Spanish

Overview

Spanish (español/castellano), a Romance language and one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. In the 19th century, Spanish was the language of a declining colonial empire but remained important in European diplomatic and cultural circles.

Relevance to Marie

Marie occasionally encounters Spanish speakers in the cosmopolitan social circles of Nice, Rome, and Paris, though Spanish is far less prominent in her diary than French, English, Italian, Russian, or German. Her multilingual upbringing and interest in languages means she notes Spanish phrases and speakers when she encounters them.

References in Diary