Buenos dias. If you are reading this article, it is because you want to know more about the Spanish language and are considering learning it. However, before you start, here are the things you need to know:
The facts about the Spanish language around the world
The 4 good reasons to learn Spanish
How to learn Spanish?
The Global General of GlobalExam
So, let’s not waste time and get started so that you have all the keys to understanding why to learn Spanish.
The Spanish language in the world
If originally, Spanish was only spoken in Spain and in the countries of South America, this language with melodious accents has been able to extend its influence throughout the world. Today, Spanish is the 2nd most spoken language in the world and within a few decades, the first world power, the United States, will become the first Spanish-speaking country, with 1 in 3 people speaking Spanish. Beyond that, you should know that Spanish is the official language or one of the official languages of 29 countries around the world: Mexico, Colombia, Spain, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela, Chile, Guatemala, Ecuador, Cuba, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Paraguay, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Equatorial Guinea. Even if it is not recognized as an official language, it is also commonly used in Morocco, Andorra, the Caribbean… Little by little, it was able to impose itself and it is not for nothing that it is nicknamed today “the language of the future”.
With more than 500 million people practicing it regularly, it has become essential, both in the business world and in the scientific world, where Spain occupies 10th place on the world list of scientific production.
It is also the 3rd most spoken language by Internet users and it is not for nothing that it has been offered as the second living language for many years in France and abroad. Spanish is the second most studied language in the world with around 20 million learners of which 6 million are in the United States.
Beyond studies or business, Spanish culture is very rich : painting (Picasso, Dali), music, literature, architecture, theatre… All these assets have made Spain the 3rd country in the world ranking of tourism. The Spanish way of life is also very sought after and many French people decide to move to Spanish-speaking countries to work or to spend their retirement, thus increasing the number of learners of this language.
In short, Spanish, whatever the field, has become an essential language of the 21ᵉ century, recognized and used worldwide .
4 good reasons to learn Spanish
Learn Spanish for Travel
As seen above, Spanish is spoken in more than thirty countries all around the globe. If you want to be able to fully enjoy a trip without having to refer to a translator or dictionary, it can be interesting to learn Spanish. Thanks to your knowledge of the language, you will be able to exchange with natives who will make you discover their way of life or who will be able to show you sites unknown to tourists who follow organized trips.
To fully live the experience, of the trip, to be able to exchange, discuss with locals without the language barrier, will allow you beyond to have a total autonomy , to enrich you personally and to widen your horizon .
The city of Barcelona is a popular destination for tourists
Learning Spanish for work
Your boss is opening a branch in Madrid, you have new Spanish-speaking clients, you have decided to drop everything to open a churrería in Barcelona, in short, your professional life is going to take a turn and Spanish will be part of your daily life? In these cases, it is necessary to learn this new language.
Whether it is for email exchanges, telephone conversations or meeting animation , it will always be more appreciable for customers if you put yourself at their level and make the effort to speak their language. Let’s not forget that Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world unlike French.
The resemblance to French
When you speak French, learning Spanish is much easier than learning English. Why ? Because the sentence constructions are similar , the conjugation is similar , and many vocabulary words sound alike. As you learn, you will see that there are many similarities between French and Spanish .
The formal address, for example, exists in both Spanish and French, even if it is less used in Spain. Unlike English, there is no need to do intellectual gymnastics to switch from one language to another.
Learn Spanish for fun
Have you ever heard that a series is better in original version? That a book has been badly translated? That you wish you could understand the lyrics of Spanish songs like “Despacito” without having to search the internet? And if for that you decide to learn Spanish. Not to impress the gallery, but for you, to discover another culture , another language.
How to learn Spanish?
Learning a new language today is much easier than a few years ago. Many traditional or more modern supports have been created and will allow you to learn Spanish even if you are a beginner . There will therefore necessarily be a learning method that will be adapted to you.
Read French-Spanish bilingual books
The classic method is to equip yourself with manuals such as the Harraps Method. Do not hesitate to have a notebook on the side in which to write down vocabulary words and grammar notions , to do exercises and to go to the next level when you feel ready. Today, most textbooks also offer you CDs with audio tracks to improve your listening comprehension.
You can also choose to learn Spanish through bilingual French/Spanish novels . This method will allow you to have the page in Spanish on one side and the page in French on the other. The advantage is that you won’t juggle with a dictionary and will be able to progress in your reading without feeling frustrated.
Watch Spanish TV series
Netflix, Amazon Prime, Internet, thanks to the network and the many platforms, you have an incredible number of series just a click away to help you learn or progress in Spanish. You can choose to watch your favorite series with Spanish audio and/or subtitles , you can even opt for 100% Spanish series like La Casa de Papel for example. If this way of learning appeals to you, we invite you to read our article “ The best series for learning Spanish ” .
If you opt for this method, we recommend that you start with short formats and if possible series taking place in everyday life in order to be able to reuse the words heard. We also advise you to note the words and expressions that come up regularly with their translation.
Use Online Spanish Lessons
If you prefer to be in a dynamic of exchange , you can opt for lessons with a teacher. Whether group or individual lessons, you can progress in all areas: understanding and expression. This solution is undoubtedly the best even if you will be constrained by the timetables and very often by the expensive prices offered.
Use learning platforms
Aware that it can sometimes be difficult to free up time to stick to fixed hours in order to learn a language, many platforms have launched into e-learning. Thanks to them, you will be able to organize yourself as you wish according to your schedule. These platforms will often allow you to learn Spanish in its entirety, both orally and in writing. You still have to find the right site to learn Spanish .
The Global General of GlobalExam
GlobalExam is a platform specializing in e-learning of languages, training many students every day. Whether you are aiming for validation of a specific level or simply want to learn Spanish, the Global General is the solution for you.
Thanks to our flashcards and our exercises designed by native teachers, the Global General by GlobalExam will allow you to progress in a fun and effective way . If you want more specific support, you can opt for individual lessons of thirty minutes during which you will define with the teacher the points on which to work.
Group lessons are also offered to allow you to interact with other students so that you all progress together. With the Global General you define your own objectives and progress at your own pace in complete autonomy. Thanks to our platform, you have the possibility to follow your progress and to choose the points on which you wish to improve. At GlobalExam, there will always be someone to answer your questions and best help you in your learning.
Thanks to our platform, accessible from your mobile, tablet or computer, you can learn Spanish whenever and wherever you want. In addition, learning Spanish like many of our other courses can be fully funded by your Personal Training Account.