Why Learn Spanish?

Hands on Spanish

Improve Education & Job Opportunities

Why Should You Learn Spanish?

TO IMPROVE YOUR EDUCATION AND YOUR JOB OPPORTUNITIES!

Speaking a second language has been shown to increase test scores for ALL subjects. Learning a second language improves one's understanding of his/her native language because seeing the commonalities between the two languages causes a person to become aware of the roots of both languages (whether they be Latin, German, etc.). The native language (first language) will then make more sense. Also, grammar instruction is an integral part of learning a foreign language. This supplies an excellent review for the native language, as well. Learning another language makes a person think about his/her first language which improves his/her understanding of the native tongue. Therefore, knowing a second language boosts knowledge about the native language; in fact, all language studies are enhanced by knowing other languages. Speaking a second language improves knowledge of world geography, history, international cultures (including art and music), and many other social studies. People who speak a second language have a whole different perspective of the world and how cultures interact. This open-minded awareness results in a clearer global picture and in sharpened thought processes. Language-learning stimulates the brain and creates a more receptive attitude on the part of the learner.

Most people know that any high school student on a college preparatory track is required to take two years of a foreign language in high school. Colleges and universities understand the importance of foreign languages. Unfortunately, it is not required of younger students. However, many recent studies prove that the younger a person is, the more flexible his/her mind is and the more readily it can grasp another language. Other developed nations have practiced teaching foreign languages at a young age and then have continued this education throughout the school career. Finally, the US has slowly begun to incorporate foreign language learning in its elementary and middle schools (albeit in a small percentage of them). However, the fact that a person has taken a foreign language in school does not guarantee the ability to speak that language fluently. That comes with practice. It is important that we educate ourselves above and beyond what we learn in school (regardless of the level we reach in school). It is never too late to learn a foreign language. It is never too late to learn anything. It just takes dedication, time and practice.

We all know that a higher level of education will increase our job opportunities. Even though more education does not always equal more money, it does open up more doors behind which we find a variety of job positions, conditions and salaries. Opportunities = choices. Anyone who speaks another language will have many more job opportunities. Anyone who speaks Spanish in the United States will be in very high demand by a huge variety of businesses and individuals. There are many Spanish speakers who work in the United States. Speaking Spanish will afford us greater communication with them, greater productivity from them and will make our jobs (and lives) easier due to our flexibility.