If you’re an American you already have one of the biggest advantages in the world of languages: you speak English! It is a very important language to communicate with others. But that doesn’t mean you have to stop there. Spanish is another language that will give you many benefits as well.
But if you’re still not sure about taking Spanish classes, we want to share with you 10 reasons Americans should learn Spanish.
Reasons Why Americans Should Learn Spanish
1. America has a Large Spanish-Speaking Population
That’s right! Even though the official language of the U.S. is English, there are many Spanish-speaking people living there. So much so that it is home to the second-largest Spanish-speaking population. And Spanish has become the most spoken non-English language in the U.S.
This makes it almost necessary to learn the language. Even though many of the native Spanish speakers living in America will know the language, some of them might not. And you could even be a huge help if you understand Spanish. Even if they do know English, you have more chances of forming a deep connection with Hispanic people if you know their language.
People love when you make an effort to understand their mother tongue. You could end up being friends with your foreign neighbors, classmates, or coworkers. And they could teach you about their Hispanic culture, traditions, idioms, and everyday expressions.
A great plus if you do decide to take Spanish classes, is that you can practice with your Hispanic neighbors. With some other languages it might be harder to get native people to practice with.
2. Better Job Offers
Our second reason Americans should learn Spanish has to do with today’s globalized society! Bilingualism is a skill that a lot of companies and hiring managers are looking for. It can help companies grow into international markets.
Since Spanish is a popular first and second language around the world, it makes it a great business market. If you know the language, you can be the perfect prospect for companies that aim to reach the Hispanic/Latino people. With your help, they’ll achieve their biggest goals.
You can even become an expatriate if your boss sends you to supervise their international branch office. Or simply look for a job abroad.
Not only that, but you can also get a bilingual job within the U.S. Because of their Spanish-speaking population growth, there’s more need for bilingual employees.
3. Traveling
The U.S. is on the same continent as many Spanish-speaking countries. So, it can be easier or cheaper to travel to one of them. Plus, a lot of Americans love to visit Latin America. Either for the beautiful places, the beaches, the rich food and traditions, the weather, or the warm people.
If you speak Spanish, it’ll be easier to communicate during your vacation. As a tourist, it’s not strictly necessary to know the language, maybe just a couple of words and phrases. But you’ll definitely have a greater experience if you know it. People will feel like you truly appreciate their country, and will gladly have a conversation with you or show you around.
And, it will also be convenient for you. Because you’ll know more than gracias or how to ask ¿dónde está el baño? Or ¿cómo llego a este museo? You’ll truly understand directions, will be able to show your gratitude to people, can move freely by any means of transport, and more.
If you don’t go to Latin America, there are still other Spanish-speaking countries around the world, like Spain. And even in countries like Italy, France or Brazil you’ll be able to understand a little bit more if you speak Spanish. Because they all are romance languages.
4. Spanish is easy for native English Speakers
Spanish is one of the easiest languages for English speakers. Now, we are not saying that it’s super easy and it won’t take any effort from you to learn it. But it’s quite easy compared to other languages.
There are different reasons for this, like the fact that Spanish is pronounced the same way that it’s written. Or that English has many words that come from Latin, the language that Spanish comes from. So, you’ll find many similar words. The popularity of Spanish, the immigrants, and the closeness of the U.S. to Latin America helps with Spanish learning too.
5. Learning Spanish Helps you learn other languages
If your dream is to become a polyglot, knowing Spanish can help you achieve that goal. If you know it, it’ll be easier for you to later learn other romance languages. For example: you could then take Portuguese classes, and you’ll find many similarities with Spanish. Or you take Italian lessons, and you’ll also notice some things that are alike.
By knowing Spanish already, it’ll be easier for your brain to acquire the vocabulary and grammar rules of a new romance language. So, your polyglot dream might come faster.
6. Make new friends
As we mentioned before, people love when you want to learn their language. So, if you take Spanish classes, chances are you’ll end up being friends with an actual Spanish-speaking person. It could be a Hispanic neighbor, coworker, or just a random person living in the U.S.
And they don’t have to live only in America. You can make Spanish-speaking friends when traveling or working abroad. Or even just by connecting through the Internet. Whatever the case, Spanish will help you form strong, deep bonds with foreign people. Who knows? You might even find love and get into an overseas relationship.
7. Enjoy the art of another language
Spanish-speaking countries are very rich in art and culture.
You could listen to songs in Spanish and understand the lyrics. This would open a new world of music to you. Because the Spanish music industry is very wide, and there are many renowned and important singers. Plus, there are a lot of Spanish songs that have become popular even in non-Spanish countries.
You could also watch series or movies in Spanish and understand the plot and dialogues. Or read a book by a Hispanic author without getting lost in it. After all, it’s better to read in the original language that the book was written in because authors choose certain words for a reason. Plus, if you’re fluent in Spanish, there’s no chance of things getting lost in translation.
8. Helps delay Alzheimer’s disease
Did you know that learning a language helps delay the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? Keeping our brains healthy is one of the best things we can do to have a long and high-quality life. The numbers of people with Alzheimer’s in the United States are very high and expected to get higher. Alzheimer’s is also one of the main causes of death in the U.S.
So, you should consider learning Spanish as a healthy brain exercise. It might not stop you from ever developing the disease, but it can help you live longer without it.
9. Improves your attention span
Bilingual people tend to change between languages very often. At one point they might be hearing an English person speak, and then a Spanish one. Or they might be seeing a movie in English with Spanish subtitles. Or they even talk in both languages. A lot of bilinguals mix words of both of their languages during a casual conversation with friends or family.
This has helped them improve their attention span. That’s why bilingual people have more facility to focus.
As you can see, language learning really helps your cognitive skills overall.
10. Increase your idiomatic speech
Every language has its own idioms with which they express their feelings and thoughts. And they use those phrases every day, within their normal conversations. You do that too with your mother tongue.
When learning a new language, it’s important to learn at least the most popular idioms. Doing this will help you understand their daily speech. But not only that, but it’ll also increase your vocabulary, and give you new phrases to express yourself with.
The Spanish language has many idioms, and people use them regularly. So, if you learn Spanish and practice it with locals, you’ll have more creative and fun ways to express your ideas and feelings.
Even if you’re talking in English, if you can’t find the right words, you can throw a Spanish idiom every now and then. You’ll notice how you have wider options to express your true self.
Learn Spanish with a TruFluency Tutor
If our 10 reasons Americans should learn Spanish have convinced you that you’re ready to learn Spanish but don’t know where or how to start, we’ve got you covered!
At TruFluency, we teach you useful, relevant vocabulary, so you actually speak like a native. We believe that the main goal of learning a language is to speak it. That’s why our native Spanish teachers will focus on your conversational skills and will help you achieve Spanish fluency. Don’t be nervous, our online classes are a safe environment to speak and make mistakes.
Choose your own schedule and get started start now with 20% off of your first month of classes with code TF20. And prepare to get all the benefits of Spanish language learning with us.
