Why You Shouldn't Wait to Learn Spanish

I am a Spanish tutor by profession, but don’t let me sway your opinion of why I think you should learn Spanish. I might be a bit biased, so por favor, te pido perdón antes que sigas leyendo (I apologize before you go on reading)…

According to the Diamond Valley Learning Centre, here are 10 Reasons Why You Should Learn and Speak Spanish:

1. Global Relevance and Reach

Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world, with over 460 million native speakers. It is an official language in 21 countries, making it an essential tool for international communication, travel, and business. Learning Spanish can significantly enhance your ability to connect with a diverse and vast global community.

2. Career Advancement

In an increasingly interconnected world, employers highly value multilingual candidates. Learning Spanish can significantly boost your employability and open up a plethora of career opportunities. Many international companies seek employees who can communicate proficiently in both English and Spanish, especially in industries like tourism, trade, healthcare, and customer service.

3. Travel Enrichment

Traveling to Spanish-speaking countries becomes a more enriching experience when you can speak the local language. It allows you to immerse yourself in the culture, interact with the locals, and navigate through different regions with ease. Speaking Spanish ensures that your travel experiences are not only enjoyable but also authentic and insightful.

4. Cultural Understanding

Language is a window to culture. Learning Spanish exposes you to the diverse and rich cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of their history, traditions, customs, and literature. This cultural insight enhances your ability to appreciate and connect with people from various backgrounds.

5. Enhanced Cognitive Skills

Research shows that learning a new language improves cognitive functions such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and multitasking. It exercises your brain and can delay cognitive decline in later years. The complex grammar and vocabulary of Spanish can provide an excellent mental workout, enhancing your overall cognitive abilities.

6. Language of Art and Literature

Spanish is a language that has produced some of the world’s most influential literature and art. From renowned authors like Gabriel García Márquez to iconic painters like Pablo Picasso, the Spanish-speaking world has made significant contributions to the arts. Learning Spanish enables you to appreciate these masterpieces in their original language and understand the subtleties often lost in translation.

7. Foster Personal Relationships

Speaking a person’s native language is a powerful way to connect on a deeper level. If you have Spanish-speaking friends or family members, learning their language can strengthen your relationships and provide a more meaningful way to communicate and share experiences.

8. Educational Opportunities

Spanish is one of the most commonly studied languages in schools and universities worldwide. Proficiency in Spanish can open doors to scholarships, study abroad programs, and academic collaborations. If you’re a student or planning to further your education, knowing Spanish can give you a competitive edge.

9. Expand Your Social Network

Learning Spanish opens up a vast network of potential new friends and acquaintances. Language learning communities, both online and offline, offer opportunities to connect with fellow learners and native speakers. Building relationships within these networks can enrich your personal and professional life.

10. Personal Fulfillment and Enjoyment

Last but certainly not least, learning Spanish can be a highly enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Discovering a new language, practicing speaking, and achieving milestones in your learning journey can bring a great sense of accomplishment and joy. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!

My personal reasons for learning and speaking Spanish range from love to personal and professional development. As an international family, we also have grown roots in both Argentina and Mexico and love visiting other Spanish-speaking countries like Colombia and Cuba.

If any of you reading this are a foodie like me, that is enough reason to learn Spanish (to try all that yummy food!)… Here are some of the samples of food we’ve tried in Latin America. Enjoy!

Are you hungry yet? Get hungry for Spanish! It is the easiest language to learn and is rich in culture.

¡Ojalá quieras aprender español! ¡Qúe te vaya muy bien!

Kimberlee❤️

Kimberlee Thorne is an author, content writer, professional linguist, and the owner of Empalingua (an online language tutoring company).