¿Qué lengua se habla...?
From my textbook, it says '¿Qué lengua se habla en Jamaica?'
I wonder can I say it without 'se'? Like ¿Que lenguas hablan en Jamaica?
Because I just wanna ask 'what languages do the people in Jamaica speak?' if I say it in English.

Also, why is my textbook using 'habla'? Isn't it referring to a single person (el/ella/usted) in Jamaica? Isn't 'hablan' better?

Question

¿Qué lengua se habla...?
From my textbook, it says '¿Qué lengua se habla en Jamaica?' 
I wonder can I say it without 'se'? Like  ¿Que lenguas hablan en Jamaica? 
Because I just wanna ask 'what languages do the people in Jamaica speak?' if I say it in English.

Also, why is my textbook using 'habla'? Isn't it referring to a single person (el/ella/usted) in Jamaica? Isn't 'hablan' better?

Answer

The "se habla" is the use of an "impersonal se" which doesn't actually indicate any particular party that speaks. It is like saying "is spoken." As you will realize, saying "is spoken" does not specifically identify any party as a subject, but rather puts the emphasis on the action.

Answer

Hello,
Habla is for third singular person She/he but also impersonal, something like it talks in English. 
I am Spanish teacher from Mexico, If you are interested in you can book a trial lesson with me.
Dalia

Answers · 3

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