Renée Theresa Rodney

Every now and then, I come across comments saying that Cubans should speak "proper Spanish" or that Cuban Spanish is becoming too vulgar. But are we really talking about language, or are we talking about class, identity and social change? In this article, I explore how history, migration and culture have shaped the Spanish spoken in Cuba today, and why language variation shouldn't be mistaken for language deterioration.

Discover my honest review of Christmas in April by Olivia Almagro, a heartfelt novel exploring Cuban culture, identity, migration and family. Read before you buy.

Classic Cuban Arroz Congrí — smoky rice and black beans simmered with bacon, peppers, and spices. Comforting, flavorful, and authentically Cuban.