FROM THE CASTILIAN OF “A SMALL CORNER”TO INTERNATIONAL SPANISH

Abstract

This article discusses, from a general perspective, the major stages that have occurred in the history of the Spanish language with respect to the dynamics between variation and standard(s). Based on the language’s diffusion around the world, as well as on current approaches to linguistic theory, it is argued that only in the last few decades has a regulatory model been reached that, without disregarding the concern for the unity of the Spanish language, can allow diverse standards to fit within a greater whole. Well beyond the scope of the Academies, these are norms that are inclined to lead toward to a new convergence in the mass media that will strengthen the power of the Spanish language to face future challenges.