Lose Two Letters

A Symbolic Gesture

The irony is that the Roman Empire imposed its alphabet on Spain, and now Spain's change reverberates through the vestiges of their own lost empire. Real Academia Española's decision to drop the combinations of "ch" and "double L" separate letter status seems in line with their function as official keepers of the Spanish language.

But to Latin American former colonies who overthrew Spain as rulers yet kept the language and now constitute a vastly greater number of Spanish speakers, Madrid's move stirs up resentment.

So far, ñ has not been dragged into the controversy.

The Sounds Remain The Same Audio Embed: BBC, PRI & WGBH's The World 11/26/10, Host: Katy Clark.