By Myracle S. Mugol
The use of the Spanish language in the Pacific region is more prevalent now than it was when the islands were under Spain’s control, according to a linguist from the Universitat Abat Oliba CEU in Barcelona.
Although Spain lost sovereignty over its Pacific territories in 1898, Dr. Rafael Rodríguez-Ponga noted a surprising resurgence of Spanish speakers in the region, particularly in Australia and New Zealand.
“There are now more Spanish speakers in the Pacific than ever before even in regions that were never part of Spain’s territories,” Rodríguez-Ponga said at the Aug. 26 roundtable discussion at the University of Guam, where he provided an analysis of the Spanish language's influence in the Pacific.
The language scholar attributed the growth of the Spanish language to increased Latin American migration and the global spread of the language.
This demographic shift, Rodríguez-Ponga explained, contrasts with the historical context of Spanish colonial rule, where the language was confined to Spain-controlled territories.
Today, Spanish is taught in schools, used in media, and spoken in communities across the Pacific, marking a significant cultural and linguistic expansion.
“The growth of Spanish speakers in the Pacific is not just a demographic fact; it’s a testament to the dynamic nature of cultural exchange and the lasting impact of historical connections,” said Rodríguez-Ponga, president of the Universitat Abat Oliba
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The roundtable, titled "1898 and Beyond: History and Memory in Micronesia," was hosted by UOG’s Richard F. Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center.
It featured discussions on the lasting impact of the Spanish-American War on Micronesia, with Dr. Robert Underwood, former UOG president, and Rodríguez-Ponga exploring how contemporary perspectives continue to shape our understanding of this pivotal period in history.
Underwood reflected on the 1998 centennial of the U.S. Navy's takeover of Guam, a significant event marked by symbolic gestures such as the flying of the Guam flag over the U.S. capitol.
“It was essential to recognize Guam’s unique history within that space,” Underwood said, highlighting the importance of understanding the cultural and symbolic meanings behind historical events.
The discussion also explored language preservation within the CHamoru community.
Underwood addressed the debate over retaining Spanish loanwords versus reviving Austronesian terms.
“There’s a growing interest in what some perceive as ‘authentic’ CHamoru,” he noted, “but we must also acknowledge the integrated nature of our culture. For example, the word ‘familia’ is deeply embedded in our daily lives and replacing it might disconnect us from our shared history.”
Rodríguez-Ponga agreed, emphasizing that language is a living, evolving entity that reflects cultural exchange.
“Modern CHamoru is unique because it blends elements from both Austronesian and Spanish origins,” he said. “This linguistic evolution is a testament to the cultural resilience and adaptability of the CHamoru people.”
Underwood further reflected on Guam’s colonial past and its impact on cultural identity.
“The transfer of Guam from Spain to the United States in 1898 did not erase history or change who the CHamoru people were,” he said. “The cultural adaptations and historical experiences of the CHamoru people are integrated into their identity, not something that can be easily separated.”
The roundtable concluded with a call for continued scholarly research and public engagement.
“Understanding our history is not just about looking back; it’s about understanding who we are today and who we strive to be in the future,” Underwood said.
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