The Olympic Games are one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated sports events in the world. They occur every four years, drawing athletes who prepare to compete in various disciplines. The upcoming summer Games will take place in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11, 2024. This marks the third time the city has hosted the Olympics, having previously done so in 1900 and 1924.
In today’s fast-paced world, attention to detail, especially in spelling and grammar, may seem less important. However, writing clearly and without errors remains crucial across different fields. In a professional setting, correct writing conveys your skills and knowledge, helping to cultivate an image of seriousness and reliability. Errors can create a negative impression, suggesting carelessness or a lack of preparation.
Furthermore, the ability to craft well-written texts reflects one’s personality and commitment to effective communication. The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) plays a vital role in preserving the correct use of the Spanish language, which is continually evolving.
Writing well is not easy; it requires practice and a solid understanding of the language’s structure. Reading widely can significantly enhance one’s vocabulary and writing skills. The RAE has become the authoritative institution for linguistic regulations, promoting unity in the Spanish-speaking world.
In collaboration with the RAE, the Fundéu Foundation—a nonprofit organization that aims to promote the correct use of Spanish in the media—consistently publishes tips on their website, helping the public with spelling and grammar questions.
As we prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games, a few guidelines have been shared for writing news articles related to this significant event.
Firstly, the name of the city "Paris" should always be spelled with an accent on the "i" (París), in accordance with Spanish orthography. Unlike the French version "Paris" without an accent, the Spanish version showcases the correct pronunciation. Terms like "parisino" and "parisiense" are also acceptable for referencing the city and its residents.
When discussing the year, it should be expressed as "dos mil veinticuatro" (2024) in full, rather than dividing it into parts as is common in English.
The phrase "la Ciudad de la Luz" (the City of Light) should be written with capitalization for significant terms, without italics or quotation marks, as it serves as an alternative name for Paris during the Olympics.
Both "Olimpiadas" and "Juegos Olímpicos" are valid names for the event. In Spanish, "Olimpiada" can also refer to the competition held every four years, and both singular and plural forms are acceptable.
When abbreviating "Juegos Olímpicos," the correct format is "JJ. OO."—with spaces and periods appropriate to formal usage.
The Games will be referred to as "trigésimos terceros" (the thirty-third) for proper ordinal representation, ensuring consistency in number agreement.
Spelling "Paralímpico" with one "a" is the correct form to use for events related to athletes with disabilities, discarding the alternative spellings that are not recommended.
Additionally, capitalization rules dictate that names of buildings, monuments, and specific locations should be capitalized, while general terms and participant names should be in lowercase (e.g., "árbitra" for a female referee).
The competition’s symbols should be written without a period and with spaces (e.g., "10 km"), and “récord” and “récords” both receive an accent on the "e" in accordance with their Spanish spelling, derived from English.
The verbs used in sports commentary also have specific uses; for instance, “lesionarse la pierna” is preferred over “su pierna,” as it clarifies the reference without a possessive pronoun.
As sports terminology evolves, alternatives to English terms, like "penal" or "penalti," are recommended over the English "penalty."
These guidelines not only communicate standards but also promote a good understanding of language within the context of sports. The RAE upholds the Spanish language’s integrity, aiming to bridge traditional practices with modern language use, reflecting social changes and incorporating younger generations’ linguistic innovations.
In conclusion, the importance of language precision becoming increasingly evident. The upcoming Olympics in Paris remind us not only of the athletic excellence on display but also of the broader cultural significance that language holds in society.
Information sourced from Agencia EFE.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/noticias/2024/07/23/paris-claves-de-redaccion/
