We're always talking about how to make teaching and learning a second language easier - and it's all for good reason. Spanish is one of the fastest-growing and most popular spoken languages in the world; making it extremely beneficial for students to learn it during their academic careers.
There are a number of personal and cultural benefits for learning another language. Besides - Being bilingual is something to be super proud of.
If you're still not convincing enough students to pick up that Spanish elective, why not share with them the 5 big reasons why everyone should learn Spanish now. Let them know that there's something in it for them.
1) It will greatly change your travel endeavors
As we mentioned in our previous blog on culture shock, speaking the native tongue when traveling makes you more amicable amongst the locals and less likely to fall into the common (avoidable!) tourist traps. With over 300 million Spanish speakers in the world who reside in some of the most beautiful Spanish speaking countries; knowing the language will allow you not to be so codependent on resorts and really give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the true culture which lies outside a tourist's comfort zone. Plus you’ll also make a ton of new friends who are locals and can give you the inside scoop.
2) It's an international language of business
Knowing more than one language not only benefits your travel adventures but makes you a much more valuable candidate in your future employer's eyes. Being bilingual goes a long way especially as Spanish continues to grow as an international language of business.
3) It’s easy
Learning another language can be fun and also; challenging. Spanish however, is one of the easiest languages you can learn. The orthography and grammar structure is very similar to English making it that much more appealing for many English-speakers to choose Spanish as their second language - Leaving you with one less excuse.
4) It's beneficial to your health
Apart from being easy, great for your career and travels – studies have shown that knowing more than one language is actually beneficial to your health in the long run. Bilingual people have shown less of a chance of developing Alzheimer’s in their later years as opposed to those who don’t speak two languages. Learning a new language takes a lot of brain exercise, training your brain to work harder and develop a more critical skill-based way of thinking.
5) It will introduce you to a whole new culture
Films, books, telenovelas, music, dancing, cooking – what better way to challenge, improve and practice your Spanish skills than by fully immersing yourself in the Spanish culture that resides around you. You don't have to go far to experience Spanish culture as many major Canadian and American cities hold home to Latin Quarters and small centers which host Spanish, Mexican, Central and Latin American culture.
We know that sparking that second-language class enthusiasm can be difficult but what about introducing an immersion trip to Spanish speaking countries to spice the curriculum up?
Learning Spanish in another country allows students to fully immerse themselves in the culture and truly practice their skills. It can also be the fundamental key to getting a higher enrollment for the Spanish class in your school.
