So why study Spanish

Someone recetly asked me why should we study the Spanish language. My answer was, why not? I mean there are forty-six million Spanish-speaking people in the United States. That’s one Spanish speaking person for every six English-speaking people in our country. Of course that doesn’t mean that they all speak their native tongue,  least not all the time, but it is becoming more and more frequent, at least to some, all the time.

Our government tells us that approximately half of the above mentioned forty-six million are in the United States illegally. It’s pretty obvious that all those who are here illegally either won’t, or can’t, be deported back to their country of origin. So what is to become of them as they blend into the many ethnic societies that make up the United States? Why are they here in the first place? That, of course is a difficult question, but most probably they are simply seeking a better way of life for themselves and their families. And frankly, who could blame them? There is not one among us that would not like to have something that would make our live better. Those who speak the Spanish language are no different.

So, the old adage goes that if you can’t beat them, join them. After all, the U.S. made up from people who arrived from countries around the world. And, inasmuch as Spanish is becoming more and more prevalent in our daily lives, there are a couple of things we can do that might make accepting the easier. We could complain on a daily basis, which seems to be pretty much what we are doing, or we could learn to live with those who make up our very diverse communities.

I, for one, have chosen to study Spanish for many reasons, but the most important one is that I want to be more ably communicate with those who work on our community. Those who mow our lawns, construct our homes, as well as myriad other jobs. These people without doubt will increase in numbers in the coming years. Another reason is, in case you haven’t noticed, nearly every product for sale in our country has directions, instructions, list of contents, as well as other verbiage in Spanish. I’m confident that the manufacturers of these products don’t print in Spanish just to use ink. They do it because they know that the Latin speaking market is growing almost exponentially. It’s a fact that those of Latin origin who live in the United States now outnumber those who are of African American decent. So, if you can’t beat them… join them.

If one does choose to “join them”, so to speak, how would you go about it? How and where could you learn the Spanish language? These are important questions to ask. The answer to these questions can not only make a significant difference in how much and how well you are able o speak Spanish, but to better understand the culture of those who comprise this increasing population.

I personally have studies Spanish in three different countries, not including studying at a local community college, and I can tell you that the only, and best, way to truly learn to speak and understand a language is to go to the place where that language is the only language spoken. By being totally immersed and surrounded by those who literally live the language on a daily basis, you will learn more quickly.  
The language school that I found to be superior to any that I have attended is Centro Linguistico Internacional, located in Antigua, Guatemala. There are other schools in Antigua, as well as throughout the rest of the country and other Latin countries. But none would equal the quality of teachers, beauty, and safety of facilities and opportunities to learn Spanish. I was able to learn in just three weeks at Centro Linguistico Internacional.   

The school, founded by professional teachers who saw the need to provide a quality education at a reasonable cost, offers more than six-thousand square feet of space for not only class rooms, but for apartments and individual rooms, all with private bathrooms.

Also provided is a well-equipped kitchen for those who would prefer to do their own cooking. Cooked meals are available, if requested, at a nominal cost. Also provided is a computer room providing free internet, complete with Wi–fi access, twenty-four hours a day. There are multiple computers provided at no charge that allow the student to stay in touch with family and friends by e-mail without ever leaving the campus.

One of the main reasons a student learns so quickly at Centro Linguistico Internacional, is that there are no textbooks. Language is communication, and at this school only Spanish is spoken, allowing students to start learning from the very first day. All students are urged to partake in the many cultural events in the area, including visiting and studying the many ruins of some of the great cathedrals of the past.

Walking down the four-hundred year old cobblestone streets of Antigua you will be greeted by people of a world very different from your own. People who are poor financially, but rich with pride. People who are happy that you want to learn about their culture, their language… their world.

Centro Linguistico Internacional, a school for learning Spanish… a language that is becoming increasingly important to U.S. Citizens. For more information CLI can be contacted by e-mail at info@spanishcontact.com or visit their website at www.spanishcontact.com

If you want to learn a language that is becoming a part of out daily lives, you would be ahead of the pack by checking them out… pronto.