400 Million People Are Good Reasons to Learn Spanish

Posted by David Shapter on January 10th, 2020

Spanish is a fast-growing language around the world – today, it is spoken by more than 400 million people. Its influence stretches from Spain to Latin America, and also includes countries in the Caribbean and Pacific Rim. Even in English-speaking global hubs like New York City, it is a de facto second language. If you're a corporate executive or in politics, it is clear already that you need to become bilingual. There are 21 nations identifying Spanish as their official language, and nearly everyone is growing fast. In the United States, Latin America is the largest trading partner, and the value of those business deals is increasing exponentially. For people in public and political life, relating to constituents and potential voters require connecting with them authentically, few things communicate instant respect and understanding in the way language does. For some who themselves may speak only Spanish, you'll gain new trust and acceptance where before it would have been impossible. If you'll be traveling, there is tremendous security in having language skills that allow you to communicate clearly in the event of an emergency.

Success on the job involves bringing value to your employer and speaking Spanish is one of the most tangible skills you can offer. There's no secret about the level of competition for jobs today, and adding additional language skills to your resume can boost your career. You'll be able to travel to Latin America to attend meetings and negotiate business deals with higher levels of success. There is a social and rapport side to business negotiations, and speaking someone's language allows you to connect with them more quickly and easily. If you've ever tried to negotiate through a translator, you know already how cumbersome and ineffective it might be. There is no substitute for direct communication, and when it works for you, many more things will fall into place. As the business continues to become more global, the opportunities both increase and become more critical. Opportunities to immerse yourself in the language are available close to home, and it's more than just ordering from restaurant menus. Spanish language media exist both nearby and online. From daily news reports and broadcasts to Oscar-winning films and popular music, opportunities to surround yourself with Spanish content abound. All options are useful; choose the one you like most.

Language learning is widely considered to be an excellent exercise for your brain and memory. When you take highly effective Spanish lessons, you'll have immediate opportunities for mental activity. From memorizing vocabulary to developing an ear for pronunciation, your brain will be engaged and working. The mental focus required is beneficial, and you'll enjoy the process. Great teachers advise new learners to stick with the process in the beginning until the necessary skills are in place to allow faster progress. If you have an urgent need to learn, some aspects of the process may be accelerated. But for the best long-term results, setting reasonable goals and working consistently are the best ways to assure success. If you can, while you are learning, booking travel to a Spanish-speaking country can be a wise idea. There you will be immersed naturally, and as you practice speaking, it's easy to see when you're communicating effectively – or still have more to learn. It will also be easier to make new friends and develop relationships. Communication makes everything possible, and as your fluency grows, you'll experience many other opportunities presenting themselves naturally.

David Shapter is the author of this article. For further detail about Private Spanish Lessons NYC please visit the website.