| Having a hard time coming up with a | | | | other cultures. One of the great ways |
| reason to sign up for Spanish 101. I'm | | | | to understand another culture is to |
| not. Here's a few to think about. | | | | learn it's language. There are few |
| 1. Planning a trip to a Spanish speaking | | | | things more culturally rich, than |
| country. | | | | language. |
| There is certainly no shortage of exotic | | | | 6. Because Spanish is the second most |
| and fun places to travel to, where | | | | spoken language in the United States. |
| Spanish is a popular language. Mexico, | | | | And the fourth most spoken language in |
| Spain, Cuba, Panama, and Argentina are | | | | the world. Close to 400 million people |
| just a few. Just imagine how much more | | | | speak Spanish. Just imagine all the new |
| enjoyable a vacation in any of these | | | | friends you can make. Not to mention |
| countries would be if you could converse | | | | business associates, partners, students, |
| with the locals in their native tongue. | | | | and mentors. |
| Possibly even discover some secrets not | | | | 7. You want to study abroad in a |
| revealed in the generic travel | | | | predominately Spanish speaking country. |
| brochures. | | | | While it's true that immersing yourself |
| 2. Falling in love with someone who | | | | in another country is a great way to |
| speaks Spanish. | | | | learn the language, just imagine if you |
| They say you can't pick your family, but | | | | learned a little of the language before |
| you can pick your friends . . . and | | | | you went. Besides, you'll have enough |
| lovers. Maybe that cute Spanish | | | | studying to do in your chosen field of |
| speaking guy or girl you ride next to on | | | | endeavour, without the burden of |
| the bus every day, would really be | | | | learning the language at the same time. |
| impressed, if you were able to use a | | | | 8. Because you hate reading subtitles on |
| introductory line with a few Spanish | | | | all those great Spanish movies. |
| words. Careful with the translations | | | | Films, music, art. What the heck are |
| here though. First impressions are | | | | they singing about anyway? While |
| important. | | | | Spanish music is arguably the most |
| 3. Career advancement in a job that | | | | beautiful in the world, don't you wish |
| favors bilingualism. | | | | you understand the words. Hey, if the |
| Perhaps your company has some great | | | | music sounds so passionate, just imagine |
| opportunities, but only for bilingual | | | | how good the words must be. |
| speaking employees. Or maybe you just | | | | 9. It's a gateway to learning other |
| like a transfer to another corporate | | | | languages. |
| office, that happens to be in South | | | | They say once you learn a second |
| America for a while. I'm sure speaking | | | | language, the third gets easier. And |
| Spanish would a great advantage there. | | | | then the fourth, the fifth, etc. Well, |
| 4. For the sake of learning something | | | | for once 'they' are right. Just imagine |
| new. | | | | how impressed your friends will be when |
| Not just your body needs exercise, but | | | | you tell them you can speak a half dozen |
| your mind as well. Plenty of studies | | | | languages. Who knows what doors that |
| these days, reveal how beneficial it is | | | | could open. |
| to keep your mind active to prevent the | | | | 10. It's always fun to learn to curse in |
| onset of many mind/age related diseases | | | | another language. |
| like Alzheimer's. Learn a language is | | | | The most important reason of all. Why |
| like aerobics for the brain. | | | | is it everyone wants to learn the swear |
| 5. To broaden your mind from a cultural | | | | words first, when picking up a new |
| perspective. | | | | language. I guess, so you can tell your |
| As the world becomes more of a global | | | | friends (enemies?) what you really think |
| village, it's important to be aware, | | | | of them, while keeping that smile on |
| tolerant, and compassionate towards | | | | your face. |