Currently, it is estimated that there are over 400 million native Spanish speakers in the world.
After Mandarin Chinese, Spanish is the second most spoken language by native speakers in the world.
After Chinese and English, it is the third most spoken language in the world.
Let's look at some advantages to learning and speaking Spanish.
1.
Travel.
Knowing Spanish affords you ease of travel in many places in the world.
In Spain, Spanish, or Castillian, is the official language.
You will also find small communities of Spanish speakers in other European countries.
However, you will find most Spanish speakers in the Americas.
In Mexico, Central America and most of South America, Spanish is the official language.
It is also estimated that about 15% of the United States population is also Spanish speaking.
2.
Employment.
Being bilingual definitely has its advantages in the workplace.
Bilingual educators and health professionals are in much higher demand, and in some cases in the United States, get paid more for being bilingual in Spanish.
If there is any opportunity to travel for work to a Spanish speaking country, your boss will likely select someone who is bilingual in Spanish to represent the company.
3.
Ward off Alzheimer's Disease.
Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, have found that people who speak more than one language tend to develop dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, much later in life.
While the evidence is still not conclusive, perhaps exercising your brain by learning a new language such as Spanish is a great way to keep your mind sharp in your old age.
4.
Better service.
Whether traveling or here at home in the United States, I have received better service when speaking to Spanish speaking employees at places like restaurants.
At one particular Indian restaurant, I have compared service with a friend who only speaks English.
I have noted that the staff there are very eager to help me and go out of their way with extraordinary service, where as my friend does not experience the same when only speaking English to the staff.
5.
More fun.
As someone who can speak more than one language, you will be able to connect with more people.
You've opened up your world to different people, different cultures, different literature, different jokes, different ways of thinking, etc.
You will have more social opportunities available to you, whether it's hosting a student, or helping a traveler new to your home town.
The social possibilities are endless!
After Mandarin Chinese, Spanish is the second most spoken language by native speakers in the world.
After Chinese and English, it is the third most spoken language in the world.
Let's look at some advantages to learning and speaking Spanish.
1.
Travel.
Knowing Spanish affords you ease of travel in many places in the world.
In Spain, Spanish, or Castillian, is the official language.
You will also find small communities of Spanish speakers in other European countries.
However, you will find most Spanish speakers in the Americas.
In Mexico, Central America and most of South America, Spanish is the official language.
It is also estimated that about 15% of the United States population is also Spanish speaking.
2.
Employment.
Being bilingual definitely has its advantages in the workplace.
Bilingual educators and health professionals are in much higher demand, and in some cases in the United States, get paid more for being bilingual in Spanish.
If there is any opportunity to travel for work to a Spanish speaking country, your boss will likely select someone who is bilingual in Spanish to represent the company.
3.
Ward off Alzheimer's Disease.
Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, have found that people who speak more than one language tend to develop dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, much later in life.
While the evidence is still not conclusive, perhaps exercising your brain by learning a new language such as Spanish is a great way to keep your mind sharp in your old age.
4.
Better service.
Whether traveling or here at home in the United States, I have received better service when speaking to Spanish speaking employees at places like restaurants.
At one particular Indian restaurant, I have compared service with a friend who only speaks English.
I have noted that the staff there are very eager to help me and go out of their way with extraordinary service, where as my friend does not experience the same when only speaking English to the staff.
5.
More fun.
As someone who can speak more than one language, you will be able to connect with more people.
You've opened up your world to different people, different cultures, different literature, different jokes, different ways of thinking, etc.
You will have more social opportunities available to you, whether it's hosting a student, or helping a traveler new to your home town.
The social possibilities are endless!
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