Why Learning Spanish is Necessary

Our title, “Why Learning Spanish is Necessary” presupposes that the ability to speak and write Spanish is indispensable – indeed almost mandatory. We know from experience that forced learning can be counterproductive. People should embrace a second language with pleasure and passion. So maybe this article should instead be “why learning Spanish is sheer joy” or “why learning Spanish is a delightful foray into cultures” or something along those lines. No one will debate the fact that knowing a second language opens doors for you and broadens your perspectives. It adds more dimension to your life and helps you become more open minded. But we’re skirting around the issue.

For those of us who live in North America – particularly in the United States – Spanish has become the second most dominant tongue in the continent. Some major states – California, Texas, Florida, and New York – have large Spanish-speaking populations. There are also substantial Spanish business interests and numerous companies acknowledge that: they have since implemented communications systems that are bilingual. These days, it is common for automated telephone systems to answer callers in English and Spanish.

That constitutes the # 1 reason why learning Spanish is necessary. Global market places dictate that people should be bilingual or at least have a working knowledge of a second language. The burgeoning Spanish media in the US support that necessity to learn Spanish.

Why Learning Spanish is Necessary: Other Reasons

1. Culture and History

When we study world cultures, Spanish history and culture occupy a prominent place. Spain was a major player in the conquest of civilizations and colonies; its influence reaches far and wide into all four corners of the globe. People are under the impression that the Spanish language is confined to the European and North American continents. They are surprised when they discover that Spanish is also spoken in some parts of Asia like the Philippines (Spain occupied las islas Filipinas for over 300 years) and also in certain African colonies. In the Caribbean, Spanish is common and Spanish-based creole is heard in some regions.

Then you have a variation of the Spanish language that you probably have not heard about – Sefaraddi – which is spoken by some Jewish enclaves in Africa, the Balkan states and the Near East. This variation is closer to Castillian Spanish.

Remember too that Spain’s Iberian Peninsula was invaded by Berber Muslims from North Africa in the 8th century; Córdoba, as you know, is Spain’s Muslim capital and was the most advanced city during the times of medieval Europe, paving the way for Mediterranean trade and culture to thrive freely.

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