Do you want to know why Spanish is important to learn?
There are thousands of reasons for learning this descendant of Vulgar Latin, a sibling of French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian languages.
Right after Chinese, Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world.
There are more than 475 million speakers on every continent!
In the US, there are more than 41 million native Spanish speakers.
Spanish food traditions, rich history, and culture are only some of the reasons for learning Spanish.
Learning Spanish can give you many opportunities, help with your career, enrich your life, or simply make you feel happy and satisfied.
Let’s see why is Spanish so important to know (we know 10 reasons!).
Spanish Is the Second Most Spoken Language
As we already mentioned, Spanish is, right after Chinese, the most spoken language in the world. With more than 475 million native speakers, it takes second place.
If you add the number of speakers who speak Spanish as their second (or third, even fourth) language, then we get the number of more than 572 million Spanish speakers.
Only in the USA, there are around 41 million native Spanish speakers, and in the next several years, it will be the country with the most native Spanish speakers worldwide.
We suppose that these facts are enough for you to realize that the benefits of learning a second language (or third, or even fourth), in our case Spanish, are endless.
It is so easy to practice the language. All around you, you can find Spanish speakers.
You can talk to them at work, in the disco, at the coffee shop, or while jogging in the park.
Spanish is Very Easy to Learn
Not every language in the world is a piece of cake to learn.
However, Spanish is not in that box.
Even though there are some challenging parts of learning Spanish, such as the subjunctive mood or conjugation of the verb gustar but, generally, this language is very easy to learn.
Unlike English, which has more exceptions than rules, grammar rules in Spanish are easy to follow. You only have to stick to them, and more than half of the job is done.
Moreover, there are thousands of cognates that are the same or similar, like in English, so even if you haven't yet started learning it, you might already know many Spanish words.
Spanish Can Help You With Your Career
If you are a person who is ambitious and wants to make progress in their career, Spanish can help you with that, too.
If you learn Spanish, you have one more skill you can add to your current CV.
Or you can take advantage of your current work if your boss needs someone who speaks Spanish to expand their business to Spanish-speaking countries. So, thanks to the Spanish, you can get promoted at your current workplace.
Since there are so many countries with Spanish as their official language. Moreover, almost the whole continent, if you want to do something different in your life and find a job abroad, for example, in Latin America, here is one more reason for learning Spanish.
Learn Other Languages Faster
The benefits of learning a second language are endless, from health to personal ones.
Spanish can be a powerful tool to help you with that. Spanish is part of the Romance language family, which means that it shares many similarities with other descendants of Vulgar Latin, such as Catalan, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian languages.
Their core vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure are very similar, which shortens the time for learning similar languages.
And the result is proficiency in more than two (or three) languages.
How great does that sound?
Spanish Improves Your Native Language
Sounds weird, but it is true.
Let’s look at the example of the English language.
Native English speakers, naturally, start learning the language when they are babies. To say something, they make mistakes, and parents correct them. So, they memorize that pattern of what is and what isn’t correct without knowing the grammar rule or exceptions.
But, when you start learning Spanish, then you learn rules, words, and phrases, and you get an explanation of why and how you have to use them. With Spanish, you ‘open your eyes’ and you become more aware of the English rules and phrases, as well.
It doesn’t apply only in English but every other language, that is a person’s native language.
Enjoy Movies, Soap Operas, And TV Shows In Spanish
Spanish cinematography is known as one of the best ones.
The same is with popular soap operas.
So, imagine the possibility of watching movies on Netflix in Spanish, or some entertaining TV shows. Not only can you improve your listening skills, but you can also learn many Spanish slang words, and Mexican slang as well. If you are watching some exciting Mexican telenovela or even some juicy cursing words.
Besides, you can watch them and enjoy the satisfaction that you understand what is happening and what they are talking about which is priceless.
The Hispanic World of Art, Literature, And Music
Do we need to mention how rich and wonderful the Hispanic art is?
Or perhaps to remind you of the great poet Pablo Neruda or Marquez and his work Cien Años de Soledad? Wouldn't it be wonderful to read them in their original language, Spanish?
Reading something that is written in its original language is one extra benefit and satisfaction.
And when you want to chill out and feel the summer in music, there is no better way than to listen to Spanish music. It doesn’t have to be something classic or serious. Despacito or some catchy tune by Enrique Iglesias or Ricky Martin is also accepted. Whatever makes you move.
Every Traveler Needs Spanish
More than 20 countries worldwide where you can speak Spanish can be the right decision for your next vacation.
With Spanish knowledge of travel phrases, you won’t find it hard to order food at the restaurant in Spanish or to ask for directions.
And since Spaniards are very friendly, and open-hearted people, you can practice your Spanish with them, talk about many different things, and even find a true friend, or perhaps a significant other.
Who knows what is waiting for you in the Spanish corner?
If you're looking for a convenient travel companion, Babbel is your friend in need. It provides a fun way to learn Spanish. AND! it goes right in your pocket.
Make Friends And Find Love
Let’s follow up on the previous lines and to emphasize that making friends has many benefits, especially if you don’t share the same native language.
As you know, Spaniards are warm and friendly people, always willing to help you and give you the support if needed.
You don’t have to travel to Spain or another Spanish speaking country to make friends. You can do that from the comfort of your home online.
There are so many chat communities, social media where you can meet some great people.
Maybe among Spaniards, you even find your soulmate and have the chance to finally practice all the 'I love you' phrases in Spanish.
Learning Spanish Keeps Your Brain Young
Yes, this one is true.
Learning languages gives you many benefits.
Among other reasons, perhaps one of the most essential is the impact on your health.
According to recent research studies, learning languages can help prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
So, start learning and practicing Spanish, and your brain will get the exercise it needs to stay young.
Now, do you see why Spanish is important to learn?
We shared with you not two or three, but ten reasons and explained the benefits of learning Spanish.
Don’t forget that Spanish isn’t a difficult language to learn, and you can start anytime you want.
If you feel like taking on the challenge of learning Spanish, try this course at Coursera. It covers everything from the basics to more advanced topics.
What are 5 benefits of learning Spanish?
The biggest benefits of learning Spanish are: it's the second most widely spoken language so you can speak to a lot of people, you can enjoy amazing Spanish cinema and television, learning Spanish can help you get to know your native language better, it's also useful for travel and it's a great career advantage.
Is it worth learning Spanish?
Spanish is very useful to know because it's commonly spoken around the world.
Does knowing Spanish help you get a job?
Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world, so having it on your CV can increase your chances of landing a job you like.
