Brazil has Portuguese as its official language, albeit with some variations from European Portuguese. However, due to its vast territorial expanse and history of colonization, several different languages are spoken throughout the country, either as a primary or secondary language.
Spanish is one of the most spoken languages throughout Brazil, especially in regions near the borders with Spanish-speaking countries like Uruguay and Argentina. This is due to the ease of travel and the possibility of attending Spanish schools in cities like Buenos Aires. An example is the state of Rio Grande do Sul, which shares borders with these countries, resulting in a direct influence on everyday Spanish usage. Many who live in these areas end up learning both languages, and this is common among people involved in commercial, political, and social relations between the two countries.
According to data from the Ethnologue website, Brazil has around 460,000 fluent Spanish speakers, a considerable number given the fluency requirement for counting. This makes Spanish one of the most spoken languages in the country, alongside English and French. Spanish speakers are concentrated in tourist areas and in states bordering Spanish-speaking countries, such as São Paulo, Bahia, and Rio de Janeiro, due to strong economic relations and tourism in these regions. Those who live in these areas and work in commerce or tourism often learn Spanish due to the clientele that speaks this language.
Additionally, in states bordering Spanish-speaking countries like Rio Grande do Sul, Acre, Roraima, Mato Grosso, Paraná, and Santa Catarina, Spanish plays an important role due to the region’s history and international relations.
Reference: Diário da Manhã de Pelotas. EM QUAIS ESTADOS DO BRASIL O ESPANHOL É AMPLAMENTE FALADO?. Brazil, October 21, 2022. Available in: Em quais estados do Brasil o espanhol é amplamente falado? | Diário da Manhã (diariodamanhapelotas.com.br). Accessed on: August 19, 2023.
Matheus Araújo
Matheus Araújo is the founder and editor of Brazilian History. Born in Rio de Janeiro and holding a degree in Advertising and Marketing, his passion for history led him to enroll at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, where he is currently pursuing a degree in History Education.
