If you have delved into the world of la lengua española, you have probably heard of this institution.

The Royal Spanish Academy (Real Academia Española) is a symbol of great importance in the Spanish culture and national language academies. But what exactly is it, and what is its function?

Here I will explain all the details you should know, from its latest editions, publications, and contributions to academics and related sciences, to its current importance.

And believe me, as a Spanish language aspirant, understanding the role of the RAE, its dictionary, and its commitment to the quality and evolution of Spanish through centuries is crucial. So, let’s get into it.

So, what is the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE)?

The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) works to keep the Spanish language updated and clear. It teams up with groups from Latin America and other Spanish-speaking areas.

Their goal is to share and protect Spanish culture and language. They create guides and dictionaries, like the “Diccionario de Americanismos,” to reflect how Spanish is used across the Americas.

The RAE covers many topics, from arts to science, ensuring the language includes new terms from various fields. They also focus on education, providing rules for using Spanish properly. This helps in teaching and keeps Spanish vibrant everywhere it’s spoken.

Let’s Understand the History of the Royal Spanish Academy

The Royal Spanish Academy, generally abbreviated as RAE, was founded in 1711. It had its beginnings in Spain and is currently based in Madrid.

The Marquis of Villena, Juan Manuel Fernández Pacheco y Zúñiga, was the one who gave rise to its origin, seeking to form an entity similar to the French Academy. A year after its creation, King Philip V legally approved the institution and placed it under his protection.

The main function of the RAE is to elaborate norms for the correct use of the Spanish language. It also works to maintain the unity of the language within the different countries that speak it, preventing its changes and adaptations to the speaker’s needs to deform the essence of the language.

The Royal Spanish Academy achieves this in alliance with the Association of Spanish Language Academies (ASALE). This institution unites the Academies of the Spanish Language of the Spanish-speaking countries.

Who Are the Members of the Royal Spanish Academy

The Royal Spanish Academy includes diverse talents like Mario Vargas Llosa and Margarita Salas. They work together to guide the Spanish language, ensuring it evolves while honoring its rich heritage.

From literature to science, these members, based in Madrid, contribute to the vibrant expression of Spanish linguistics and culture globally.

What is the motto of the Royal Spanish Academy?

The motto of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) is “Limpia, fija y da esplendor,” which means “It cleans, sets, and gives splendor.”

This motto guides the RAE in its work to keep the Spanish language clear, accurate, and shining across the Spanish-speaking world.

From updating dictionaries to researching language in science, medicine, and art, the RAE ensures Spanish stays relevant and inclusive.

Through editions of guides and involvement in education, the Academy supports the proper use of Spanish, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries.

Is the Royal Spanish Academy prestigious for Spanish Speakers?

By exercising one of its main functions, which is language preservation, the Royal Academy keeps alive the identity of those countries where Spanish is spoken.

Spanish is the second most spoken mother tongue in the world. Over the years, the RAE has been in charge of preserving it and taking close care of its evolution, thus ensuring its preservation.

Although languages are constantly changing, it is of utmost importance that this transformation does not completely break the essential unity of the language. Spanish is the pillar of Spanish-speaking countries. It is what links Hispanics beyond the variations of language and different cultures.

The RAE gives a path to this important element of the identity of all those who speak Spanish and ensures the continuity of this language by adapting to its changes.

What does the Royal Spanish Academy do Today?

As the Royal Spanish Academy itself has pointed out, no one owns the language. Therefore, its evolution must be respected, something that the RAE has been doing in recent decades.

We must keep in mind that the language we speak today has been the constant evolution of another language, in the case of Spanish, we speak about Latin. There is no better confirmation than this to understand how changing languages are.

Although many people have constant criticisms about whether this institution accepts many changes, or does not accept enough. The truth is that its growth has been in line with the modifications that have been experienced in the Spanish language.

Its evolution has been seen in the inclusion of new words in dictionaries and its adaptation to new technologies.

Currently, to access a query from the Royal Spanish Academy, you only have to resort to its Twitter account (@RAEinforma) or Facebook (@RAE). With the hashtag #dudaRAE, followed by the question, you can get an answer with a full explanation in a matter of minutes.

The RAE now fulfills the role of observer and, of course, language educator. Thanks mainly to the opportunity to be closer to people through social networks and other media.

How is the Royal Academy funded?

The Royal Spanish Academy gets its money from the government, donations, and selling books. This money helps them work on Spanish language projects, like making dictionaries and research.

They make sure Spanish is used well in schools, science, and other areas. The Academy also gets help from other groups that care about the Spanish language. This support lets them keep improving and sharing Spanish with everyone.

How do you become a patron of the Royal Spanish Academy?

To become a patron of the Royal Spanish Academy, you usually need to give support or donations. This help can be money or other resources that help the Academy do its work.

By giving support, patrons help with projects like new editions of dictionaries, research in natural sciences, and making sure Spanish language teaching in schools is top-notch.

Patrons are important because they help the Academy keep the Spanish language and culture strong and up-to-date.

Their support also helps to promote the Spanish language not just in Spain, but all around the world where Spanish is spoken.

Do you want to know more about Spanish Language?

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