The Importance of Learning Spanish Now
There are many reasons why people are choosing to learn Spanish over other foreign languages.
Spanish is spoken by almost 400 million people worldwide, which is reason enough to learn the language. But when you consider almost half the people in the Western Hemisphere speak Spanish, which makes it the primary language for as many people as English, the reasons are even more obvious!
The entire continent of South America speaks primarily Spanish (except Brazil), as does just about all of Central America, Mexico and Latin America - over 15 countries in total. In addition, in the United States alone, Spanish is the second most widely spoken language after English! In the U.S., more and more, opportunities are increasing for those who are fluent in both Spanish and English due to the explosion in the Spanish-speaking population. This means that the ability to speak both Spanish and English will continue to become more and more valuable to people who live in the U.S. with each passing year.
In addition to the U.S., Spanish is also gaining importance in Europe, where it is quickly becoming the foreign language of choice after English. By learning Spanish fluently you can often understand enough Italian and French to get by in communicating with people who speak those languages. Spanish is the fourth most commonly spoken language in the world. Aside from English, the other 2 languages ahead of it are generally not widely spoken in either Europe or the Western Hemisphere (Chinese and Hindustani which are limited mainly to China and India). So the numbers make learning Spanish a good choice.
Why it is important to learn Spanish and the facts support choosing Spanish.
Most people who choose to learn Spanish do so because of its popularity, especially in the Western Hemisphere and in Europe. They figure that they are learning a language that will give them practical use - both in their daily lives and in their professional lives.
Over the past decade, the demand for Spanish Language courses worldwide has just about doubled. In both the United States and Canada, Spanish is the most popular foreign language to learn. In the U.S. it is the most popular by a very wide margin. Students study Spanish more than any other foreign language!
Countries in Latin America are strengthening and expanding their economies, and are becoming more important trading partners. Many countries in Latin America have signed on to NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), which was originally set up by the United States, Canada and Mexico. This should act to further strengthen trade and business ties between these countries and the U.S. - making the Spanish language an even more important asset for Americans in the business world.
