Why is Spanish the official language of 9 of the 13 nations of South America?

(1 point)
Responses

It is the original language of the native people.
It is the original language of the native people.
The Spanish established their language when they colonized the territories.
The Spanish established their language when they colonized the territories.
Spanish is easier to speak than the native languages.
Spanish is easier to speak than the native languages.
The Portuguese did not want their language spoken by foreign people.

The correct answer is:

- The Spanish established their language when they colonized the territories.

Spanish became the dominant language in many South American countries due to colonization by Spain during the 16th to the 19th centuries. As the Spanish conquistadors and settlers established control over the region, they brought their language, culture, and institutions, which left a lasting impact on the societies they governed. Over time, Spanish became the primary language of government, education, and commerce, leading to its official status in many South American countries today.