1. Language:
* Castilian is the official language of Spain, also known as Spanish. It originated in the Castile region of Spain, and has spread globally through colonization and migration.
2. People:
* Castilian can refer to a person from the Castile region of Spain. This can be someone who was born there, or who identifies strongly with the region's culture and heritage.
3. Ethnicity:
* While "Castilian" isn't a formal ethnicity, it can be used to describe someone who identifies with the cultural and historical heritage of Castile. This might include language, traditions, and values.
4. Historical Use:
* Historically, "Castilian" was used to distinguish the people of Castile from other regions in Spain, especially during the period of the Reconquista (the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule).
In short: "Castilian" most commonly refers to the Spanish language, but it can also describe people from the Castile region of Spain or those who identify with its cultural heritage.