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Spanish linguistic identity is very solid, but native speakers do not always demonstrate uniformity in their way of denominating the language, "Spanish or Castilian?" Some show synonymy, generally preferring one of the two terms; others opt for the more modern and international term: Spanish. Through the preference of the term "Castilian" we can track the inheritance and influence of 19th century educational politics or a range of circumstantial sociopolitical attitudes which are far removed from the language. In environments in which non-native, second or foreign languages are taught, the language is unanimously denominated ,Spanish; however; above all there exist doubts among non-native teachers and in non-Hispanic countries as to what name should be used to refer to the language. This uncertainty is a reflection of the long-standing controversy abetted by the fact that the very maturity of the Spanish nation as a modern state occurred after its power and language had spread extensively; the terms for the language are therefore consequently controversial as well. This paper studies the constitutions of Hispanic countries in respect to whether or not a name is recognized for their official language (with special attention being given to the Spanish Constitution due to its complexity), and they are contrasted with a study of occurrences of the terms Spanish and Castilian in the Spanish Diachronic corpus (CORDE) and the Present corpus (CREA) of RAE, for all Hispanic countries. Additionally, results of the agreements between the worldwide Academies of the Spanish Language are presented as they are reflected in the definitions in the Diccionario de la Lengua Española (the most updated, electronic version) and the Diccionario Panhispánico de Dudas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article comments on educational programs and activities designed to encourage second language acquisition and development in British secondary schools, particularly noting the use of paper plates in Spanish education and the development of the Routes into Languages East Language Leader Award.