Spanish is the third most spoken language in the world, and the most spoken language in America. It’s the official language in Spain, most countries in Central and South America, and several Caribbean countries too. It’s a useful language to know when doing business with Spanish or Latin American firms, and a great way to strengthen your CV and improve your career prospects. In the United States alone there are over 50 million people who speak Spanish as their native or second language.
Spanish is considered one of the easiest languages for a native English speaker to learn. The grammar and pronunciation are different from English, but simpler and more consistent. Because English acquired almost 30% of its vocabulary from Latin, you will immediately recognise and understand many Spanish words that share the same roots.
If you can learn Spanish, you'll have a head start in learning the other Latin-based languages such as French, Italian and Portuguese.
There are a lot of Spanish speakers in the United States! Americans see and hear Spanish often (on signs, on the radio and TV, in eavesdropped bits of conversation…). Once you start learning a little Spanish, every encounter with the language is an opportunity to practice and improve. Order Mexican food in Spanish, put on Spanish-language radio or TV while you’re doing chores around the house…
No matter how you choose to learn Spanish (online, classes, a tutor, apps, a home stay in a Spanish-speaking country), the best way to stay interested and motivated is through engagement with Spanish-speaking culture. Even if you live in a cabin in the woods with no one around with whom to speak Spanish, you can connect to the Spanish language through its art, music, cinema and literature.
Whether you enjoy talking, reading, or mastering challenges, you'll find all of them in learning Spanish. For many people, Spanish offers the most rewards with the least effort of any foreign language. It's never too late to begin learning!