1) Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world after Mandarin Chinese, with over 332 million native speakers globally.
2) Studying Spanish provides cognitive, academic, and career benefits for students. It is correlated with higher standardized test scores and increased creativity and problem-solving skills.
3) For both personal and professional reasons, learning Spanish opens up opportunities for travel, cultural exchange, and employment both within New Zealand and abroad.
There are several benefits to learning Spanish according to the document. The Hispanic population in the US and globally is growing rapidly, making Spanish an important language for business, healthcare, education and daily life. Knowing Spanish can open up new career opportunities and make travel to Spanish-speaking countries or communities within the US a richer experience. Learning Spanish also benefits cognitive abilities by strengthening critical thinking and memory.
Spanish originated from Vulgar Latin dialects spoken in Iberia. It is now one of the most widely spoken languages, with over 400 million native speakers. Spanish became an important colonial language and is now an official language in 21 countries. It has emerged as an important language for business and trade, especially between countries in Europe, Latin America, and India. Understanding Spanish can open up opportunities in fields like education, tourism, translation, and companies with global operations.
Spanish is the official language in 21 countries in Latin America and Europe. It is spoken by between 322-400 million people natively, making it the second most spoken language in the world. Despite being spoken in areas far from each other, Spanish has a high level of linguistic uniformity due to standardized spelling and rules. The Instituto Cervantes promotes the teaching of Spanish globally. There are over 34 million Spanish speakers in the United States, representing 20% of the population.
Enforex is a leading Spanish language school that has been teaching Spanish for over 27 years. It operates 30 schools across Spain and Latin America and teaches Spanish to over 35,000 students annually from 72 countries. Enforex prides itself on its cultural immersion programs, small class sizes of 5-10 students, and highly qualified teaching staff. It aims to provide an enriching learning experience through Spanish language instruction and cultural activities.
Esta es una presentación sobre nuestro Colegio y el tipo de enseñanza que ofrecemos a nuestro alumnado. Como vamos a participar en un proyecto europeo, queremos que el resto de escuelas de europa conozcan cómo trabajamos.
Spanish courses for beginners, Spanish Language courses for beginners in Mala...Alhambra Instituto
The document describes Spanish language courses offered by Alhambra Instituto in Malaga, Spain. It notes that Spanish is the second most spoken language worldwide and offers a variety of beginner and intensive Spanish courses to help students learn the language. Courses are available both in Malaga and elsewhere in Spain, with a focus on developing language skills through immersion and activities.
In Spain, the official language is Castilian Spanish, but other languages like Catalan, Galician, and Basque are also spoken in certain regions. Catalan is spoken in Catalonia and neighboring areas, Galician is spoken in Galicia, and Basque is spoken in the Basque Country. While Castilian Spanish originated from Latin, the origins of Basque are unknown. In schools, students learn important foreign languages like English and French to facilitate communication and career opportunities like translation. While Spanish is very important, learning multiple languages simultaneously can be difficult. Pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary are key aspects of effectively learning a language.
¡A mí me importa! – Making Language Learning Relevant to the WeansScottish CILT
The document discusses making language learning relevant for students. It argues that relevance is the most important design principle for languages in schools. Students often question why they must study languages. However, surveys show that speaking a foreign language is the skill adults most regret not having developed when they are older. The document provides examples of how a school integrates languages into various subjects and daily activities to make language learning feel more immersive and connected to students' lives. This includes signage in both languages, interdisciplinary projects, cultural exchanges, and partnerships with schools in other countries. The goal is to demonstrate to students that language learning opens doors to other cultures and can enrich their lives.
There are several benefits to learning Spanish according to the document. The Hispanic population in the US and globally is growing rapidly, making Spanish an important language for business, healthcare, education and daily life. Knowing Spanish can open up new career opportunities and make travel to Spanish-speaking countries or communities within the US a richer experience. Learning Spanish also benefits cognitive abilities by strengthening critical thinking and memory.
Spanish originated from Vulgar Latin dialects spoken in Iberia. It is now one of the most widely spoken languages, with over 400 million native speakers. Spanish became an important colonial language and is now an official language in 21 countries. It has emerged as an important language for business and trade, especially between countries in Europe, Latin America, and India. Understanding Spanish can open up opportunities in fields like education, tourism, translation, and companies with global operations.
Spanish is the official language in 21 countries in Latin America and Europe. It is spoken by between 322-400 million people natively, making it the second most spoken language in the world. Despite being spoken in areas far from each other, Spanish has a high level of linguistic uniformity due to standardized spelling and rules. The Instituto Cervantes promotes the teaching of Spanish globally. There are over 34 million Spanish speakers in the United States, representing 20% of the population.
Enforex is a leading Spanish language school that has been teaching Spanish for over 27 years. It operates 30 schools across Spain and Latin America and teaches Spanish to over 35,000 students annually from 72 countries. Enforex prides itself on its cultural immersion programs, small class sizes of 5-10 students, and highly qualified teaching staff. It aims to provide an enriching learning experience through Spanish language instruction and cultural activities.
Esta es una presentación sobre nuestro Colegio y el tipo de enseñanza que ofrecemos a nuestro alumnado. Como vamos a participar en un proyecto europeo, queremos que el resto de escuelas de europa conozcan cómo trabajamos.
Spanish courses for beginners, Spanish Language courses for beginners in Mala...Alhambra Instituto
The document describes Spanish language courses offered by Alhambra Instituto in Malaga, Spain. It notes that Spanish is the second most spoken language worldwide and offers a variety of beginner and intensive Spanish courses to help students learn the language. Courses are available both in Malaga and elsewhere in Spain, with a focus on developing language skills through immersion and activities.
In Spain, the official language is Castilian Spanish, but other languages like Catalan, Galician, and Basque are also spoken in certain regions. Catalan is spoken in Catalonia and neighboring areas, Galician is spoken in Galicia, and Basque is spoken in the Basque Country. While Castilian Spanish originated from Latin, the origins of Basque are unknown. In schools, students learn important foreign languages like English and French to facilitate communication and career opportunities like translation. While Spanish is very important, learning multiple languages simultaneously can be difficult. Pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary are key aspects of effectively learning a language.
¡A mí me importa! – Making Language Learning Relevant to the WeansScottish CILT
The document discusses making language learning relevant for students. It argues that relevance is the most important design principle for languages in schools. Students often question why they must study languages. However, surveys show that speaking a foreign language is the skill adults most regret not having developed when they are older. The document provides examples of how a school integrates languages into various subjects and daily activities to make language learning feel more immersive and connected to students' lives. This includes signage in both languages, interdisciplinary projects, cultural exchanges, and partnerships with schools in other countries. The goal is to demonstrate to students that language learning opens doors to other cultures and can enrich their lives.
This summary provides an overview of the Spanish II Honors course description and expectations:
The Spanish II Honors course further develops proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking Spanish. Students will use Spanish at all times and demonstrate excellent work habits. Class activities will provide opportunities to refine grammar, expand vocabulary, explore Spanish culture, and make cultural comparisons. Upon completion, students will be able to respond appropriately in a variety of situations. The teacher is from Venezuela and has 19 years of teaching experience at the school, speaking 4 languages and writing Spanish textbooks. Students will need technology daily and use online translation is not allowed. Culture and language will be intertwined through research and discussion. Students will write weekly and read texts
Literacy across learning in modern languagesScottish CILT
The document discusses literacy across learning in modern languages. It defines literacy and outlines how developing literacy skills in English grammar can help with learning German. It describes diagnostic testing to assess students' English grammar knowledge and classroom activities to teach both English and German grammar. It also discusses a Finland project where students learned about Finnish culture, language and exchanged letters with a Finnish boy.
11 spanish language schools in the worldJames Thomas
We give advanced instruction in Spanish Language assignment to our students who find our mode of study extremely useful.
If you need help with your spanish assignment, visit our website: http://www.assignments4u.com/spanish-assignment-help/
This document discusses the growing importance and prevalence of the Spanish language globally. It notes that Spanish is spoken by over 450 million people as a native, second or foreign language, making it the second most spoken language worldwide. The document also predicts that by 2030, Spanish will be spoken by 535 million people or 7.5% of the world's population, outpacing other major languages. It promotes learning Spanish, pointing out the language's growing economic and cultural influence internationally.
The document discusses the Catalan educational system and its approach to developing plurilingualism among students. It notes that Catalonia has become a multilingual society due to immigration. The educational system aims to provide all students with the language skills to become competent, engaged citizens by applying second language methodologies and teaching Catalan, Spanish, English and other languages. The goal is to develop students' communication skills and intercultural competence to prepare them for a shared future.
This document is a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of a Master's degree in European Studies at KU Leuven. It examines language policy and identity in the German-speaking communities of eastern Belgium and southern Denmark. The thesis begins by reviewing theories of identity, language, nationality, and nationhood. It then discusses language policy frameworks and the histories of the two communities. The methodology section outlines a questionnaire used to collect data on language use, identity, and policy views. Key findings are presented comparing the two communities before concluding on the influence of national language policies on minority identity formation.
This document discusses the impact of globalization and colonialism on languages in Africa. It notes that while over 2,500 languages are spoken in Africa, 48 of 57 African countries have adopted European languages like English, French, and Portuguese as official languages. However, the author argues this endangers local identities and cultures. The document examines factors that have led to the dominance of foreign languages, like colonialism and attitudes among some African parents who refuse to teach their children native languages. It warns that losing local languages could result in "the linguistic extermination" and complete loss of cultural identity for many Africans.
The document provides information on language programs offered at Dalhousie University. It describes courses available in several languages including French, Spanish, German, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Italian. For each language, it provides details on course offerings, study abroad opportunities, career prospects, and cultural activities organized by student societies.
This document appears to be a reading quiz on the topics of lexical analysis and sociolinguistics. It contains 7 sections with multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions. The questions cover topics such as the definition of language, the origins and influences on the English language, sociolinguistic patterns like regional dialects and social classes, and the spread of English as a global language. The quiz is graded out of 30 points and includes spaces for the student and teacher to fill in their name and score.
The document provides instructions for senior high school students to prepare activities and presentations about European languages to celebrate European Day of Languages. It instructs students to form groups and choose a European language to research. They are to write down their planned activities and tasks on a board for feedback. The document provides examples of online resources for ideas and materials. It emphasizes cooperation within groups and creating a good presentation. The goal is for students to familiarize themselves with various European languages through interactive activities and presentations on the designated day.
It's never too late - Reportage from SenegalLeonardo Greco
"It's Never Too Late" by Chiara Pezzali
photos: Leonardo Greco
In Senegal, hot on the trail of non-formal education, dedicated to those who never attended school or left it too early. Literacy courses and professional practice to protect the weaker classes - and the future of the entire country.
IES Damià Huguet is a public secondary school located in Campos, Mallorca, Spain. The school has experienced increasing diversity as the local population grows and more international students from Germany, South America, North Africa, and Eastern Europe attend. The school teaches in Catalan and Spanish and offers English and German as additional language courses. It was founded in 1996 and currently has 480 students and 64 teachers studying compulsory and post-compulsory education in a new building with specialized classrooms and facilities.
Spanish for Success provides an overview of topics related to learning Spanish, including why study Spanish, where Spanish is spoken, dialects within Spanish-speaking countries, appropriate terminology regarding ethnicity and race, and memory techniques. Key points include:
- Spanish is an important language to learn given the large Spanish-speaking populations in the US and worldwide. It can open doors in many careers.
- Spanish is spoken in Spain and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Dialects vary regionally.
- Terms like Latino, Hispanic, and indigenous describe cultural or linguistic backgrounds rather than race alone.
- Memory techniques like associations, imagery, and mnemonics can help learn and recall vocabulary more effectively. Concrete words are
Which countries offer language study for two weeks?CPI Costa Rica
Although there are many languages in the world, there is a preferred interest in studying some over others, a key example is Spanish.
----
CPI SPANISH IMMERSION COSTA RICA
Phone: (506) 2265-6306 (If you are calling from the U.S., dial 011 first)
Email: info@cpi-edu.com
The document provides information on studying various languages at Dalhousie University. It discusses programs for French, Spanish, German, Russian, and Chinese languages. For each language, it provides details on course offerings, study abroad opportunities, career prospects, and the relevance and importance of learning the language.
Caderno do Aluno Inglês 1 ano vol 1 2014-2017Diogo Santos
The text describes the Youth Ambassadors Program, an initiative of the U.S. Embassy in Brazil. The program selects exemplary Brazilian students to participate in a three-week cultural exchange program in the United States. During their time in the U.S., the students visit various locations, stay with host families, interact with American peers, and deliver presentations about Brazil to strengthen ties between the two countries. The goal of the program is to recognize and promote excellence in public education by transforming outstanding students into role models for their communities.
Filipino gay men have developed their own colorful language, known as Filipino gay lingo, which mixes English, Tagalog, and other Philippine languages. This slang started by replacing words but has evolved over time with various linguistic patterns and rules. Examples include replacing the first letter, adding syllables, or using celebrity names that sound similar. The language was initially used to avoid others understanding conversations, but has grown to define Philippine gay culture. It is also sometimes used to modify children's songs for humor.
This document discusses literacy rates and cultures in several European countries. It provides the following key details:
- Germany and Russia have literacy rates of 99-100%. France and Italy are at 99% and 98% respectively. The UK rate is 99%.
- The main languages discussed are German, Russian, French, Italian, and English. Traditions mentioned include Oktoberfest, ballet, Bastille Day, opera, and afternoon tea.
- Religious practices in the countries include Christianity in Germany, Orthodox Christianity in Russia, Catholicism in France and Italy. Christmas traditions vary between countries.
So in summary, it compares literacy rates and examines some elements of language, customs, and traditions in
The Spanish language and Hispanic culture have significantly influenced many aspects of American culture and society. A PowerPoint presentation will discuss the importance of the Spanish language in the US by exploring topics like identity, Hispanic influences in Texas, the benefits of bilingualism, and other impacts of Hispanic culture. It will demonstrate intercultural competence by reflecting on how Spanish colonization centuries ago shaped the early development of North and South America, both positively through infrastructure and negatively through diseases introduced to indigenous people.
PROMOCIÓN DEL ESPAÑOL EE CULHAM UNIS NEW YORKjuanjosotelo
Presntación para la promoción del español como lengua extranjera en escuela y universidades. Descripción de países, cultura, instituciones en Reino Unido. Consejería de Educación, publicaciones, localización...
This document discusses the importance of embracing diverse languages and dialects. It argues that the growing Hispanic population in the US means standard English alone will not accommodate all communities. Teachers should respect students' home languages and require learning multiple languages and dialects to cultivate bilingual, bi-dialectal communicators. Requiring only English limits students and devalues their cultures and identities. Embracing linguistic diversity is vital in an increasingly multicultural society.
This summary provides an overview of the Spanish II Honors course description and expectations:
The Spanish II Honors course further develops proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking Spanish. Students will use Spanish at all times and demonstrate excellent work habits. Class activities will provide opportunities to refine grammar, expand vocabulary, explore Spanish culture, and make cultural comparisons. Upon completion, students will be able to respond appropriately in a variety of situations. The teacher is from Venezuela and has 19 years of teaching experience at the school, speaking 4 languages and writing Spanish textbooks. Students will need technology daily and use online translation is not allowed. Culture and language will be intertwined through research and discussion. Students will write weekly and read texts
Literacy across learning in modern languagesScottish CILT
The document discusses literacy across learning in modern languages. It defines literacy and outlines how developing literacy skills in English grammar can help with learning German. It describes diagnostic testing to assess students' English grammar knowledge and classroom activities to teach both English and German grammar. It also discusses a Finland project where students learned about Finnish culture, language and exchanged letters with a Finnish boy.
11 spanish language schools in the worldJames Thomas
We give advanced instruction in Spanish Language assignment to our students who find our mode of study extremely useful.
If you need help with your spanish assignment, visit our website: http://www.assignments4u.com/spanish-assignment-help/
This document discusses the growing importance and prevalence of the Spanish language globally. It notes that Spanish is spoken by over 450 million people as a native, second or foreign language, making it the second most spoken language worldwide. The document also predicts that by 2030, Spanish will be spoken by 535 million people or 7.5% of the world's population, outpacing other major languages. It promotes learning Spanish, pointing out the language's growing economic and cultural influence internationally.
The document discusses the Catalan educational system and its approach to developing plurilingualism among students. It notes that Catalonia has become a multilingual society due to immigration. The educational system aims to provide all students with the language skills to become competent, engaged citizens by applying second language methodologies and teaching Catalan, Spanish, English and other languages. The goal is to develop students' communication skills and intercultural competence to prepare them for a shared future.
This document is a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of a Master's degree in European Studies at KU Leuven. It examines language policy and identity in the German-speaking communities of eastern Belgium and southern Denmark. The thesis begins by reviewing theories of identity, language, nationality, and nationhood. It then discusses language policy frameworks and the histories of the two communities. The methodology section outlines a questionnaire used to collect data on language use, identity, and policy views. Key findings are presented comparing the two communities before concluding on the influence of national language policies on minority identity formation.
This document discusses the impact of globalization and colonialism on languages in Africa. It notes that while over 2,500 languages are spoken in Africa, 48 of 57 African countries have adopted European languages like English, French, and Portuguese as official languages. However, the author argues this endangers local identities and cultures. The document examines factors that have led to the dominance of foreign languages, like colonialism and attitudes among some African parents who refuse to teach their children native languages. It warns that losing local languages could result in "the linguistic extermination" and complete loss of cultural identity for many Africans.
The document provides information on language programs offered at Dalhousie University. It describes courses available in several languages including French, Spanish, German, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Italian. For each language, it provides details on course offerings, study abroad opportunities, career prospects, and cultural activities organized by student societies.
This document appears to be a reading quiz on the topics of lexical analysis and sociolinguistics. It contains 7 sections with multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions. The questions cover topics such as the definition of language, the origins and influences on the English language, sociolinguistic patterns like regional dialects and social classes, and the spread of English as a global language. The quiz is graded out of 30 points and includes spaces for the student and teacher to fill in their name and score.
The document provides instructions for senior high school students to prepare activities and presentations about European languages to celebrate European Day of Languages. It instructs students to form groups and choose a European language to research. They are to write down their planned activities and tasks on a board for feedback. The document provides examples of online resources for ideas and materials. It emphasizes cooperation within groups and creating a good presentation. The goal is for students to familiarize themselves with various European languages through interactive activities and presentations on the designated day.
It's never too late - Reportage from SenegalLeonardo Greco
"It's Never Too Late" by Chiara Pezzali
photos: Leonardo Greco
In Senegal, hot on the trail of non-formal education, dedicated to those who never attended school or left it too early. Literacy courses and professional practice to protect the weaker classes - and the future of the entire country.
IES Damià Huguet is a public secondary school located in Campos, Mallorca, Spain. The school has experienced increasing diversity as the local population grows and more international students from Germany, South America, North Africa, and Eastern Europe attend. The school teaches in Catalan and Spanish and offers English and German as additional language courses. It was founded in 1996 and currently has 480 students and 64 teachers studying compulsory and post-compulsory education in a new building with specialized classrooms and facilities.
Spanish for Success provides an overview of topics related to learning Spanish, including why study Spanish, where Spanish is spoken, dialects within Spanish-speaking countries, appropriate terminology regarding ethnicity and race, and memory techniques. Key points include:
- Spanish is an important language to learn given the large Spanish-speaking populations in the US and worldwide. It can open doors in many careers.
- Spanish is spoken in Spain and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Dialects vary regionally.
- Terms like Latino, Hispanic, and indigenous describe cultural or linguistic backgrounds rather than race alone.
- Memory techniques like associations, imagery, and mnemonics can help learn and recall vocabulary more effectively. Concrete words are
Which countries offer language study for two weeks?CPI Costa Rica
Although there are many languages in the world, there is a preferred interest in studying some over others, a key example is Spanish.
----
CPI SPANISH IMMERSION COSTA RICA
Phone: (506) 2265-6306 (If you are calling from the U.S., dial 011 first)
Email: info@cpi-edu.com
The document provides information on studying various languages at Dalhousie University. It discusses programs for French, Spanish, German, Russian, and Chinese languages. For each language, it provides details on course offerings, study abroad opportunities, career prospects, and the relevance and importance of learning the language.
Caderno do Aluno Inglês 1 ano vol 1 2014-2017Diogo Santos
The text describes the Youth Ambassadors Program, an initiative of the U.S. Embassy in Brazil. The program selects exemplary Brazilian students to participate in a three-week cultural exchange program in the United States. During their time in the U.S., the students visit various locations, stay with host families, interact with American peers, and deliver presentations about Brazil to strengthen ties between the two countries. The goal of the program is to recognize and promote excellence in public education by transforming outstanding students into role models for their communities.
Filipino gay men have developed their own colorful language, known as Filipino gay lingo, which mixes English, Tagalog, and other Philippine languages. This slang started by replacing words but has evolved over time with various linguistic patterns and rules. Examples include replacing the first letter, adding syllables, or using celebrity names that sound similar. The language was initially used to avoid others understanding conversations, but has grown to define Philippine gay culture. It is also sometimes used to modify children's songs for humor.
This document discusses literacy rates and cultures in several European countries. It provides the following key details:
- Germany and Russia have literacy rates of 99-100%. France and Italy are at 99% and 98% respectively. The UK rate is 99%.
- The main languages discussed are German, Russian, French, Italian, and English. Traditions mentioned include Oktoberfest, ballet, Bastille Day, opera, and afternoon tea.
- Religious practices in the countries include Christianity in Germany, Orthodox Christianity in Russia, Catholicism in France and Italy. Christmas traditions vary between countries.
So in summary, it compares literacy rates and examines some elements of language, customs, and traditions in
The Spanish language and Hispanic culture have significantly influenced many aspects of American culture and society. A PowerPoint presentation will discuss the importance of the Spanish language in the US by exploring topics like identity, Hispanic influences in Texas, the benefits of bilingualism, and other impacts of Hispanic culture. It will demonstrate intercultural competence by reflecting on how Spanish colonization centuries ago shaped the early development of North and South America, both positively through infrastructure and negatively through diseases introduced to indigenous people.
PROMOCIÓN DEL ESPAÑOL EE CULHAM UNIS NEW YORKjuanjosotelo
Presntación para la promoción del español como lengua extranjera en escuela y universidades. Descripción de países, cultura, instituciones en Reino Unido. Consejería de Educación, publicaciones, localización...
This document discusses the importance of embracing diverse languages and dialects. It argues that the growing Hispanic population in the US means standard English alone will not accommodate all communities. Teachers should respect students' home languages and require learning multiple languages and dialects to cultivate bilingual, bi-dialectal communicators. Requiring only English limits students and devalues their cultures and identities. Embracing linguistic diversity is vital in an increasingly multicultural society.
Weekend en Español Unlocking Spanish for Adults.WEEKENDenespaol
Spanish language programs for adults offer a perfect avenue to explore a new culture and enhance communication skills. Weekend en español, a popular program, caters to busy adults with flexible schedules. With engaging lessons and immersive experiences, participants can master conversational Spanish, making weekends more rewarding. Whether for travel, business, or personal growth, these programs provide valuable linguistic and cultural insights.
Visit: - https://www.weekendenespanol.com/aboutus
This document discusses the importance of planning for student learning. It argues that thoughtful planning is essential for maximizing student engagement and meeting learning objectives. The author provides examples from their teaching experience that demonstrate effective planning. As a novice teacher, the author's planning skills developed over time - they learned to plan activities that span full class periods and became more efficient in the planning process. Reflecting on successes and challenges helped the author strengthen their ability to design effective lessons.
Learning Spanish has many cognitive, professional, and cultural benefits. It stimulates the brain, improves critical thinking and creativity. Knowing Spanish can help career advancement and open up opportunities in business, healthcare, education, and travel. As the Hispanic population grows in the US and worldwide, Spanish is becoming more prevalent and useful in everyday life. Mastering a new language enhances understanding of one's own language and brings the joy of exploring another culture.
This document provides information about don Quijote, a Spanish language school that has been operating for over 30 years. It celebrates its 30th anniversary of providing Spanish language education and cultural immersion experiences to over 1 million students in 12 Spanish-speaking countries. Don Quijote combines personalized Spanish classes with cultural immersion to help students gain proficiency and transform their aspirations into opportunities through an unforgettable learning experience. It offers a variety of academic programs, accommodation options, and guarantees for students.
Learning Spanish has many benefits. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world with over 300 million speakers. It is growing rapidly in the US, where the Hispanic population is also increasing quickly and will likely reach 50 million by 2015. Being fluent in Spanish can provide career advantages and open up new opportunities in business, healthcare, education and travel. It also has cognitive benefits like reducing the risk of dementia and improving critical thinking. Overall, learning Spanish expands one's worldview and opportunities.
Learning Spanish has many benefits. With over 330 million native speakers, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world. The number of Spanish speakers, especially in the US, is growing rapidly. Being bilingual improves cognitive abilities and can delay dementia. Knowing Spanish can open up career and business opportunities. It also allows one to better communicate with the growing Hispanic population and expand travel experiences. Overall, learning Spanish has practical, intellectual, and cultural rewards.
2. The population figures in this table refer TO FIRST LANGUAGE SPEAKERS in all countries RANK LANGUAGE POPULATION 1 CHINESE MANDARIN 885,000,000 2 SPANISH 332,000,000 3 ENGLISH 322,000,000 4 BENGALI 189,000,000 5 HINDI 182,000,000 6 PORTUGUESE 170,000,000 7 RUSSIAN 170,000,000 8 JAPANESE 125,000,000 9 GERMAN 98,000,000 10 CHINESE WU 77,175,000 Source: 13th Edition of the Ethnologue (1996) Updated: February 1999 TOP 10 LANGUAGES BY POPULATION
3. EUROPE: Spain AMERICAS: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela ASIA: Philippines AFRICA: Guinea and Sahara Republic
4. “ Spanish is now spoken by many of the 35.3 million Hispanics in the United States.” “In the United States, stations in Spanish more than doubled in the last decade, to 533. Broadcast TV stations jumped 70%, to 53, according to industry estimates.”
5. About 5.8 percent of the people who use the Internet speak Spanish , making it the No. 4 language in the Internet community, following English (51.3 percent), Japanese (8.1 percent) German (5.9 percent). Close behind is Chinese, with 5.4 percent, followed by French with 3.9 percent
7. In addition to developing a lifelong ability to communicate with more people, children may derive other benefits from early language instruction, including improved overall school performance and superior problem-solving skills
8. Students of foreign languages score statistically higher on standardized tests conducted in English . The College Entrance Examination Board (US) reported that students who averaged 4 or more years of foreign language study scored higher on the verbal section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) than those who had studied 4 or more years in any other subject area. In addition, the average mathematics score for individuals who had taken 4 or more years of foreign language study was identical to the average score of those who had studied 4 years of mathematics
9. Students of foreign languages have access to a greater number of career possibilities and develop a deeper understanding of their own and other cultures. Some evidence also suggests that children who receive second language instruction are more creative and better at solving complex problems
11. In the United States parents are increasingly urging their children to study Spanish. S panish instruction in elementary schools has increased significantly from 68% of schools in 1987 to 79% in 1997
12. In the United States Spanish instruction also increased significantly at the secondary level over the past decade, from 86% to 93% of secondary schools with foreign language programs.
13. Spanish is the second language in France. About 65% of French secondary students are learning Spanish. In other words 1,700,000 students are learning Spanish In the UK, Spanish is the favorite language among adults learning foreign languages LEARNING SPANISH: EUROPE
14. Spanish is one of the official languages of the United Nations and of the European Community. It also ranks second to English as the most widely studied foreign language in Japan, Sweden and the former Soviet Union
15. Spanish is the language of not only an exciting popular culture but one of the richest literary and artistic cultures in the world . Apart from flamenco, salsa or tango and pop latino singers and film stars, you will familiarize with the names of writers such as Cervantes, García Lorca, García Márquez, Borges or Neruda, painters like Goya, Dalí or Picasso, architects like Gaudí or film makers such Almodóvar or Amenábar
16. From California in the United States to Tierra del Fuego, in the Southern tip of South America, from Easter Island in the Pacific to Majorca in the Mediterranean, Spanish is the language for traveling. If you ever dreamt of going to exciting places such as Mexico, the Andes or visiting the two-millennia-old Roman remains in Spain, the Middle Ages castles or exotic palaces like Alhambra in Granada, just to mention a few, you need Spanish
18. “ Not only have I met great people and made friends through the Spanish connection, but I have had some brilliant work opportunities . Speaking Spanish allowed me to make lifelong friends and to take part in the life of the place, and I still consider it my second home. I learned Spanish simply because I loved it and wanted to communicate. At the time, I never thought it would lead to so many openings and opportunities. Now I think my life would have been much less exciting without it ” DIANA BURNS, JOURNALIST
19. “ Emerson said: No man should travel until he has learned the language of the country he visits . Otherwise he voluntarily makes himself a great baby, -so helpless and so ridiculous. Spanish has always attracted me as a useful language because of the number of people who speak it. Further, it did not appear to be too intimidatingly difficult, many words being familiar from my English ” BENJAMIN WILLIAMS, MATHEMATICIAN, CHRISTCHURCH
20. “ As a 17 year old exchange student in a small rural village in Chile, English was about as helpful to me as a bicycle is to a fish! I believe that learning another language (or several!) is important, not only for the many and varied opportunities that can result, but also because it enables people to understand and appreciate one another and the many different realities that face us all in our respective countries” NADINE MILLAR CHRISTCHURCH
21. “ Knowing Spanish has had a major impact upon my life, both professionally and personally” DR WAYNE MACARTHUR LECTURER. SCHOOL OF MARKETING AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS VICTORIA UNIVERSITY WELLINGTON
22. “ Learning Spanish not only makes me able to step into another world, it also heightens my anticipation of who will I meet next -more people who are interested in Spanish, the language of colourful cultures ” NINI TILEY-NOTODISURYO, WELLINGTON
23. Spanish is everywhere! I have found that the most wonderful opportunities to work with Spanish have been right here in New Zealand. Spanish is one of the fastest growing languages taught in New Zealand MARY BETH TAYLOR, WELLINGTON
24. A – Argentine asado and April Fair B – booming business opportunities C – charismatic cultures D – distant diplomatic duties E – English teaching overseas F – fiesta fun you will never forget G – graduation and post-graduate degrees H – history in two hemispheres I – Ibiza images J – justified in many jobs K – key to another world L – literature; best in its original language M – magical music to melt your heart N – nice nights knowing new names O – oranges and opera singers P – paseo in the Plaza Mayor Q – Quixote, Don, world’s first novel R – rugby contracts overseas S – summer sangría in Sevilla T – travel and talk in twenty countries U – university study and employment V – velvety vinos W – widely spoken in the world X – eXciting eXchanges Y – Youth Hostels and new friends Z – Zarzuela in Zaragoza THE A-Z OF REASONS TO LEARN SPANISH, CRYSTELLE JONES, ROTORUA
25. “ WHY SPANISH? - it is a growth export market for NZ - it is a target market for the government - it will increase your employment opportunities - it will enrich your personal experiences and open doors - it will give you international opportunities irrespective of your profession or education start the learning young - it is fun exciting and helps us learn the richness and excitement of this culture” LOGAN MULLER, LECTURER AT UNITEC, AUCKLAND
26. “ Through studying languages, I have also been able to lecture Spanish at an American university in Singapore and be an international flight attendant for Air New Zealand. Studying Spanish leads to a world of opportunities ” GWENDA PHILLIPS, WELLINGTON
27. “ The students who have learned languages and travelled overseas from isolated little Gisborne (which many believe to be the centre of the universe!) have a wonderfully positive attitude to cultural differences (the colour, dancing, music and of course the food and drink!) and they all definitely have the urge to travel more” KAREN HOLLIS, GISBORNE