The Spanish Language in the US
As of 2013, there are over 315,000,000 people in the United States alone. And while the English Language is still the primary language, it may not stay that way for long. With over 50,000,000 native and second language Spanish speakers, the United States has the second largest Spanish speaking population after Mexico. So if you've decided to learn a new language, the Spanish is an obvious choice.
How Spanish Can Enrich Our Lives
Personally, at my own job the percentage of native spanish speakers is quite high, and the language barrier can sometimes be an issue. Unlike some of the stubborn US population, I WANT to be able to communicate with everyone. To learn from and share experiences with them, without there being a barrier. And for all those stuck in their stubborn ways, who refuse to learn spanish or feel that they need to learn english instead.. You're going to look pretty silly when you cant even get a job because you refuse to be bilingual.
Not only may speaking Spanish be necessary when applying and gaining a job, but those who speak Spanish have a higher chance of receiving key assignments and pay raises. Many salaries are determined on the amount of skills one has obtained. Those who speak Spanish are more likely to be paid .50 cents to a $1.00 more than others who do the same job but arent bilingual. If you for sure want to land that dream job, and speaking Spanish is a requirement, conduct the interview in Spanish instead of your primary language to show how confident and skilled you are at what you do.
Learning Spanish Doesn't Have to be Expensive or Difficult
There are many ways to learn Spanish. Some expensive and time consuming. But it doesn't have to be that way. Some of the best ways are just to immerse yourself in situations where you are surrounded in the Spanish language. Whether that be traveling, Spanish speaking friends or coworkers or online chat rooms where the dominate language is Spanish. These are free, and you find that when you need to say something, that you will quickly learn how to say it and understand it. Other options are audio programs, books and classes. Though these can get quite pricey and are time consuming as well. And many of us have hectic schedules as it is, without adding learning a language to the mix. But take some time to do it, even if it is a slow process because so much can be spoken with a limited vocabulary just like with the English language.
