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The question is: Castellano or Espaol?

That is: Castillian or Spanish?

Even among Spanish speakers, there is a controversy. So, I decided to visit www.rae.es, the official web site of the "Real Academia de la Lengua Espaola" (Royal Academy of the Spanish Language) and it really gives important and clear information about the use of both words.

First point: Both terms are valid when we refer to the language spoken in any Spanish speaking country.

Second point: The difference the Academy gives between these two words is that "espaol" (Spanish) is more appropriate when talking about the language spoken around the world, in several countries. What's more, this term is used in other languages, like "Spanish", "espagnol", etc. On the other hand we have "castellano" (Castillian), Although "castellano" and "espaol" are synonyms, "castellano" is preferably used to mention the Spanish spoken in Castilla (Spain), defined by the Academia as "dialecto romnico". In fact, the "castellano" has its origins in this region of Spain (where I was born and live, by the way!).

Another use for "castellano" is when we make reference to it (in Spain) as the State common language, opposite to the other co-official languages in this country. (These co-official languages are "gallego" (Galician), or "cataln".)

Thanks to www.rae.es, section "Diccionario Panhispnico de Dudas". It is really useful!

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