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If you are thinking about learning Spanish, you are not alone! There are an estimated 20 million people studying it right now. For those of you who are not sure if Spanish is for you, let us talk you through some of the many reasons why speaking Spanish can have a positive impact on your life.
Spanish is an official language in 20 different countries, making it the second most widely spoken language in the world. Although fewer people speak Spanish than Mandarin Chinese, it is still a major global player. There are over 400 million native Spanish speakers, and more than 550 million competent speakers worldwide. Spanish unlocks the door to Spain, Central America, South America, and even the Caribbean! It is also the most popular second language in the United States and is spoken by around 15% of EU-residents.
Spanish can be a huge advantage when looking for a job. If you were to search LinkedIn for jobs requiring Spanish, you would find over 74,000 positions! In addition to there being a lot of jobs out there, in 2014 it was reported by The Economist that people who speak two or more languages are paid at least 2% more than single-language individuals across all industries. Since the pandemic, this number has increased to between 5 – 20%!
Did you know that Spanish is considered an “easy” language for native English speakers to learn? Although English is a Germanic Language and Spanish comes from the Romance (Latin) language family, English has over time incorporated many Latin words. This means that many words are recognisable to English speakers. They may not be exactly the same, but you can usually make a good guess at their meaning. That said, if your native language is another Romance language, then Spanish will really be a piece of cake!
Another great reason for learning Spanish is that it is a ‘gateway’ to other Romance languages. If you can master Spanish, the chances are that learning Italian, Portuguese, French, and even Romanian will be much easier.
Learning another language makes you smarter and keeps your brain healthy. Some studies have shown that language study strengthens memory, sharpens focus, and can even help you to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.
Multi-lingual people also tend to have better cognitive function [ https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/can-learning-a-foreign-language-prevent-dementia/ ] than single-language speakers. This means that they are able to switch between tasks with ease and manage sudden change. Speaking more than one language also makes you better at conflict management and able to see issues from different points of view.
Learning Spanish gives you access to a vast range of cultures and perspectives. From Latin America to Spain and even North Africa, knowing Spanish and being able to communicate with locals is a huge benefit. When we experience a new culture we expand our understanding of people’s beliefs, customs, and perspectives. It helps us to improve our worldview and to be better global citizens.
Of course, there are many factors that impact how quickly you learn Spanish. Things like your personal motivation, your experience with language learning, where you are, and the resources and infrastructure available to you, can all be factors in your success.
We estimate, based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) that it would take a dedicated student approximately 66 weeks to go from A1.1 – C1.2. However, at FreeDa we monitor students’ progress closely. That way, students who are learning quickly can progress to the next level. It also means that we can identify and support students who need more help with their Spanish.
Learning Spanish is like any other language or new skill. It takes time and dedication to improve and become fluent. However, there are a number of things that you can do, to speed up the process and learn Spanish quickly.
Learning through immersing yourself in your target language is one of the fastest ways to master a language. Studies have shown that students who do this are more fluent and confident in a foreign language use. They also have a better understanding of the context of a language and most often pick up the slang, jokes and non-verbal aspects in a more natural way.
“If you want to learn a language, you have to surround yourself with it and use it,’ – Maija Kozlova
Latin America is a wonderful place. The variety of countries and cultures guarantee amazing experiences and adventures. So, why is Spain a better choice for learning Spanish?
If you are based in Europe, Spain is a lot closer to home. It is also part of the European Union, making it very easy for EU citizens to live and study in Spain. There is also the benefit of the common currency and banking system, removing the hassle of trying to find a reputable currency exchange service or international ATM.
Probably the biggest factor in favour of Spain is safety. Crime exists in all countries, however if we look at the crime rate , it is evident that Spain is a safe destination. Sadly, six Latin and Central American countries appear on the list of the ten highest crime rates. By comparison, Spain is at 103 – better placed than Sweden, Norway, and Germany. With this in mind, it is probably better to learn Spanish in Spain, then embark on your Latin American adventure once you have the language skills to manage a broader range of situations and experiences.
Aside from travelling to Spain and/or enrolling in a course, here are our top tips for learning Spanish!
Spanish is a popular language for many reasons; career, travel, love, culture, family… Whatever your motivation is, learning Spanish is a very rewarding experience! If you would like to learn more about how we can help you start your Spanish adventure, contact us here
