Why Spanish?
The importance of the Spanish language
Anyone who speaks Spanish can communicate with about 500 million people all over the world! And, you will also have more opportunities in your professional career! Or, if you just want to travel to Spain or to the Spanish-speaking countries in America, you will certainly find it useful to have some basic knowledge of the Spanish language!
The Spanish language in figures...
At the end of the 19th century, 60 million people were speaking Spanish. Today, around 500 Million people around the world are speaking Spanish!
Spanish is the mother tongue of about 350 million people in 21 countries (Mexico: 95 million, Spain: 40 million, Argentina: 35 million, Columbia: 35 million, Venezuela: 25 million, Peru: 20 million...)
Spanish is the second most-used language in international communication.
Economy index...
The total Hispano-American population in the USA has increased by 60 % in only one decade. Today, 35.3 million North-Americans are Hispano-Americans, which means they now represent 12.5% of the total North-American population. Because of this increase, demand for Spanish-speaking employees in the media market (radio, television, press etc.) has grown strongly.
The Latin-American countries have also experienced strong economic growth, which makes them important trading partners.
The foundation of MERCOSUR and numerous other already implemented free trade agreements (i.e. ALADI, Comunidad Andina, CACM, NAFTA, G3) between South American countries and with North America aims to improve these countries' economies and to enhance their efficiency as well as their ability to compete.
Culture index...
Latino culture contributes strongly to global art and literature.
You probably already listen and dance to Latino rhythms, watch movies with Spanish or Latin-American actors, admire paintings of Spanish painters, etc.
Dance: Salsa, Merengue, Flamenco, Tango, Rumba, Pasodoble, Sevillanas...
Music: Julio and Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan, Jennifer López...
Actors: Antonio Banderas, Penélope Cruz, Andy García, Martin Sheen...
Painters: Picasso, Velázquez, Dalí, Botero...
Authors: Cervantes, García Márquez, Vargas Llosa, Isabel Allende...
Architects: Gaudí, Aníbal González, César Manrique...
Sports: Sergio García, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, Pau Gasol, Miguel Indurain...
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