Okay, so you're an adult, you have a job and you may think why do I need to speak another language?
Believe it or not, there are actually way more benefits to learning a second language later in life than you may think.
Speaking that extra language could be the difference between staying in your current position and getting a promotion, not to mention how good it is for your brain! Learning a second language improves your attention span and your long-term memory!
"Anyone who stops learning is old — whether this happens at twenty or at eighty. Anyone who keeps on learning not only remains young but becomes constantly more valuable — regardless of physical capacity."
- Henry Ford
Bilingual and Multilingual People Improved Memory Function
Your brain has its own reasons to learn Spanish, it will keep it young and agile, and to an extent, it will help you stay smarter for longer.
When speaking, bilingual or multilingual people are constantly switching between two or more languages in their minds, and this switching improves the brain’s ability to concentrate on one thing while ignoring other irrelevant information.
People who speak more than one language have improved memory, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, enhanced concentration, ability to multitask, and better listening skills. They switch between competing tasks and monitor changes in their environment more easily than monolinguals, as well as display signs of greater creativity and flexibility.
If that weren’t enough, as we age, being bilingual or multilingual also helps to stave off mental ageing and cognitive decline.
So just by switching regularly between Spanish to English, you're benefiting your brain health!
Speaking Spanish Enhances Your Employability
While any second language will give your resume a nice little push, Spanish can be particularly powerful across many industries and pay ranges.
Why?
When you think about it, it makes sense, adults who speak both English and Spanish are going to be highly desirable employees, as both languages are spoken most globally.
We live in a multicultural world in the midst of the digital age, so no matter where in the world you reside, whether it is in Ireland or Australia, people who have experience in more than one language are high in demand in the job market in all sectors and industries, as employers consider them to be better communicators and problem solvers.
Therefore those who speak more than one language, are likely to be put in positions that deal with clients across the globe. They may even work in marketing, customer services, HR, advertising and many other communication-based sectors.
The three most sought-after language translators by employers are Chinese, English and Spanish.
Travel and Connect with Other Cultures
The Spanish language will enhance the experiences you will have during your journeys abroad.
A great way to motivate yourself, especially when learning a language like Spanish is to go online and book a trip for six or eight months down the road.
This sets a goal, a time when you have to be ready. Plus native Spanish speakers love when people learn to speak Spanish, it shows respect to the visiting country.
"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart."
- Nelson Mandela
When you know the basics of the local language, you are more easily able to navigate outside the tourist bubble and connect and interact with the place and its people. Being able to communicate in another language exposes us to and fosters an appreciation for the traditions, religions, arts, and history of the people associated with that language.
Being able to speak Spanish at a conversational level of proficiency means that a person has the ability to comfortably converse/communicate in the language.
The Basics Will Help You Navigate!
Once you know how to speak a little Spanish and you decide where to go on your next trip, you can go to a local bar or restaurant and ask the waiter to make some food suggestions, or you can ask a guide for advice on which tour to take.
You can even visit a wine and food tasting experience, not to mention all the great music festivals and so on that take place throughout the different seasons. Giving yourself the gift of language means you're not relying on someone else to translate for you.
Honestly if for no other reason than travelling with ease, it's worth listening to a few free podcasts or downloading a free APP, to learn some basic Spanish skills.
Why not start with these simple phrases?
- ¡Hola! – Hello/Hi
- ¡Buenas! – Hello!
- Mucho gusto! – Nice to meet you.
- Sí – Yes
- No – No
- Gracias. – Thank you.
- Muchas gracias. – Thank you so much.
- Por favor. – Please.
- De nada. – You are welcome.
Spanish, in comparison to some other languages, is relatively easy and dare I say fun to learn if you found that list ok why not sign up for a Superprof Tutor for a few lessons before your next trip? Most of our Tutors give the first lesson free of charge!
However, if you decide to start your Spanish language journey we wish you the best of luck and happy holidays!
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