A few days ago, during one of our Spanish classes, we started wondering: If you could take a trip through time, what moment in history would you choose?
I immediately thought of 1492, a truly fascinating year marked by four major events.
1. The end of Arab rule in Spain
After eight centuries, their long presence came to a close, reshaping the cultural landscape of the Iberian Peninsula.
2. The unification of the Catholic kingdoms
This political consolidation transformed Spain into a stronger and more cohesive nation.
3. The so-called “discovery” of America
Personally, I don’t think anything was “discovered”—we were already here. It was, rather, the powerful encounter of two worlds.
4. The quiet but extraordinary work of a teacher: Antonio de Nebrija
In 1492, Nebrija wrote the first-ever grammar of the Castilian language—something previously reserved only for Latin.
In his prologue, dedicated to Queen Isabella, he wrote that language has always been the faithful companion of empire. And in many ways, he was right.
Spanish spread not by the sword alone, but through communication, teaching, and cultural exchange. It was a seed planted over 500 years ago. Today, Spanish is the *second most-spoken native language in the world, with more than *500 million speakers in 22 countries.
And Nebrija’s words remain true:
Empires may fall, but language endures.
We are no longer a Spanish colony, but the language is still here—alive, vibrant, and deeply woven into our identity.
Learn Spanish With Us
We invite you to study Spanish with us through a rich cultural immersion at our Spanish school in Quito. Stay with one of our welcoming host families, explore this beautiful country, and experience the language the way it’s meant to be lived.
And if you don’t have the time to travel—no worries!
You can always join our online classes from anywhere in the world.
