Why learn Spanish of all the splendid language choices?
Maybe you are interested in learning Spanish but need extra motivation to take your language learning to the next level.
Or you’ve already started your Spanish language journey and want to know all the benefits and things you can do once you speak fluently.
Perhaps you have doubts and thinking about whether Spanish is the right pick for you.
Whatever may be the case, you’ve come to the right place. You will find everything you want to know about why learning Spanish can be a life-changing experience.
The benefits of learning Spanish are abundant. Let’s explore 21 practical and impressive reasons to study Spanish that could make a difference in your life.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- I. Spanish is a widespread global language
- II. Music, Movies, Dance, Culture & Literature
- III. Common benefits of language learning
- IV. Advantages of the Spanish language
- V. Travel, study, and work in Hispanic countries
- VI. Career prospects and employment
- Wrapping Up: Should You Learn Spanish?
I. Spanish is a widespread global language
In terms of its being widely spoken, Spanish is useful across-the-board. And that is one reason it is beneficial for various purposes. Let’s explore further.
I. Spanish is a widely spoken language
According to the research by Cervantes, roughly 591 million people speak Spanish around the globe with at least some degree of competence.
This equates to around 7.5 percent of the world’s population. The number includes 493 million speakers as their mother tongue.
As an effect, Spanish is the second most spoken native tongue after Mandarin, and the fourth most overall after English, Chinese, and Hindi. It is also the most spoken Romance language.
There are also approximately 100 million who speak as a second or third language. And not to forget Spanish learners at an advanced level or proficient who do not speak in day-to-day activities.
The actual number varies and is hard to estimate. Still, given the massive number of global speakers, it is clearly one of the most spoken languages.
So, no surprise we consider Spanish a global or world language.
2. It is the official language of 20 countries
Do you know how many countries have Spanish as their official language?
It is not a few, but 20 is an exact number of nations where Spanish is the de facto language.
Most famous lingoes like German, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese are valuable only in a few nations. This is to compare to Spanish, which has a global reach. English, French, and Arabic are other languages useful in many countries.
Here is the list of 21 countries where Spanish is the official language. Though part of the USA, Puerto Rico maintains Spanish as a primary language.
E.g., Mexico, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, Perú, Venezuela, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Cuba, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Paraguay, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Equatorial Guinea, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, and Panama.
3. The importance of Spanish in the USA
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how many people speak the Spanish language in the USA.
Even though the USA has no official language, Spanish is the second most popular tongue by quite a margin. So if you live in certain parts, like the Southern half of the USA, your Spanish ability can vastly help you.
According to some studies, around 4o to 50 million people speak Spanish in the USA. This makes the country the second-largest nation of Spanish speakers after Mexico.
As per the US Census Bureau, the US will have around 138 million Spanish speakers by 2050. This will account for nearly 25% of the country’s population. This will make it the largest Spanish-speaking nation in the world.
With the current numbers, and by all indications, it will only rise. Learning Spanish will strengthen your personal contacts. It further enhances your skilled potential in the competitive global marketplace.
4. Helpful in many influential organizations
Spanish is one of the few languages with global footprints and is truly an international language.
Spanish is one of the six official languages of the UN (United Nations), along with Arabic, English, Chinese, Russian, and French.
Spanish is part of several international bodies like WTO, European Union, UNASUR, OEI, African Union, UNASUR, CARICOM, ILO, FAO, ITU, OSCE, NAFTA, ECLAC, Organisation of American States, FIFA, and many more.
There are many probable reasons to learn Spanish. And being part of so many influential institutions is unquestionably one of the key motivations.
5. A widely taught and used internet language
We all know a massive number of Spanish speakers across the world.
But beyond that, there are millions of people studying Spanish. Unlike some less spoken and rare tongues, it is taught in virtually every country.
Although the total number of learners is hard to guess, Instituto Cervantes estimated about 21 million Spanish students worldwide in 2016. Today after 6 years, I am pretty sure the number would be much higher.
Spanish is the third most used language on the internet after Chinese and English. It is the second most useful for scientific publications and a leading language in education.
Spanish is likely to grow as a crucial language across the field worldwide. With predictions that it will become even more prominent and used, now is the time to add Spanish to your bucket list.
II. Music, Movies, Dance, Culture & Literature
Most people like a language because of the artistic, cultural factors, and entertainment content of the country where it is widely spoken.
Spanish is no different. In fact, it is one of the few languages studied for culture and pleasure because of its remarkable richness and resilience.
6. Enjoy incredible movies and TV shows
You can watch some famous Spanish TV series like Narcos, Elite, Queen of the South, and La casa de Papel, even if you do not know a single word in Spanish.
Also, enjoying some thrilling football matches like El clásico between Real Madrid Vs. FC Barcelona does not require Spanish.
This is possible if you change the audio and subtitle to English or your mother tongue.
Imagine you want to see an excellent TV show or film from Argentina or Colombia, or a soccer match from Mexico. But what if there are no subtitles or dubbed in English either?
Further, reading subtitles and listening to dubbed audio do not let us enjoy the movie and show to the fullest. This is dull, distracting, and of course, you always get lost in translation.
Knowing Spanish allows you to enjoy countless entertaining and award-winning television series and movies in your comfort. There is no need to rely on subtitles or audio. Instead, you can appreciate all those movies and shows in the way they were intended.
Spanish-speaking countries produce some of the best flicks. And the good thing is, your Spanish skills won’t just help you watch these films, but you will also improve your language ability in the natural setting.
Relatos Salvajes, Diarios de Motocicleta, Pan’s Labyrinth, El Secreto en sus Ojos, Amores Perros, Mar Adentro, Abre Los Ojos, Volver, Rec 1, 2, 3 and 4. And this list of top-rated Spanish cinema is pretty much endless!
Keep in mind that you may not understand everything that is said.
For example, in movies, the Spanish usually comes out quickly and uses many colloquial phrases. But once you start and advance your study, you will also enhance your enjoyment and learn Spanish.
7. Listen to original rhythmic music
Good music is always a pleasure to listen to, isn’t it?
In fact, once upon a time, I started learning Spanish because of the songs of Enrique Iglesias.
Do you want to know what Shakira is saying when she sings in Spanish? Possibly, the lyrics of the hit song Despacito by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.
We know many famous Spanish singers around the world.
For instance, Luis Fonsi, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Alejandro Sanz, Luis Miguel, Joaquín Sabina, Carlos Santana, Enrique Iglesias, and many more. Or great classics like Gloria Estefan, Tito Puente, and Celia Cruz.
You can improve your Spanish language skills by listening to Spanish music. It sweetens your listening and pronunciation and increases your vocabulary. Research has also shown that singing can benefit learning a new language.
Because by listening to music, your memory and attention span will enhance your ability to focus and pay attention. It is also fun and expands your understanding of prevalent Spanish culture and various dialects.
8. Learn to dance and have a fun time!
If you love dancing and want to learn a new language, why not combine Spanish with your passion for dance?
Studying a language is like learning how to dance.
You need lots of patience, persistence, and practice. Mistakes are unavoidable. But with time and effort, you will get through it and get the praise and success you deserve!
Hispanic countries have tons of famous dances.
You can enjoy Spanish Flamenco, Sardana, Sevillanas, Pasodoble, and Muiñeira. Or check amazing Latin America Salsa, Cumbia, Samba, Rumba, Mambo, Argentine Tango, Mariachi, Merengue, Reggaeton, and Cha-Cha-Cha.
Are you curious about the Spanish dance your leg was moving?
Find out more about it when you study Spanish!
9. You can access world-class literature
Hispanic literature and philosophical minds have contributed noteworthily to human history. So, it gives you access to an unparalleled world of rich literature, another benefit of studying Spanish.
Many eminent writers have been born in the Spanish-speaking world and are not just limited to Spain. Because of this, Spanish literature is widely read and regarded as one of the best in the world.
With tons of marvelous stories, wisdom, and tales, exposure to Spanish literature makes Spanish much more pleasant. And thus, you can learn Spanish faster and read books that aren’t available in English.
The most famous example of Spanish literature is arguably Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote, the first novel ever written.
You can read exemplary works of heavyweights like Pablo Neruda, Federico García Lorca, Gabriel García Márquez, Benito Pérez Galdós, Miguel de Unamuno, Carmen Martín Gaite, Roberto Bolaño, Carlos Fuentes, and Pedro Calderón de la Barca.
You gain a richer understanding of works by engaging with them in their original languages rather than translating them. For example, if you know Spanish, you can read how they were initially written.
10. Culture appreciation
A new language gives you access to an entire culture, one of the most notable advantages of learning it. So if you’re on the fence about Spanish, think about the rich culture you’ll encounter! That’s a lifetime experience!
Over the centuries, the Spanish have deeply affected world culture. This is clear from the USA and South America to Europe and the Philippines.
The diversity of the Hispanic nations and the remarkable language spread make Spanish desirable.
It is so diverse that even a lifetime is not enough to explore thoroughly. Each country has a unique history, practices, way of living, festivals, foods, and distinct dialects.
Learning Spanish allows you to explore diverse cultural aspects, contrasts, and likenesses. These can help you appreciate the culture of the Hispanic world. And so, it opens an entirely new world for you.
With many cultural benefits, learning Spanish allows you to connect more intensely with others. You also gain insight into the fascinating Hispanic customs and traditions.
So, have you found your inspiration yet?
If not, keep reading!
III. Common benefits of language learning
These are some awesome perks linked with all languages. Despite not being just for learners of Spanish, they are equally valuable to them.
11. Many health benefits and boosts your brain
Learning a second language has many well-known health and neurological benefits.
Many studies, like Belgium’s University of Ghent, show that learning a second language can help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. It postpones dementia symptoms.
Related analysis from the University of California, San Diego, reveals a link between language skills and the length of the delay.
The incentives for studying Spanish do not stop there. Psychologists Michelle Martin-Rhee and Ellen Bialystok found bilinguals outperformed monolinguals in problem-solving activities.
This is consistent with data showing that learning Spanish enriches overall cognitive performance. From improved memory to better decision-making and multitasking, the benefits are limitless!
Now you know that learning Spanish is great for your health and brain! So, this is time to get started!
12. Improves your own and other languages
One of the most intriguing parts of studying a new language is that it helps you understand your native one better.
Research shows we connect the languages we know and the ones we’re learning. And how our brain works, you’ll evolve as a better speaker of your mother tongue!
It makes complete sense when you think about it more deeply. This is because studying a new language requires a person to understand linguistic theory and its rules.
When you learn Spanish as an English speaker, you focus on sentence structure. So, you write complex and exciting sentences when you return to your native or the one you’re fluent in. This is since you concentrate on the detail of syntax and rules.
Further, when you study a new language, you gain not only that language but also discover how to learn it. So, to sum up, the more languages you speak, the easier it is to study a new one.
13. Communicate, get closer and make friends
Whether for personal, professional, or social reasons, most people learn a language to communicate better with the people they love. The same is true with Spanish.
You can interact with family members or relatives who speak Spanish or have some friends who don’t speak your language.
Maybe you are working in a company or running your own business where you often talk or meet with Spanish speakers.
Irrespective of your reason, Spanish can help you communicate with people who may matter in your life. Even if you do not know anyone who speaks Spanish natively, you may meet fluent speakers throughout your life if you learn the language.
Luckily, Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world. This signifies you’ll have many chances to practice it. So you can interact during work or travel, learn new things, and make references. And, you can have fun.
The response can be overwhelming when you put enough effort and dedication into speaking their language. And you can make friends fast. Don’t be astonished when you still talk with them years later.
14. Discover a new perspective on life
“You live a new life for every new language you speak.”
— Czech proverb
This famous Czech proverb says, if you know only one language, you live only once. So the more languages you know, the more lives you live in one life.
Many studies have shown that we have distinct personalities when speaking a foreign language.
Language can affect your personality. Hence, you will undoubtedly expand your personal horizons by learning Spanish.
When you speak Spanish, you might seem quite different.
An unrivaled feeling of accomplishment awaits you when you become fluent in Spanish. This is also a skill you can use for the rest of your life.
IV. Advantages of the Spanish language
These are some language-specific benefits, which may not be possible with every language. So, let’s review some unique advantages of Spanish.
15. Spanish is a simple language to learn
As per FSI studies, Spanish comes under category-I, which is closely linked to English. It means Spanish is relatively easy for English speakers to learn if they are prepared to put in the effort.
English, like Spanish, French, and Portuguese, has many terms that derive from Latin. This implies you can find thousands of cognates like English — words that sound slightly different but have the same meanings.
Actor, Canal, Disco, Exterior, Final, Hotel, Invisible, Legal, Mango, Natural, Ópera, Piano, Radio, Social, Radio, Usual, Vital. And the list of perfect English-Spanish cognates is infinite!
You also do not need to learn an entirely new alphabet. There is less focus on tones like in many Asian languages, such as Cantonese, Punjabi, Thai, and Vietnamese.
Written Spanish is almost total phonetic. That is why you can pronounce most words with little effort.
You speak the way you write, with a few exceptions like J, G, Z, CH, H, and LL. Less time to study tricky spelling rules and a better chance of correcting the pronunciation.
Even though there are fewer pronunciation rules, the lengthy grammar and too many tenses can be tough to master. Yet, hard work and continual practice will pave the way for you.
If you are looking for a more straightforward language, learn Spanish. It is clearly not a challenging language to learn.
16. Plenty of resources for Spanish learners
Do you know how difficult it is to learn a less familiar language like Finnish, Quechua, or Mongolian?
If you wish to learn a less taught tongue, you have limited choices for books, teachers, audios, or even speakers. Finding any course near you would be hard, and even an online mode is not easy to locate.
The lack of resources can fast become frustrating when you feel you cannot make meaningful progress.
That is why learning a popular language like Spanish makes your journey to fluency easier. If you are preparing for the DELE exam, you will get access to abundant study materials.
No matter where you’re living, you can find a teacher, language school, apps, or a bookstore to access all the resources you need to study Spanish.
Spanish is one of the most taught languages; thus, you will have access to massive resources. Instead of how and where to get help, you will focus on which one to take for your goal.
17. A gateway to other Romance languages
When you learn a second language—no matter which language it is—you’ll find it easier to learn a language from the same family group.
Romance languages like Spanish, French, Romanian, Portuguese, and Italian came from Vulgar Latin. So, they share many similarities, like vocabulary, sentence structure, grammar, verbs, and tenses.
The pronunciations are also alike, but not all Romance languages are identical to linguist closeness. For instance, the sound of Spanish and French differs a lot. Still, you get a breakthrough in all of them once you get a good hold of Spanish.
Your Spanish skills can be the first step to learning other Romance tongues.
For example, once you master the grammar and sounds of Spanish, it can help you learn Portuguese, Italian, and Catalan to varying degrees. It also assists in French, though to a lesser extent in the speaking part.
You will know some of these languages without studying them, thanks to being mutually intelligible with Spanish to a large extent.
Spanish can help with English, German, Dutch, Scandinavian, and other European languages. But, again, this is because many have some Indo-European roots and characteristics.
V. Travel, study, and work in Hispanic countries
The Spanish language can help you move to one of the Spanish-speaking regions. It can range from travel and job to higher studies and immigration and settling there.
18. Spanish is a top language for travelers
With a large Spanish-speaking population in over 20 beautiful countries, it is one of the best languages to learn for traveling. Even in non-Spanish places, you will meet many who speak this language.
One can visit many Spanish-speaking nations like Spain, Argentina, Chili, Mexico, and more. And you can do this without speaking a single Spanish word. Yet, the experience wouldn’t be great.
Speaking Spanish will make you feel at home and earn their appreciation. It also enables genuine interaction and connection to take place. Doing so will improve your travel skills, meet more people, and enrich your life.
The beautiful beaches of Barcelona, UNESCO world heritage sites in Madrid, delicious foods of Mexico, the 7th wonder of Machu Picchu of Peru, and majestic waterfalls of Argentina are some compelling reasons to learn Spanish.
Your Spanish ability can help you get off the beaten path and see some authentic culture. Of course, you do not need to speak fluently, but even a beginner’s level will go a long way to make your trip memorable.
Simply put, Spanish helps you travel confidently, save money, enjoy local life, talk to everyone, never get lost again, and get treated better. These motives are enough if you plan to travel where Spanish is prevailing.
19. Immigrate to Spanish-speaking countries
Studying or working abroad can make a significant difference in one’s life. You gain new insight into people, places, festivals, customs, cultures, and even yourself.
While people visit any country for various reasons, if you want to immigrate permanently, you need to know the local language.
Besides improving your odds of getting a work permit or visa, it also opens up the possibility of a comfortable stay and getting a job.
Spanish is the primary or national language in 20 countries worldwide. This makes it valuable for those wishing to move abroad.
Further, with a vast number of Spanish speakers in the USA, it can add immense value to your personal and career if you want to settle there.
No matter which Hispanic country you choose and even what region or city you live in, Spanish will be a vital part of your daily life. The main reason is that most of the population does not speak English.
20. Study Abroad in Spain or Latin America
Do you want to study in Spain or one of South America’s top-rank universities?
If that is the case, studying Spanish can be very rewarding to immerse yourself in those regions. You can also find many distinguished colleges and academic institutions to choose from.
If you want to achieve advanced Spanish proficiency like C1 and C2, or even a master’s. In this scenario, pursuing higher Spanish language studies is the best way.
It can encourage you to immerse yourself and improve your Spanish.
Studying in another country is an unforgettable experience. It provides tons of possibilities for adventure, fun, and discovery.
Once you complete your education, you may want to find jobs. And that is where Spanish will make a significant difference and can boost your CV.
It can assist you in getting out of your comfort zone and support you in developing your personal and career path.
VI. Career prospects and employment
Career and employment possibilities are the number one reason most prefer Spanish. With so many career paths and new positions, it makes sense. Let’s find out more!
21. Jobs opportunities involving Spanish
If you learn this language, you may have access to unique job prospects in Spanish you might not otherwise be able to find.
Spanish can increase your income because many language-related jobs pay well for your skills. You may also get the opportunities and travel compensation to explore the world.
In the age of globalization, most employees prefer bilingual. So, Spanish makes you a desirable hiring candidate for many companies. It helps in job search, getting better positions, and even negotiating a higher salary.
There is a growing demand for Spanish speakers in BPO and outsourcing. Then there are openings in media, finance, tourism, nursing, construction, infrastructure, and IT, among many other positions.
Knowing Spanish can give an edge to your resume. It can make you stand out among the other candidates applying for the same job.
You can also work as a freelancer. E.g., translator, interpreter, video maker, content writer, teacher, proofreader, or linguist tour guide. You need experience and solid references to get regular work and make a decent living.
Wrapping Up: Should You Learn Spanish?
Do any of these 21 reasons inspire you to learn Spanish? Even if you have just one motivation, that is enough to start studying Spanish!
If so, what are you waiting for? Take the first step and begin your mesmerizing journey toward Spanish learning.
In the end, learning a language like Spanish adds excellent value to your personal and professional life.
If you want to start, check out Instituto Hispania’s range of result-oriented Spanish courses. We also have various online Spanish classes you can enroll in and study from anywhere.
Was I able to convince you to learn Spanish?
Do you have any questions or want to share your opinion on Spanish? Feel free to let me know in the comments below! I am looking forward to hearing from you!
Yes, i want to learn Spanish language.
You can check our various offline and online courses that can fit your requirement.
I am learning Spanish and different countries have their own ways of speaking, as I have found out. A Mexican will say (Tu) while an Argentino will say (Vos), which means (You) that’s the thing that I’ll have to work on. While other folks from different regions like the Caribbean and Central America speak very fast Spanish. I am on the verge of graduating from my Spanish course in 2023. And I will test it while I vacation in Costa Rica.
Wish you all the best, Lester for future endeavors. 🙂