Discover Langma's Spanish Language Course
Langma International’s Spanish language program helps learners master the language at all levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from A1 (Beginner) to C2 (Advanced). Our Spanish courses cover all skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and provide students with in-depth insight into the language, culture, arts, literature, and more. We aim to enhance learners' Spanish proficiency and provide guidance on studying and working in Spanish-speaking nations, including opportunities such as scholarships, internships, and job placements. Our specialised Spanish courses also prepare students for Spanish proficiency exams such as DELE and SIELE, focusing on vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and practical communication.
Langma International is accredited as an official SIELE exam centre. We are authorised by FIDESCU for the International Diploma of Spanish (DIE) examination. We are also an official exam centre for the International University of La Rioja (UNIR), Spain, in New Delhi.
Join Langma International today for Spanish language learning and expand your professional opportunities in Spain and other Spanish-language countries.
Spain (España)
Spain, located in extreme southwestern Europe, is home to approximately 48 million people. It has significantly influenced global culture and politics since the colonial era. It houses numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Alhambra in Granada, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Mezquita of Córdoba, and more. Renowned for its rich culture, Spain celebrates vibrant festivals like La Tomatina, is famous for flamenco dancing, and is home to world-renowned artists like Picasso and Dalí. Spain is the world's top olive oil producer and is also known for its delicious food, such as paella and tapas.
Along with Spanish, three regional languages, namely Castilian, Catalan, and Galician, have been granted co-official recognition in specific areas of Spain. Learning the Spanish language is key to engaging with Spaniards and appreciating their artistic and historical legacy.
Spanish Culture (Cultura española)
Spanish culture has evolved over centuries, shaped by diverse traditions and strong regional identities. Spaniards are known for their warmth and community spirit, with family and shared experiences central to daily life. The custom of using two surnames, one from each parent, underscores the importance of family heritage. Music and celebrations are integral, and the national anthem, La Marcha Real, stands out for its distinctive, wordless melody. Each region offers unique cultural expressions, from Andalusia’s flamenco to Catalonia’s art, Castile’s history, the Basque Country’s creativity, and Galicia’s Celtic heritage. Experiencing Spain means engaging with a culture that values connection, joy, and authenticity.
Spanish Festivals (Festivales Españoles)
Spain celebrates a wide range of vibrant festivals that express local and national identity, rooted in history and religion. Renowned events like Las Fallas (a fire-and-art festival in Valencia), La Tomatina (a massive tomato fight in Buñol), San Fermín (famous for the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona), and Semana Santa (a solemn and spiritual Holy Week) are celebrated with great pomp and show. Other significant festivals include the Feria de Abril in Seville, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and La Mercè in Barcelona.
Spanish Art and Paintings (Arte y pinturas españolas)
Spanish art and artists have greatly influenced Western Art. World-renowned Spanish artists such as Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Francisco Goya contributed significantly to movements such as Surrealism and Cubism. Diego Velázquez and Francisco de Zurbarán were the most famous artists of the Spanish Golden Age. Some of the most notable Spanish art pieces include Picasso's Guernica, Salvador Dalí's The Persistence of Memory, Goya's The Third of May 1808, El Greco’s The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, and Velázquez's Las Meninas. These masterpieces of Western art are celebrated for their powerful anti-war statements, complex compositions, and depictions of Spanish history and society.
Spanish Literature (Literatura española)
Some of the most famous works in Spanish literature are Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote, often seen as the most crucial Spanish novel and a key work in Western literature, as well as plays by Spanish Golden Age writers like Lope de Vega and Pedro Calderón de la Barca. In more recent times, Gabriel García Márquez brought magical realism to life in One Hundred Years of Solitude, and Federico García Lorca is known for plays like The House of Bernarda Alba.
Spanish Music (Música española)
Spanish music blends local traditions, history, and contemporary ideas. Flamenco, originating in southern Spain, is renowned for its vocals (cante), guitar (toque), and dance (baile). Other styles, including Sevillanas, Fandango, Sardana, and Jota, highlight the unique identities of various regions. Zarzuela, a special kind of Spanish operetta, and the Galician Bagpipe enrich Spain’s musical landscape. Composers such as Granados, Albéniz, and Manuel de Falla have shaped classical guitar music, while modern artists like Rosalía, Enrique Iglesias, and Alejandro Sanz continue to promote Spanish music globally.
Spanish Dance (Danza Española)
Many people think of Flamenco when they imagine Spanish dance, with its guitar music, lively footwork, and bright costumes. Flamenco started in Andalusia and is the best-known style, famous for its passionate music and expressive hand movements. It has become a symbol of Spain and is performed and taught worldwide, even influencing fashion. Numerous other traditional Spanish dances have their own style and story, including Sardana from Catalonia, Jota from Aragon, and Muñeira from Galicia, showcasing the country’s rich cultural mix.
Spanish Fashion (Moda Española)
Spanish fashion is recognised for its creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. Designers such as Paco Rabanne, Cristóbal Balenciaga, and Manolo Blahnik have influenced international trends. Leading brands like Zara, Mango, and Bershka make Spanish style accessible worldwide. Traditional garments, including the mantilla and the flamenco dress, continue to inspire contemporary designers. Fashion weeks in Madrid and Barcelona highlight Spain’s significant presence in the global fashion industry.
Spanish Cuisine (Cocina Española)
Spanish food is loved worldwide for its intense flavours, variety, and use of fresh ingredients. Dishes like paella, tapas, and gazpacho showcase the distinct flavours of each region. Key ingredients include olive oil, saffron, and jamón ibérico. Every region has its own special foods, like Basque pintxos, Andalusian seafood, and Catalonia’s crema catalana. Chefs such as Ferran Adrià and José Andrés are famous worldwide and have shaped modern cooking. Today, people everywhere enjoy Spanish food, and sharing tapas reflects Spain’s warm, social culture.
Spanish Cinema (Cine español)
Spanish cinema is known for its creative stories and variety. Directors such as Pedro Almodóvar, Luis Buñuel, and Alejandro Amenábar share aspects of Spanish culture and emotions with audiences worldwide. Films range from classic dramas to thrillers and comedies, showcasing Spain’s rich history and spirit. The Goya Awards, Spain’s version of the Oscars, celebrate the best in Spanish film. Movies like Pan’s Labyrinth and Volver show how Spanish cinema has made its mark internationally.
Spanish Architecture (Arquitectura Española)
Spanish architecture brings together history, new ideas, and artistic style. Landmarks like the Alhambra, the Gothic cathedrals in León and Burgos, and Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família in Barcelona show how Spain’s buildings have changed over the centuries. Each region has its own style, shaped by Roman, Islamic, and Christian influences. Today, architects such as Santiago Calatrava continue this tradition of creative design. Spanish architecture shapes the country’s cities and inspires people around the world with its timeless beauty and originality.
The Spanish Language (La lengua española)
Spanish, a Romance language, has over 600 million speakers worldwide, making it one of the most widely spoken languages. Being one of the six official languages of the United Nations, Spanish is also the official language of 21 countries: Spain, Equatorial Guinea, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The Spanish language is recognised for its contributions to art, literature, and philosophy. As a result, employment opportunities in Spanish-speaking countries have expanded, making Spanish a sought-after language for those striving for international career growth.
Pronunciation
Spanish, being a phonetic language, is easy to learn; each letter of the Spanish alphabet corresponds to a specific sound, with many sounds similar to those in English. The rules are consistent and straightforward, which means that if you know how a letter is spelt, you can easily pronounce it. One may find exceptions in foreign words, which usually retain their original spellings.
Word Stress
In Spanish, extra emphasis is put on one syllable in each word. If a word ends with n, s, or a vowel, stress the second-to-last syllable. For other endings, stress the last syllable. If there is an accent mark, always stress that syllable.
The Spanish Alphabet
The Spanish Alphabet has 27 letters, the same as the English Alphabet, but with an additional ñ letter. Listed below are the Spanish names of the alphabet and their pronunciation.
Vowel Sounds
Spanish has the same five vowels as English: a, e, i, o, and u. Below is the Spanish vowels list along with their pronunciation and English and Spanish examples.
Consonant Sounds
While studying Spanish consonants, learners should keep in mind the following rules:
The letter c is pronounced with a soft th sound, as in 'Barcelona,' except before a, o, u, or a consonant, when it takes on a hard k sound, as in 'king.'
At the end of a word, the letter d is pronounced softly, similar to th, or may be nearly silent.
The Spanish letter j is pronounced as a strong, guttural sound.
The letter q is pronounced as a hard k sound.
The letter v is pronounced similarly to b, with the lips pressed together.
Spanish includes several letters not found in the English alphabet, such as ch, ll, and ñ.
Spanish Numbers
Below are Spanish numbers with their pronunciations to help learners practise.
Spanish Survival Phrases
The table below lists some Spanish phrases and words that form the first step in your journey of Spanish language learning. These Spanish language basics will help you get started with the language.