Latest news with #spanish
Local Spain
19-05-2025
- General
- Local Spain
Why is Spanish called 'castellano' in Spain?
spanish language Have you ever wondered why the Spanish language is usually called Castilian or 'castellano' in Spain and not Spanish? The answer is down to geography, history and culture. If you've ever taken language lessons, Spanish will of course be called Spanish. But when you arrive in Spain, you'll find all the locals calling it castellano or Castilian instead. So why is this? Why do Spaniards have a different name for their own language? Firstly, Spaniards are distinguishing castellano – what foreigners know as Spanish, from the other four official languages in Spain. These are Catalan, Basque, Galician and Valencian. There are also more minority languages and dialects such as Aragonese, Aranés and Leonés. Secondly, it also differentiates between the Spanish spoken in Spain and the Spanish spoken in Latin America. Although they're the same language, there are many differences in the vocabulary, grammar and of course accent. Castellano or Spanish is the official language of the whole of Spain, but there are some other regions which have two official languages such as Catalonia, where Castilian and Catalan are used. Castellano is named after the Kingdom of Castile, which predates the existence of modern Spain. The territory occupying a large part of northern half of Spain is where the language was first spoken. It began as dialect spoken in this area and later became the language of the court of the kingdoms of Castile and León in the 12th century. Spain was not always one country with one official language, in fact it was made up of several different kingdoms. The unification of Spain began with the marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragón with Isabella I of Castile in 1496. This united the two kingdoms of Aragón and Castile – the two largest territories in the Iberian peninsula. At that time the Kingdom of Aragón included Catalonia, Mallorca, Valencia, Sicily and Sardinia, while the kingdom of Castile included Castile and León, Asturias, Galicia, Extremadura and then domains conquered from the Moors such as Córdoba, Murcia, Jaén and Seville. Castilian wasn't even close to being the majority language on the peninsula at this time, however. In Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, Galicia, Asturias and the eastern half of Andalusia, it hadn't even been heard of. And only some people in León, Aragón, Navarre and the Basque Country knew it or were at least familiar with the Castilian language, as they were closer geographically. Even the people who all spoken Castilian in different areas of the country found it difficult to understand each other because of the change in dialects and accents. In 1492, Antonio de Nebrija - the most influential lexicographer and grammarian of his time - completed a book called Grammar of the Castilian Language. This was the first publication that actually pulled the Castilian language all together and set out its rules. This was also the year the same year in which the last Moorish stronghold of Granada fell to the crown. So, by this point, much of what we now know as Spain was coming together as one. Nebrija was a friend of Queen Isabella I, and as Castilian was already the official language of the courts of Castile, he was able to influence her to promote the language across the parts of the country she ruled along with Spain's other Catholic Monarch, Ferdinand of Aragon. Over time, through various power struggles between merchants and other influential figures across the country, Castilian came out on top as the most dominant language. It's important to remember, however, that it didn't become the dominant language everywhere – Catalan and Valenciano still reigned in the east of the country – as it still does to this day – and Galician and Basque were still used more in the north and northwest of Spain. This is why Castilian is often referred to as castellano in Spain. However, nobody will bat an eyelid if you refer to Spanish as español. Even Spain's Royal Academy of Language (RAE) has ruled that español and castellano are synonyms, even though in Spain castellano is a more official way of referring to what is known as Spanish to foreigners.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'Ilia will KO both of them' - Fans troll Jean Silva as the fighter proposes to spar with Charles Oliveira ahead of UFC 317
UFC 317: Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira (Photo via UFC/X) and Jean Silva (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC) The results of UFC 315 have affected the dynamics of the fighters across the different weight categories of UFC. Islam Makhachev announced the vacating of the lightweight title to move up to the welterweight category after Belal Muhammad lost to Jack Della Maddalena. This has placed Ilia Topuria , who vacated the featherweight title long ago, against the top contender of the lightweight division, Charles Oliveira , at UFC 317 . Both fighters will be facing each other for the vacant lightweight title . Amidst all these, Jean Silva , in his recent statement, expressed a desire to spar with Oliveira ahead of the bout. Jean Silva lists out the benefits of sparring with him before facing Ilia Topuria, claims to imitate the spanish fighter perfectly The headline event for UFC 317 has been announced after the shocking yet twisting results of UFC 315. The bout will feature the former UFC featherweight Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira in a head-on clash for the vacant lightweight belt. Topuria absolutely wasted no time in trash-talking his opponent as the bout was announced. The fighter, on X, wrote, 'On June 28, another dream will come true. I'll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance… I'm just fighting for my dreams. It's unfortunate that Makhachev ran away. 17-0'. The fighter is pretty confident about bringing his undefeated MMA record from a 16-0 to 17-0. While the trash talk continues, another fighter from the featherweight division put forward a proposal for Oliveira ahead of their fight at the IFW. Jean Silva, who recently defeated Bryce Mitchell after a long series of heated exchanges between the fighters, in an interview with Ag Fight, expressed his willingness to spar with Oliveira ahead of the title bout. The fighter stated, 'I'm available, I'm the same size as Topuria. If Charles wants to use me as his sparring partner to do his training camp, I'm here. I know how to imitate Topuria perfectly. I even know his facial expressions' Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Fans have started reacting to Silva's offer in a mixed way. One of the users wrote, 'I normally don't like Jean Silva but if he's working for Charles getting the belt then 100% I'm a fan' Another one wrote, 'He's too retarded though, Ilia has genuine fight IQ. This won't help Charles' 'Illia will KO both of them at the same time.' Also read: Former UFC champ Holly Holm returns to boxing as the fighter signs with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions Topuria has been waiting for the lightweight title shot for a really long time now, and the wait is over with the upcoming UFC 317. Oliveira, since his last win against Michael Chandler at UFC 309, has not stepped into the Octagon yet. Both fighters have established their skills and abilities and are looking forward to conquering the belt at the International Fight Week. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Aamir Khan's ‘Sitaare Zameen Par' first poster: R.S. Prasanna brings a story of ‘Sabka Apna Apna Normal'
Nearly 17 years after he left audiences deeply moved with Taare Zameen Par , Aamir Khan returns with a spiritual successor — Sitaare Zameen Par — promising an uplifting, humorous, and emotionally resonant cinematic journey. While the trailer was originally set to launch last week, the team postponed it in light of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. However, to maintain promotional momentum, the makers have now revealed the film's first official poster. The Poster: Familiar Warmth with a Contemporary Touch The newly released poster by Aamir Khan production instantly invokes a sense of nostalgia, drawing visual parallels with Taare Zameen Par through its bright, hand-drawn aesthetic. Adorned with colourful doodles — including a football, a DNA strand, and a basketball hoop — the poster radiates youthful energy and hints at the vibrant, dynamic world the film explores. At the centre is Aamir Khan, surrounded by a lively and diverse group of characters, ranging from quirky classmates to affectionate family members and mentors, suggesting a story rich in relationships and discovery. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo The Story: Connection, Compassion, and Rediscovery Sitaare Zameen Par follows the emotional journey of a man who finds himself reconnecting with life through his bond with children who perceive the world differently. In helping them embrace their uniqueness, he is forced to confront his own vulnerabilities, leading to a powerful narrative of growth, healing, and second chances. Directed by R.S. Prasanna and produced under the Aamir Khan Productions banner, the film is written by Divy Nidhi Sharma. Aamir Khan leads the cast alongside Taare Zameen Par's Darsheel Safary and Genelia Deshmukh in pivotal roles. This marks Aamir's return to the big screen after two years, with a role that blends emotional depth with light-hearted charm. Fan Reactions: A Wave of Excitement The poster launch sparked a wave of enthusiasm on social media, with fans expressing their anticipation in the comments section. 'Glad to see that music is still given by the goated trio!' wrote one user, while another excited fan asked, 'When will the trailer come?' A third comment summed up the mood, simply stating, 'So excited, can't wait!'. Some also compared the film poster with the original spanish film 'Champeones'.
The Irish Sun
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Inside castle on Irish market for €2.5million with its own tower, four reception rooms, sauna and swimming pool
A 'BREATHTAKING' property has hit the Irish market - and it features its own tower, four reception rooms, games room, sauna and a swimming pool. Carrigacunna Castle is located in Carrigacunna, Killavullen, Co Cork. 9 The house is located in Carrigacunna, Killavullen Credit: 9 It is selling for €2,500,000 Credit: 9 The house has been transformed over the years Credit: 9 It blends historic features with contemporary design Credit: The five-bedroom home, with five bathrooms, has an asking price of €2,500,000. The seller said: 'Carrigacunna is a breathtakingly restored Georgian house set alongside a beautifully preserved Norman tower house, both commanding a spectacular position overlooking the meandering River Blackwater in North Originally built by Henry Foott in 1826, the Blending historical elements with contemporary design, with beautiful glass-walled spaces that 'flood the interiors with natural light'. READ MORE ON MONEY It has two double-height glazed atriums, effortlessly linking the traditional architecture with modern design. The property is built next to a 16th-century Norman tower house, which itself 'holds centuries of history'. The elevated house offers 'panoramic views' of the Blackwater Valley, the Ballyhoura mountains and the Galtee mountains. The Most read in Money The agent suggested the first-floor offices could be converted into an additional bedroom, if desired. Guests can stay in the one-bedroom annexe in the Fisherman's cottage adjoining the main house. RTE Cheap European Homes property hunter left gushing at 'unique' spanish villa The charming property is 'expansive yet easily manageable living space'. The agent said: 'The estate is set in a peaceful and unspoiled region of the Blackwater Valley, an area renowned for its fertile farmland and natural beauty. 'The River Blackwater, considered one of Ireland's finest salmon rivers, meanders through the landscape, with its banks dotted by historic Norman castles. 'The towns of Mallow and Fermoy are within easy reach, offering a full array of shopping, leisure, and financial services, alongside welcoming pubs and restaurants.' Despite its rural location, the property has 'excellent transport links', with quick access to national road and rail networks. There's a selection of nearby activities including a golf course, racecourses and fishing spots. The listing added: 'Both Shannon and Cork airports are within an hour's drive, making travel convenient for residents and visitors alike. 'For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding area offers an array of sporting and leisure activities, including private fishing along the Blackwater, scenic hikes in Killarney's lakes and mountains (just an hour away), and hunting with the Duhallow and Scarteen packs. 'Equestrian pursuits are well-catered for, with racecourses in Mallow and Killarney, while golfers can enjoy the abundance of high-quality courses in the region.' The "remarkable" property is advertised on and is being sold by Lisney Sotheby's International Realty. 9 There are four reception rooms Credit: 9 The agent said the house is a manageable living space Credit: 9 It boasts an indoor swimming pool Credit: 9 The house features two double-height glazed atriums Credit: 9 Lisney Sotheby's International Realty is selling the property Credit:
Gulf Business
28-04-2025
- Climate
- Gulf Business
Large parts of Spain, Portugal hit by power outage
Image credit: @TheFirstServeAU/X account Spanish power grid operator E-Redes, a Spanish electricity grid monitoring company, said in a statement it was working on reestablishing connection in phases. Read- 'This is a wider European problem,' it added. ❗️⚡️🇪🇸🇵🇹🇫🇷🇦🇩 – On April 28, 2025, a significant power outage continues to affect Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and parts of France, with no immediate resolution in sight. The blackout has disrupted electricity supply in major cities, including Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona, as… — 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) Spanish radio stations said part of the Madrid underground was being evacuated. There were traffic jams at Madrid city centre as traffic lights stopped working, Cader Ser Radio station reported. The Portuguese police said traffic lights were affected across the country, the metro was closed in Lisbon and Porto, and trains were not running. This is what a power outage in Europe looks like: subways and airports are down, and the streets are in chaos. According to the latest information, the power outage affected not only Spain and Portugal, but also parts of France, the Netherlands, and Belgium. What exactly… — Jürgen Nauditt 🇩🇪🇺🇦 (@jurgen_nauditt) The Spanish airport operator AENA says spanish airports suffer some disruptions due to power outage, contingency generators are active and the spanish government has convened a crisis meeting at offices of Red Eléctrica due to power outage, Spanish newspaper El Pais reports. RTE, the grid operator in France also reported that parts of France briefly lost power following outages in Spain and Portugal.
