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Ten Reasons Why You Should Learn Spanish

I got this from a website...

1. Communicate with 350 million native Spanish speakers worldwide.
Spanish is spoken by at least an estimated 350 million people around the world and is currently the 4th most commonly spoken language worldwide. Geographically, a large number of countries have Spanish as a dominant language: Spain, the United States, Venezuela, Argentina, Chile, Equatorial Guinea, the Philippines, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, Colombia, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Knowing Spanish opens the door for you to communicate with 1/3 of a billion speakers worldwide!

(actually from the 2007 almanac, Spanish is now the second world's major language after chinese mandarin)

2. Communicate with Spanish-speaking people at home.
If you live in the US, it is possible to maintain almost daily contact with native Spanish speakers in many cities or even in rural areas. This is certainly the case in the many states bordering Mexico, or such states as Florida and New York where many immigrants of Cuban ancestry reside. Even if your home state is not located in one of these areas, there is still a great likelihood of finding Spanish-speakers close to where you live. As of 1995, 10% of all people living in the US were of Hispanic descent. In the past 10 years, this number has continued to increase.

Perhaps this is why 53% of students learning languages in US colleges and universities are learning Spanish over languages. You have the opportunity to use your language skills right at home.

3. Learn Spanish to enhance your travel experiences.
If you've ever dreamed of visiting far-off, exotic, tropical places, you don't have far to look when you consider the great number of Spanish-speaking countries that fit this description. Wherever you decide to go, be it to Central America, or to Spain, the mother-country of the Spanish language, knowing the language will get you far.

Knowing the language and culture of the land you visit will give you insights into the people and culture that a non-Spanish speaker would never have access to. Knowing even a little Spanish ahead of time helps travelers communicate more successfully, especially considering that a great number of Spanish speakers do not know English. Whether giving an address in a taxi, making reservations in a hotel, ordering food or drinks in a restaurant, or meeting the locals at the main hang-out, your travel experience will be much smoother and more enjoyable when you can communicate.

If you take a little time to learn some of the Spanish language before heading off to distant lands, your understanding and appreciation for the places you visit will be improved tremendously.

4. Use Spanish to improve your employment potential.
Know a second language? Great, you're hired! If you have proven yourself to be a capable employee with just the right job skills AND you speak a foreign language such as Spanish, you are much more likely to land that job of your dreams than if you are monolingual. In fact, many jobs today require a minimum of basic proficiency in another language.

With the world becoming ever more global, contact with people of other countries has increased tremendously in recent decades. Just having a basic knowledge may be all it takes to separate yourself from the crowd of applicants for the job you are pursuing. With the rapidly increasing Hispanic population, there are a multitude of career fields in the US that need Spanish speakers. Among them are nurses, social workers, teachers, salespeople, translators, and many more.

Internationally, people who speak Spanish often have opportunities to work in trade or business fields. Other options include diplomacy, interpretation, and security applications, which all require a sensitivity and proficiency of another language. And did you know that bilingual employees often receive a larger salary than their non-Spanish speaking counterparts?

If the chance to show off your skills and be more competitive on the job market doesn't interest you in studying Spanish, perhaps the extra cash will!

5. Learn Spanish to improve your knowledge of your own language.
Spanish is from the Romance language family of languages, its roots coming primarily from Latin, the language spoken by the Romans. As you might know, English, too has many words of Latin origin. Because of this, knowing Spanish helps speakers of English (as well as some other European languages) broaden their vocabulary in their native language. Often times, these same Latin roots are at the base of many sophisticated words in English, so Spanish learners can also become more proficient in English.

In addition, a recognition and understanding of these words of Latin origin is especially helpful in certain professions in science, medicine, law, and many others with specialized vocabulary, as the many centuries of Roman rule left their mark linguistically in these and other modern scientific and professional fields.

6. Learn Spanish to prepare for study abroad opportunities.
Many high schools, colleges, and universities offer study abroad opportunities. Many different types of programs are available to choose from and they vary in time from as little as a week of study to one semester, or even a whole year. Often, as little as one semester or one year of prior language study is all that is needed to qualify to participate in an exchange program.

Without taking that first step of signing up for a language class, you may just miss out on one of life's most exciting adventures possible. What could be better than living, breathing, and using your newly acquired language skills than actually putting them to use in one of the many Spanish-speaking countries from around the world? Not only does an exchange program give you the opportunity to use the Spanish you know, but also the opportunity to improve your language abilities on a daily basis. Constant exposure the language and culture of the city in which you study is believed to be the key to true language mastery and helps pave the way to literacy and native speaker like fluency.

Exchange students benefit not only from the opportunity to practice language daily, but also from the credits they receive for the classes taken while abroad. Most schools even allow students to fulfill multiple academic requirements while studying in a foreign country. Who doesn't love the idea of receiving credits toward graduation at the same time as having the experience of a lifetime?

7. Better appreciate Spanish-speaking cultures.
Apart from opening up access to areas of "high" culture such as art, literature, and history, a knowleged of Spanish can help learners understand and appreciate day-to-day culture in the Spanish-speaking world. The ability to read and understand authentic Spanish -- whether that be in the newspaper, on television, in magazines, in letters from friends or pen pals, or on the street -- truly gives an "insider" view into the language and all of its different shades of meaning.

Learning the Spanish language and culture go hand-in-hand. While not impossible to learn Spanish never having experienced the culture first hand, direct exposure to the culture will give language learners insights into the language that would otherwise not be possible.

8. Learn Spanish to make lifelong friends.
As most people would probably recognize, the primary purpose of a language is to facilitate communication between people. However, what many people don't realize is that learning a foreign language, although intimidating at times, opens many doors to meeting new and exciting people that wouldn't otherwise be possible. Getting to know somebody by communicating with them in their own language is a great way to really get to know that person on a much deeper level than only through communicating with gestures or body language. Language study, practice, and exposure to the language are vital to effective and successful communication.

Even though becoming proficient in Spanish might take a lot of effort, dedication, and time on the part of the learner, the rewards can be great. Imagine all of the friends it is possible to make while on vacation, during study abroad, through having a common interest in music, or even while at work? Having lifelong international friends not only opens future travel opportunities but makes you a cultural ambassador both at home and abroad.

9. Learning Spanish makes acquiring the next foreign language easier.
It is often said by people who have become bilingual in Spanish or another language: Through hard work, perseverance, and lots of practice, the next language one learns is much easier to master by comparison. Learning a foreign language develops a whole set of mental, social, and cultural skills and this newfound awareness carries over to other languages when learned. Once Spanish has been learned to a proficient level, when the grammar concepts, vocabulary, and other facets of the language have become fairly automatic, picking up a new language comes much more effortlessly. The new languages studied, especially of European origin, tend to have a lot of recognizable, common elements that are more easily assimilated and expanded upon by tapping into previous language-learning experience. In fact, once you know Spanish, other languages in the Romance language family such as Italian, French, Portuguese, or even ancient Latin, will almost seem like "cousins" to the Spanish you've already learned!

10. Gain access to Spanish art, music, literature and film.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to view a film in its original language instead of watching it in a dubbed version? Are you tired of being distracted from enjoying a film by the need to read the film's subtitles? Have you wondered if the translation of the film is accurate or if you are missing out on the details in the film? Becoming proficient in Spanish would greatly enhance your enjoyment of such Oscar-winning films as Belle epoque (1993), All About My Mother (1999), and The Sea Inside (2004).

In addition to deriving more enjoyment from films, a knowledge of Spanish would help gain access into the minds and times of the people responsible for some of the greatest literature in the Spanish-speaking world. Who hasn't heard of Miguel de Cervantes, whose novel, Don Quixote was not only groundbreaking in the 16th century when first published, but continues to fascinate and inspire current audiences?

What about Spanish music and art? Most people would recognize Colombian singing-sensation, Shakira, and Spanish cubist painter Pablo Picasso is known worldwide for his modern-style of art that has influenced the artistic community around the globe. In recent years, film stars from Spain and Latin America such as Penelope Cruz, Antonio Banderas, and Salma Hayak have become recognized not just at home, but in Hollywood as well.
__________________

By Simon on Sep 19, 2007, 13:54 in Friendly Talkzone.

nine inch nails says on Sep 19, 2007, 14:23:

Exacto. Muchas gracias para ese informacion. He usado espanol 2 semanas pasado con taxista en Nueva Inglatierra.

Siempre Espanish!

The Hedge funds have all gone wild on us!

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Simon says on Sep 19, 2007, 14:43:

"Really if you want to learn another language, Mandarin should be first on the list logically, no?"

Not if you're interested in learning more about Colombia.

"DON'T FOK WITH COLOMBIA!!"-----Simon

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Simon says on Sep 19, 2007, 14:57:

"Spanish is an EASY language, anybody who puts in a little effort can at least turn to survive in Spanish."

Compared to Mandarin, I'm sure it's very easy to learn.

"DON'T FOK WITH COLOMBIA!!"-----Simon

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Leeroy says on Sep 19, 2007, 16:59:

I believe that, generally speaking, it makes more sense for most people to learn Spanish instead of Mandarin. The big predictions that so many seem to make about Mandarin becoming "the future world language" are missing out on a few things...

1. The phonology of it is a bastard. Kids learn phonology well, adults don't. There are very few successful "Speakers of Chinese as a Second/Foreign Language".
2. Orthographically it looks very nice, but it is woefully inefficient - and also virtually impossible for any adult to learn to read/write.
3. Too much information is now present (written and electronically) in English - the vast majority of scientific research is published in English, as are many historical records etc...
4. Too many people have invested too much money, time and effort in establishing English as a world language - they are not suddenly going to change their minds and move over to Chinese.
5. China is the world's factory - it produces cheap goods for us to consume. This does not require that everyone have a decent level/proficiency in the Chinese language. Ever since Mao's cultural revolution China has not exactly been at the forefront of innovation - technological, social, educational or otherwise. China is good at producing cheap goods, little else.
6. Chinese people are, on the whole, not very open to foreigners. Even if you do speak Chinese, it is unlikely you will be having any "friendly chats" any time soon with the locals.

Why learn Spanish? See above.

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ozgringo says on Sep 19, 2007, 17:12:

Here are some very interesting stats on the use of English on the internet .. Probably in the vacinity of 2 billion users...twice that of chinese..

http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats7.htm

tried to think of something deep to write here.. but couldn't think of anything..

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CaptainHowdy says on Sep 19, 2007, 17:24:

Hey, don't knock the China.. They're the world's leader producer of....Chinese people!!! jajaja

Teaching preteens the things they need to know!

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Leeroy says on Sep 19, 2007, 17:36:

Quite, ozgringo...

While native English speakers (myself included) might like to believe that we are teaching the world "our language", the reality is that there are already far more non-native speakers of English than there are native speakers. English is not "ours" anymore, and it hasn't been for a while.

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Leeroy says on Sep 19, 2007, 17:44:

" large number of countries have Spanish as a dominant language: Spain, the United States"

I think the key here is the word "a".

Very crafty. Had it said "the dominant language" then it would have been downright incorrect. "...a dominant language" could just about pass. So it's not the predominant language, but it is "a dominant" language in some ways. Like dominant in some geographical areas, or dominant among languages other than English, etc...

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elchantajista says on Sep 19, 2007, 17:57:

oye Simon. SIMON yea i love speaking spanish and if you want to be a part of the spanish world you really have to learn it and i think my gringo compardres realize this

anda de parranda al Juanchito "Vicente"

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Portena says on Sep 19, 2007, 18:01:

Good post, Simon.

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elchantajista says on Sep 19, 2007, 18:07:

Leeroy
"Chinese people are, on the whole, not very open to foreigners. Even if you do speak Chinese, it is unlikely you will be having any "friendly chats" any time soon with the locals."i speak some chinese and they will warm up to u and the chicas are sweet well aleast thats been my exp. i;ve been to tiawan and of course the chinese rest. here in my home town lol

anda de parranda al Juanchito "Vicente"

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Buongone says on Sep 19, 2007, 19:14:

I've been to the Philippines a whole bunch of times. The language spoken there is Tagalog. It is a mixture of Chinese/Spanish. Doe'snt sound like spanish.

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RussianFred says on Sep 19, 2007, 20:06:

Spanish who gives a f..., no English and we have $$$$$$$$$ shame on you!
The only reason to learn Spanish are for the chicas or to take advantage of the Spanish

This is the real world, learn spanish for women or money!!!

Annual Drug Deaths: Tobacco: 395,000, Alcohol: 125,000, 'Legal' Drugs: 38,000, Illegal Drug Overdoses: 5,200, Marijuana: 0. Considering government subsidies of tobacco, just what is our government protecting us from in the drug war?--Ralph Nader

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Lucas Freley says on Sep 19, 2007, 20:13:

Muy buen post Simon. Aca en Argentina son cada vez mas los estudiantes europeos como norteamericanos (USA/Canada) que vienen a estudiar castellano (español). A nivel mundial, se esta dando una situacion muy graciosa en ciertos ambitos.
Por ejemplo en el Tenis, en los torneos de polvo de ladrillo (Clay) la mayoria de los jugadores son españoles y argentinos. Y las conferencias de prensa luego de los partidos se hacen en español, aunque se juegue en Rumania por dar un ejemplo.
Y asi pasa en otros ambitos.
Nadie obliga a nadie a aprender castellano o español. Problema de cada uno.

Hoy que estás esplendida y que todo lo iluminas, demos un paseo, vuelta por el Universo (Gustavo Cerati)

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capitan_centella says on Sep 19, 2007, 21:30:

Hum. . . i just learn spanish becouse it´s the most beautiful language in the world. So complex and still so vibrant. . .

or in wich language can you made one like this:

"me gustas cuando callas por que estas como ausente" . . . try to beat that.

(;-)

"When you open your eyes, you turn around with the world, But it can change, if you only close it, and see a dream to yourself." Me.

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manINred says on Sep 19, 2007, 21:30:

I live in Montreal and I use more Spanish here than French!!!

Spanish is a very important language, a new life literally opened up for me when I learned it.

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goin_south says on Sep 19, 2007, 21:43:

Learn spanish so you can expand your business world.

(exploit those mode's) ;)

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 19, 2007, 22:09:

Ten reasons why you should learn Spanish

1. las colombianas
2. las boricuas
3. las dominicanas
4. las argentinas
5. las espanolas
6. las ticas
7. las panamenas
8. las mexicanas
9. las venezolanas
10. pa' entender reggaeton

que nota!

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goin_south says on Sep 19, 2007, 22:13:

I like your list best;
no peruanas?

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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christobeldawg says on Sep 19, 2007, 22:22:

for all the reasons in the list, plus it's good for the brain to exercise it

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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el flaco says on Sep 20, 2007, 02:39:

The reason for learning Spanish is because Spanish speakers are unwilling to learn English unlike the rest of the world. Once you can communicate with them they are the friendliest people on earth. What I love is that you can ask direct questions without them taking offence.
On this site everyone thinks Colombians are special but to me their the same as any other Spanish speaking people (do I mean Hispanics?).
And it is so easy to learn, you can mispronounce and get the grammar wrong and still communicate.

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gabolicious says on Sep 20, 2007, 05:49:

Está en chino aprender mandarín.

jajajajaja

Elección no canonización....

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paisa29 says on Sep 20, 2007, 05:53:

Una buena razón para quienes no entienden el español aprenderlo es para saber si alguien está diciendo cosas bonitas o los están insultando.

"Fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality" Conrad Hilton

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john_stark says on Sep 20, 2007, 06:00:

"Una buena razón para quienes no entienden el español aprenderlo es para saber si alguien está diciendo cosas bonitas o los están insultando."

La verdad.

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capitan_centella says on Sep 20, 2007, 12:29:

insultar en cualquier idioma es muy útil. Hay que aprender a comunicarse con los taxistas. . .

JAJAJAJAAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAA

"When you open your eyes, you turn around with the world, But it can change, if you only close it, and see a dream to yourself." Me.

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 20, 2007, 13:53:

Oh yeah, how could I forget cubanas, peruanas etc.

I think the conclusion is, there are more than ten reasons to learn Spanish.

que nota!

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goin_south says on Sep 20, 2007, 21:48:

"....Colombia has an official language, the US does NOT!"

Oh. Really? Other than the dominant usage... WHO declares or where is it written, what it is, or if each country has an 'OFFICIAL' language??

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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christobeldawg says on Sep 20, 2007, 21:59:

good question Gs. Is that in the Colombian Constitution, that espanol is the official language?
We need to learn both languages, and then maybe a couple more, and then we can start to be seen as worldly. jaja

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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goin_south says on Sep 20, 2007, 22:20:

Es geht mir gut! ja!!!

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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Lucas Freley says on Sep 22, 2007, 21:52:

Going south, Wie gehts dir...

Ahora si te digo Hur mar du...seguro que Desi podría contestar.;)

Hoy que estás esplendida y que todo lo iluminas, demos un paseo, vuelta por el Universo (Gustavo Cerati)

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christobeldawg says on Sep 22, 2007, 22:12:

parlez vous francais? ah kin spake a bit a kocknee ah spose

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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Miguel says on Sep 23, 2007, 09:57:

"Oh yeah, how could I forget cubanas, peruanas etc.

I think the conclusion is, there are more than ten reasons to learn Spanish." ( mi llave Pedro)

13. Las chilenas.

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Sep 23, 2007, 10:06:

Tack Lucas det är bara bra. ;)
Strata2Woman would know how to answer this: Hei, kuinka voit? Miten olet jaksellut?

Cheers,
Desi

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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Chelesupercono says on Sep 23, 2007, 19:10:

I think that if the Constitution is written in English and legal text is in English then isn't that the OFFICIAL language of the USA ? I have never heard of a trial in the U.S in any other language than English. There was some discussion in early US history about a vote for the language between English and German....

I have never seen a legal document in another language than English....

never go to bed with someone crazier then you are, you will do it and you will regret it.......

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goin_south says on Sep 23, 2007, 23:44:

Oh; si! Chelesupercono... forgive us our tolerance for all things! en eeuu.

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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goin_south says on Sep 24, 2007, 00:14:

Rubito... I vote you the most FUTURISTIC THINKER on pbh.
At least in your own mind.
I appreciate your psychedelic socio-economic visionarios ;)

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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robi666 (Trustee board) says on Sep 24, 2007, 03:17:

"Ten Reasons Why You Should Learn Spanish"
Who needs ten reasons? I met some gringos who had lived here several years and could not speak any decent spanish yet. They sounded ridiculous.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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