Spanish culture midterm notes

Iceberg Concept of Culture

Culture is compared to an iceberg, with visible aspects above the surface and deeper elements, like values and beliefs, hidden beneath.

Intercultural Competence

The ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with people from different cultures, understanding and respecting cultural differences.

Multiculturalism

A societal approach that promotes the coexistence and respect for multiple cultures within a community.

Prejudice

A preconceived opinion or bias against a group or individual, often based on stereotypes.

Stereotype

An oversimplified and fixed idea about a particular group of people, usually general and not based on personal experience.

Official languages of Spain

Spanish (Castilian), Catalan, Galician, and Basque (Euskara); each is spoken in different regions of Spain.

Form of government in Spain

Spain has a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy.

Year Spain ratified its current constitution

Spain ratified its current constitution in 1978.

Current political party in power in Spain

The party in power as of 2024 may be the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), but check for updates.

Head of State in Spain

King Felipe VI is the current head of State of Spain.

Head of Government in Spain

Pedro Sánchez is the current Prime Minister, or head of the Government of Spain, as of 2024.

Year Spain joined the European Union

Spain joined the EU in 1986.

Countries sharing a boundary with Spain

France to the north, Portugal to the west, and Gibraltar to the south.

Most important rivers of Spain

The Ebro, Guadalquivir, Tagus (Tajo), Duero, and Guadiana rivers.

Highest elevation in Spain

Mount Teide on Tenerife (Canary Islands) at 3,718 meters.

Autonomous Community in Spain

A region with its own government and powers; Spain has 17 Autonomous Communities and 2 Autonomous Cities.

Definition of World Heritage Site

A site designated by UNESCO for its cultural, historical, or scientific significance.

Examples of World Heritage Sites in Spain

Alhambra, Sagrada Familia, Seville Cathedral, Camino de Santiago, among others.

Origin of the Spanish language

Spanish derived from vulgar Latin, the colloquial form used by common people in the Roman Empire.

Aqueduct of Segovia century

The Aqueduct of Segovia dates back to the 1st century AD.

Examples of Roman Architecture in Spain

Aqueduct of Segovia, Roman Theatre of Mérida, and Tarraco Amphitheatre.

Duration of Arab rule in Spain

Approximately 8 centuries, from 711 AD to 1492 AD.

Examples of Arab words in modern Spanish

Almohada (pillow), aceituna (olive), azúcar (sugar), alcalde (mayor).

Current use of the Great Mosque of Cordoba

It is now a Catholic cathedral, known as the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba.

Significant medieval Jewish architecture in Spain

The Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca in Toledo.

End of medieval Jewish presence in Spain

The Expulsion of the Jews in 1492, ordered by Ferdinand and Isabella.

Rulers ending Arab rule in Spain

Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile.

Royal dynasties on the Spanish throne since the 16th century

The Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties.

Centuries called the Spanish Golden Age

The 16th and 17th centuries, known for flourishing arts and literature.

Spanish Empire decline

The empire began to decline in the 17th century, worsened by the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588.

Peninsular War dates

1808–1814, against Napoleonic France.

Number of republics in Spain

There have been two republics: First Republic (1873-1874), Second Republic (1931-1939).

Years of the Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War occurred from 1936 to 1939.

Name of Spanish dictator and rule years

Francisco Franco ruled from 1939 to 1975.

Passing greeting vs passing farewell

Cultural norms regarding brief greetings or farewells without engaging deeper.

Gratitude expressions in Spain

Expressions of gratitude can be more understated in Spain than in other cultures.

Confianza meaning

A Spanish term for trust or confidence, key in interpersonal relationships.

Sobremesa meaning

The time spent lingering at the table after a meal.

Gentrification defined

The process of renovating urban areas, often leading to higher property values and displacement.

Impact of short-term rentals in Madrid

Short-term rentals like Airbnb contribute to rising rents and housing shortages.

Mass tourism defined

Large-scale tourism that can overwhelm infrastructure and degrade culture.

Mudejar Architecture defined

A style of architecture blending Islamic and Christian design from the 12th-16th centuries.

San Isidro significance

Madrid's patron saint, celebrated with festivals in May.

Beatriz Galindo, 'La Latina' contributions

A scholar and advisor known for her educational contributions to Queen Isabella I.

Dama de Elche significance

An ancient Iberian statue dating back to the 4th century BC.

Medieval Convivencia meaning

The coexistence of Muslims, Christians, and Jews in medieval Spain.

End of Convivencia occurrence

Marked by the Reconquista and expulsion of Muslims and Jews.

Legacy of the Reconquista

The Christian reconquest from Muslim rule, culminating in 1492.

Isabel and Ferdinand importance

The Catholic Monarchs who unified Spain and completed the Reconquista.

1492 Expulsion of the Jews significance

Forced removal of Jews from Spain by the Catholic Monarchs.

Spanish Inquisition purpose

A tribunal established to maintain Catholic orthodoxy, often targeting conversos.

Legacies of Spanish Imperialism

Cultural, linguistic, and political legacies from Spain's vast global empire.

Fiesta Nacional/Día de la Hispanidad date

Spain's national day celebrated on October 12.

Christopher Columbus role

An explorer whose voyages led to European colonization of the Americas.

Black Legend defined

Propaganda that demonizes Spain, particularly regarding colonial policies.

Bartolomé de las Casas significance

A priest advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples in the Americas.

La Tomatina festival

An annual tomato-throwing festival held in Buñol.

Las Fallas festival

A Valencian festival that involves burning large sculptures known as ninots.

La Feria de Abril

A spring festival in Seville known for flamenco and traditional attire.

Los Sanfermines event

The Running of the Bulls, part of the San Fermín festival in Pamplona.

La Tamborrada significance

A drum festival in San Sebastián held every January.