1. Latin: As a Romance language, Spanish is directly descended from Vulgar Latin, the spoken language of the Roman Empire. This is the foundation of Spanish vocabulary, grammar, and syntax.
2. Arabic: During the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula (711-1492), Arabic words and phrases entered Spanish, particularly in the areas of agriculture, science, and law. This influence is evident in words like "algodón" (cotton), "aceite" (oil), and "algebra."
3. Indigenous Languages: In the Americas, Spanish interacted with numerous indigenous languages, resulting in the incorporation of words related to flora, fauna, geography, and everyday life. Examples include "chocolate," "cacique," "guayaba," and "maíz."
4. Other Romance Languages: Spanish has also been influenced by other Romance languages, particularly French, Italian, and Portuguese. This influence can be seen in loanwords, grammatical structures, and pronunciation.
5. English: In modern times, English has become a significant influence on Spanish, especially in the realm of technology, business, and popular culture. Words like "internet," "software," and "email" have been adopted into Spanish.
6. Basque: While not a Romance language, Basque is spoken in the Basque Country bordering Spain and France. It has influenced Spanish pronunciation and some vocabulary, especially in northern Spain.
It's important to remember that the influence of these languages varies across different regions and time periods. Overall, Spanish is a rich and diverse language shaped by its interactions with other cultures and languages.