central role in the historical development of the language is the literary style of Saint Teresa which elevated Spanish, as a language, to heights previously unknown. Her diction and style are natural, simple and lively. She writes from the heart, with skill and humour. Discover with us the elegant language of this woman of Avila.

 

Saint Teresa (1515 – 1582) is, along with St. John of the Cross, the most important religious figure in Spain. She reformed the order of the Carmelites, was declared “Patron of Spain” in 1617 and in 1970 “Doctor of the Church”.


She was a woman with a huge personality and will power. She was at the same time an exquisite feminine, always happy, simple, friendly and showing a spontaneous energy. She charmed everybody who crossed her path with her grace and ease. Quite often she is considered to be the first emancipated woman in our understanding.