Hola Todos:
I have traveled most of Latin America, I am close to fluent. Some in South America consider me fluent, but I don't consider myself there yet.
There is a clear difference in the accents. I have never been to Spain, but I subscribe to the "Spanish Package" from my local cable provider. I recive boradcasts form Spain and Latin America. The Castilian Accent is quite unique. I will not claim to be an expert, but I believe most native Spanish speakers will agree with what I put together below.
I would classify the accents in 5 major categories (there are some subs) This list is my opinion, and there are always exceptions in every region:
1. Castilian (Mostly from Europe)
The z and ci are pronounced like the English "th."
2. Andean (Mountain regions of Venz, Colo, Ecua, Bolivia, Peru, Chile)
I find this close to "textbook" Latin American pronunciation. They tend to pronounce every syllable and correctly. The ll or y (when in the middle of a word) sounds a bit more like the “J” in English just not as hard. The people in the large inland cities like to make fun of the way the people on the coast talk. (see No. 4 Caribbean basin)
3. Mexican (Although I would say that the people of Mexico City have there own.)
If you grew up in any state that borders Mexico, this is what you hear. This is a cross between the Carribiean and Andian, they tend to elongate the last syllable. This seems not to be the case of the people born in Mexico City.
4. Caribbean Basin (includes the islands, Central America, Northern Coast of S. A., and parts of Mexico.
If you live in the large NE cities of the US or Miami, this is what you generally here. If a word in spanish can still be recognized by dropping the "s" then do so and speak very rapidly. i.e.... Estoy = etoy Pais = pai.
5. Southern Cone (Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina)
Like the Andian, they pronounce everything but with an Italian inflection. (not Joking) This is due to large Italian immigration to these parts of South America. FYI..The population in the southern part of Brazil speak Portuguese with an Italian inflection also.
From these general “rules I can demine a region. Later on I learned that each specific area uses certain words or expressions unique to them. So from the accent and certain words I know where they are from.
Regards,
David
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