Why Learn Spanish?
Why learn Spanish you ask? Why not learn Spanish is more like it!
Okay, yes we all have a myriad of excuses why we can’t do something but do we have the same amount for why we can? Maybe we should think about things that way…
The trend is that the Hispanic population is ever changing and increasing. This is quite the “tender” topic these days-I’m fully aware. Why can’t they learn English? How long did it take you to learn English? Personally, I’m still working on it. Besides that, the Spanish language is a HUGE part of the Hispanic culture. In addition, think of it this way:
You are learning Spanish as you are traveling to Spain on business. It’s difficult and down right embarrassing at times when you hear yourself, right? But, you plug along ever so determined to somewhat master it and be able to communicate beyond successfully asking someone where the bathroom is. You arrive in Spain and are feeling confident as you are able to navigate your way to your hotel, inquire about nearby restaurants and figure out how to use public transit.
You are in town for an important business meeting. Problem? Nah! Look at you-you are THE Spanish speaker. You make your way to the meeting and seat your self at the conference table brimming with pride and then the meeting starts…holy crap! what are they saying? Is this Spanish? Or did they not tell you the meeting was going to be conducted in Greek-because that is what it sounds like to you. You’ve lost your confindence and you are fumbling, stumbling and sinking faster than a bottomless boat. But then, an angel appears in the room-SOMEONE WHO SPEAKS BOTH SPANISH AND ENGLISH! You are grateful, you are exuberent, you are once again feeling comfortable. Sweet sweet English! You sit through the meeting and are even able to throw in a few Spanish phrases here and there but don’t miss a thing because you have the English translation to piece together what you’ve missed.
Okay, now back in the United States and to the issue at hand. Spanish speakers may have little/minimal English experience. They have business to give you and money to spend but are so limited due to the language barrier. That is where learning Spanish comes in…learn the language, lower/eliminate the barrier. Speaking to a foreigner in their native language creates a comfortable environment-it creates trust. How can you trust someone if you don’t know what they are saying?