Language in Venezuela

Approximately 450 million people worldwide speak Spanish as their mother language

The official language in Venezuela is Spanish. Spanish was brought to Venezuela by the Spanish invaders in the beginning of the 16th century. The Latin Americans call it castellano more often than español. Although Spanish is spoken throughout the country, there are more than 25 indigenous languages that are spoken in Venezuela as well. A lot of people consider Spanish as a language which is easy to learn. So it doesn't seem as a bad idea to take some courses before visiting Venezuela. This can greatly enhance the stay since not to many Venezuelans speak English. The best place to look for English speakers are large cities. Nevertheless, Venezuelans learn English as a mandatory second language in public schools. A stay in Venezuela can be a good opportunity to take courses in Spanish while you're there. The options are courses in Caracas, Mérida and Pampatar on Isla de Margarita. If courses sound too serious, you can always practice Spanish with Venezuelans encountered by chance. They will never reject to start a conversation with someone who speaks at least a little bit of Spanish.

Differences between castellano and español

Venezuelans speak rapidly and their version of Spanish is not easy to understand. They tend to drop endings, particularly the plural ones. Still, there is a very little difference between these two language variations. The real difference can be found in conversation. Pronunciation of vowels a, e, i, o and u and consonants is the same. The exception are letters c and z which are never lisped in Venezuelan Spanish unless you want Velenzuelans to laugh at you.The semiconsonant  y is pronounced differently in some regions. Word stresses are the same. The gender of nouns, which is either masculine or feminine, is determined with typical endings for each group. The same is with the endings for adjectives. The plural of nouns and adjectives is formed by adding either s or es.

Conversational specifics

A short Spanish greeting hola is modified with many expressions which Venezuelans use at a beginning of a conversation. Although younger people probably won't expect extra politeness as the older ones, it's always good to greet someone before asking a question. Use polite form of address because, when in public, Venezuelans pay a lot of attention to civilities. Times aren't modified by am or pm, but with morning and afternoon. Venezuelans have a peculiar sense of time and space. It's easy to get puzzled when asking Venezuelans about time or distance because what ever they say you will probably get the wrong answer.

Where to take courses

The best places to take Spanish courses are Caracas, Mérida and Pampatar. Institutes that offer Spanish classes in Caracas have all levels of learning .You can study in small groups and even lodge with Venezuelan family. Fundación Escuela de Idiomas Modernos offers extension program of the Universidad Central de Venezuela, taught by professors and students. It is far more easier to understand Spanish spoken by the Venezuelans that live in the Andes. These people speak more slowly than other Venezuelans so Mérida is really a good place to learn Spanish language. City of Mérida has several language schools. Another good thing is that prices for courses in Mérida are lower than in the rest of the country. You can also ask about private lessons at popular traveler hotels and tour companies. Private lessons are usually offered by tutors and students. In the city of Pampatar, you can take intensive Spanish language courses. Courses are of different levels and you can choose to live with a Venezuelan family. You can also expect cultural activities and excursions.

German is still widely spoken in Colonia Tovar, an old German settlement

Other spoken languages

Since Venezuela is a country inhabited by so many immigrants and their descendants, a certain number of people speak other language instead of Spanish. The most spread languages aside from Spanish are Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, German, Arabic and English. Gran Roque, the largest island of the archipelago Los Roques, is home to so many Italian immigrants that Italian language is spoken on the island as much as Spanish. Alemán Coloniero is a dialect of German language that is spoken in the Colonia Tovar which was founded in 1843 by a group of German settlers. Colonia Tovar was isolated from the other parts of the country due to the lack of roads and rules that were prohibiting marriage outside the colony. Thus the settlers managed to keep their language and culture intact for almost a century. Portuguese is spoken by the people who live close to the Brazilian border. In some areas near Guyana border, which is a former British colony, people speak English.