At the end of this unit, you would be able to identify Spanish linguistic communities and to

enumerate the benefits of learning the Spanish language.

ENGAGE

Which of the following countries speak Spanish as their major language? Put a check on your answers.

Espana Nicaragua Puerto Rico

Mexico Costa Rica Venezuela

Guatemala Panama Colombia

Honduras Cuba Equador

El Salvador Dominican Republic Peru

EXPLORE

How did you answer the question? Did you check all of the countries? Then you are correct! All
of those countries have Spanish as their main language, including Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina,
and some states in EE.UU ( Estados Unidos). These are the so-called linguistic communities that speak
either Casillano or Hispano Americano. So if in the future you will visit any of these places, then your
knowledge on this language will be very helpful!

You are about to embark on a course that introduces you to another familiar language- the
Spanish language. This is a familiar language because many of the words we use in our day to day
activities are actually Spanish in origin! Some of these words are: trabaho ( trabajo), intindi ( entiende),
gusto ( gusto), pamilya( familia), kusina (cocina), oras (horas), lugar (lugar) , kwento(cuento), and many
more.

In addition, you are aware that our country has been under Spanish influence for more than three
hundred years and many of their traditions and practices have become entrenched in our own culture.
Another influence is their language, which was introduced in the Philippines in the 16 th century, when our
country fell into Spanish rule. Spanish settlers maintained a strong presence in the archipelago until 1898,
ending with the Spanish- American war.

So there is a very strong connection between our history and this language that you will study.
Aside from this strong historical connection, here are some reasons why you should take this language
seriously:

1. Spanish is spoken as the first language by at least 400 million people around the world and is currently
the fourth most commonly spoken language worldwide. Knowing Spanish opens the door for you to
communicate with over half a billion speakers worldwide, including those who speak Spanish as a second
language.
2. Spanish will enhance your travel experiences when visiting Spanish-speaking countries. Away from the
major cities and tourist hot-spots in Latin America and Spain, far fewer people speak English, so if you
learn Spanish it is a great help when travelling. Knowing the language will give you insights into the
people and culture that a non-Spanish speaker would never have access to.
3. Spanish will improve your employment potential. With the world becoming ever more global, contact
with people of other countries has increased tremendously in recent decades. Just having a basic
knowledge of the language may be all it takes to separate yourself from the crowd of other applicants.
Language skills are desirable additions to any CV/Resume.
4. Spanish skills facilitate an appreciation of Spanish-speaking cultures. Learning the Spanish language
and culture go hand-in-hand. Although it is possible to learn Spanish never having experienced the
culture first hand, direct exposure to the culture will give students insights into the language that would
otherwise not be possible.
5. Spanish skills enable you to meet local people and make friends with other travellers. Learning a
foreign language opens many doors to meeting new and exciting people that would not otherwise be
possible. Getting to know somebody by communicating with them in their own language is a great way to
really get to know that person on a much deeper level than only through communicating with gestures or
body language. You will enjoy your subsequent travel experiences much more if you are able to
communicate with the local people.
6. Spanish skills open up a world of art, music, literature and film. Spanish would greatly enhance your
enjoyment of films such as La Casa de Papel ( Money Heist) without being distracted by the need to
read the film's subtitles. In addition to deriving more enjoyment from films, Spanish skills enable you to
fully appreciate some of the world’s greatest literature, music and art.
7. Spanish skills increase the number of projects you could join as an international volunteer. It is
important to keep this in mind if planning on doing some volunteer work in Spain, Central or South
America. Some voluntary organizations offer volunteers Spanish lessons whilst they are volunteering.
8. Spanish skills will enable you to study abroad. Many of us want to study abroad and explore various
career opportunities. Without taking that first step of signing up for a language class, you may just miss
out on one of life's most exciting adventures possible.