Learn Spanish - Ten Good Reasons Why

Why should you learn Spanish? Over four years ago I met the most wonderful woman in my life in Ecuador. I don't think we'd be married today if I hadn't learned a little of the language before going there. Finding true love isn't the only reason to learn Spanish, though. Here are another ten good reasons.

1. Better understanding. You'll hear as much Spanish as English at the Miami airport, and in many other places now. Wouldn't it be nice to understand people, and know what the announcements are?

2. Helping others. Our bank has a branch in a grocery store, and this past week a farmer who didn't speak English was ready to leave without his money or groceries. It was nice to be able to help him out.

3. Brainpower. A new language expands your possible thoughts. There are concepts in each language that don't exist in others. These give you new ways to think.

4. Better perspective. In Spanish, you say "yo tengo miedo," or "I have fear." Psychologists say thoughts like "I am afraid" create too much identification with the feeling. It's healthier to think and say "I feel fear," or "I have fear," and in Spanish it's automatic.

5. Better memory. Most people experience a general improvement in memory from studying a language.

6. Slow aging. Learn Spanish and it will slow the aging process? It's true. It's been demonstrated that you can halt the age-related decline in mental function by learning a new language.

7. Better job. Knowing more than one language always looks good on a resume, and Spanish is the most useful one to learn.

8. You can enjoy ALL the channels on your cable TV.

9. You can order without help in a TRUE Mexican restaurant.

10. You can say hello (hola) to your neighbor.

Learn Spanish for any reason, and you'll get all the benefits above as well. And there is one more reason to learn Spanish: to make new friends. My wife is happy I learned.