The correct spelling of the word "falange" is actually "phalanx." This word comes from ancient Greek and refers to a military formation where soldiers stand in lines, shields overlapping. The spelling includes the "ph" instead of the "f" because it represents the Greek letter phi ( /f/ sound in IPA phonetic transcription). The "a" is pronounced as a short "a" sound (/æ/ in IPA) and the "nx" is pronounced as "nks" (/ŋks/ in IPA). So, the next time you come across this word, remember to spell it as "phalanx."
Falange is a noun that refers to a political or military group or unit, primarily associated with fascist ideologies and regimes. The term originated from the Spanish word "falange," meaning phalanx or formation. However, it gained its contemporary meaning from the Spanish political party founded by José Antonio Primo de Rivera in the 1930s, named Falange Española (Spanish Phalanx).
Falange typically represents a right-wing, authoritarian, and nationalist movement advocating for strong central authority, strict discipline, and the suppression of individual liberties. The ideology often promotes the notion of a homogenous society, suppressing political dissent, and emphasizing the importance of a strong leader.
Historically, the term falange has been closely associated with the Fascist regime led by Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Franco's forces, known as the Nationalists, included the Falange Española among their ranks. The falange in this context served as both a political party and a military unit, operating under the ideology of National Syndicalism.
In a broader sense, falange can also refer to similar movements and organizations adopting similar principles, particularly in countries influenced by Fascism or seeking to establish similar political systems. These have existed in various parts of the world, adapting to the social and political context of each country. However, it's important to note that the term is often used pejoratively and associated with totalitarianism and authoritarian rule.
The word "falange" originates from the Greek word "phalanx", which refers to a military formation. The Greek term initially referred to a compact and organized formation of Hoplite soldiers in ancient Greece, who would stand shoulder to shoulder, forming a wall of shields and spears to fight as a unit. The term later expanded to refer to any group or organization acting in a unified and cohesive manner, like the military phalanx.
The word passed from Greek to Latin as "phalanx" and was later adopted into other languages. In Spanish, the term became "falange", and it specifically gained prominence with the rise of the political movement known as Falange Española (Spanish Phalanx) in the 1930s. This far-right party played a significant role in Spanish politics during the Franco era.