Unlocking Opportunities: The Compelling Benefits of Learning Spanish for English Speakers
There are so many advantages to learning a foreign language, including cognitive benefits and increased job opportunities. Here’s some of the reasons why Spanish in particular might be the best language for English speakers to learn:
Let’s be honest, the English are not known for their linguistic appetite. When it comes to learning another language, the UK falls behind many of its European neighbours. In fact, people in the UK are joint third least likely in Europe to speak a second language, with only 31% of the population speaking an additional language (compared to over half of people in the EU).
With the establishment of English as the lingua franca, and the pervasiveness of English around the world (there are more than 2 billion English speakers worldwide), this insight is perhaps not surprising. But could our reluctance to embrace other languages mean we’re missing out?
The evidence is unanimous when it comes to the benefits of learning a second language: there are many! For starters, people who speak multiple languages enjoy a number of cognitive benefits, including improved memory, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, enhanced concentration, and better listening skills. It also helps to stave off mental ageing and cognitive decline.
Beyond the hard facts of neuroscience, the advantages it could bring to your personal and professional life are undeniable. A second, third or fourth language can only help you to communicate with and understand people from other cultures, opening up opportunities for work, travel and socialising.
Since you know that learning a language is worth the time and investment, why learn Spanish in particular? Let me give you some reasons:
It’s easy!
OK, you can’t learn a language overnight, but if you’re looking to add another language to your repertoire (or to your CV), you may find Spanish an easier starting point than Russian or Mandarin, for example.
It’s generally agreed that Spanish is one of the easiest second language to learn for English speakers, and indeed there are certain qualities of Spanish that mean you may be able to pick it up more quickly. For one thing, its Latin base means there are plenty of words which will be familiar to us as English speakers. Secondly, it’s a phonetic language meaning it sounds how it looks; no nasty surprises when it comes to pronunciation.
A dynamic social life
If you’re looking to make new friends, with around 120,000 Spanish speakers in the UK, Spanish is a great language for expanding your social circle. Statistics show that the population of Spanish people in the UK has been growing over the last ten years whereas Latin Americans became recognised as a distinct ethnic group on official forms for the first time in 2012.
So even if your Spanish and Latin American peers speak English perfectly well, a knowledge of Spanish could help you to make deeper linguistic and social connections with them. You’ll be able to open doors to Hispanic culture without even leaving your “barrio”*. iViva la fiesta!
A taste of Hispanic culture
We couldn’t mention Hispanic culture without talking about food. From Spanish tapas to Argentinian steaks, there are so many delicious options to enjoy from Spanish-speaking countries, and these cuisines are becoming more and more popular. For example, did you know that the number of Mexican restaurants in the UK grew by 71% in 2015? If you want to know your burritos from your bandejas and impress your waiters (and maybe your dinner date) next time you dine out, a knowledge of Spanish beyond a few basic expressions might come in handy.
Your passport to exotic locations
If you’re reading this on a wet and dreary day, looking out of your window and dreaming of far-off places, you might find it tempting to know that Spanish is noted as one of the best languages to learn for travel — perhaps one reason that it has become England’s fastest growing language.
There are more than 480 million native Spanish-speakers throughout the world. Not only does this make Spanish the second most widely spoken mother tongue in the world, but it is also the official or national language of 20 countries, including Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Costa Rica. Not bad places for a holiday, eh? With a good knowledge of Spanish you’ll be a more-prepared traveler, able to meet more local people and have a more authentic experience of the country.
Getting down to business
Spanish has long been a sought after language for American companies doing business with South and Central America, but with more than 480 million Spanish-speakers throughout the world in 20 countries. Spanish skills are increasingly an asset for companies worldwide, including in the UK. You may be surprised to learn that it’s the third most spoken language on the Internet and South America is home to some of the most promising investment opportunities, making the economic benefits of learning Spanish undeniable.
On a more local level, Spanish brands such as Iberia, Seat, Zara, Camper and Santander are an important part of the UK market, meaning it’s not difficult to come across jobs using Spanish in England. If you’re applying for a role in a Spanish company, what better way to have a competitive edge, and show a cultural understanding of your Spanish-speaking potential colleagues than having a good grasp of their language?
Have you been convinced? To start on your Spanish journey today, contact Sally at Spanish Step-by-Step to organise tailored, private classes at a competitive price and adapted to your schedule.
*Barrio is Spanish for neighbourhood
Written by Rachel, native Brit, Spanish learner, blogger and language enthusiast.
