Pronunciation:
* Yeísmo: This is the most prominent feature. Argentines pronounce the "ll" as a "sh" sound, instead of the traditional "y" sound heard in Spain. So "llave" (key) sounds like "shave" and "calle" (street) sounds like "cash-eh."
* Seseo: The "c" before "i" and "e" and the "z" are pronounced as a "s" sound, unlike Spain, where the "c" is pronounced like a "th" sound.
* Voseo: Argentines often use the pronoun "vos" instead of "tú" as the informal "you" in many contexts, with corresponding verb conjugations.
* Distinctive intonation: Argentine Spanish has a melodic and slightly sing-song intonation, which differs from the more clipped and assertive intonation of Castilian Spanish.
Vocabulary:
* Lunfardo: This unique slang vocabulary emerged from the diverse cultural influences of Argentina's history, including Italian, Italian-Spanish, French, and indigenous languages. Words like "pibe" (kid) and "mina" (girl) are examples.
* Regionalisms: Like other Spanish dialects, Argentina has its own regional terms that vary depending on the specific region of the country.
Grammar:
* Use of "che": "Che" is a common interjection used to grab someone's attention or express surprise, excitement, or even frustration.
* Formal vs. informal language: While Argentines tend to be more informal in their speech than people from Spain, they also have a clear understanding of formal language and use it appropriately in formal contexts.
Overall Impact:
These unique features create a distinct accent and flavor to the Spanish spoken in Argentina, making it one of the most recognizable Spanish dialects in the world. It is often considered a lively and expressive form of Spanish.
Important Note: While these are some of the key differences, it's important to remember that language is fluid and diverse. There are many variations within Argentina itself, and not all Argentines speak exactly the same way.