Why You Should Teach Yourself Spanish

by David Durham

 

Within a very few short years, over 25% of the US population will be Spanish-speaking. Already, the US is the second largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, second only to Mexico, and greater than Spain, Colombia, or Argentina. There are more Spanish speakers in the US than French, native Hawaiian and all Native American languages combined. According to a 2007 survey, over 34 million people aged five years and older in the US spoke Spanish at home. There are approximately 45 million Hispanics (about 16% of the US population) who speak Spanish as either a first or second language, and this trend isn't likely to slow any time soon. Even if the US government manages to bring illegal immigration under control in the next few years, mere procreation will ensure that the Hispanic population in the United States continues to swell.

 

Most of us are aware to one degree or another of the tremendous influence Hispanic culture has had in the US, but few of us realize the far-reaching ramifications. The very first permanent European settlers in North America were Spanish speakers, and there has never been a time in our history when there was not a Spanish-speaking contingent in this country. The countless Spanish names in our cities and states, if noticed, serve as constant reminders; yet it is uncanny how many Americans completely miss the import and magnitude of this fact. San Francisco (St. Francis), San Jose (St. Joseph), San Diego (St. Peter), Sacramento (sacrament), Nevada (snowy), Colorado (reddish) are but a few examples.

 

The 'gringo' populations in the Western states with historically high concentrations of Hispanics seem, in large part, to have managed to avoid learning this language that is so prevalent around them. Many times their street names are Spanish, yet they are often unable to form a single sentence in Spanish.

 

But times are changing. More and more Hispanics are taking their place in mainstream American culture -- whether it be in positions of leadership, education or business. And in the global village in which we live, there are fewer and fewer excuses not at least become somewhat conversant. Americans are well known throughout the world as resistant to the idea of learning a foreign language, but I believe this is changing. Along with the internet has come a wealth of resources that make it entirely possible for you to teach yourself languages. Whether printed products or learn Spanish audio products, it is truly possible to become conversant without leaving the comfort of your own home.

 

That said, I recommend that anyone who wants to learn a foreign language take the step of developing a relationship with at least one native Spanish speaker. In the 21st century, there is hardly a city where native Spanish speakers cannot be found. Why not befriend the serving staff at your favorite Mexican restaurant for starters? It has been my experience that they are delighted when someone shows the effort to address them in their mother tongue.

 

I dare you to give it a try!