Why do people learn Spanish?
In recent years, more and more people have been learning Spanish, and this trend is expected to continue. Around the world, approximately 24 million individuals were studying Spanish in 2022, according to the Instituto Cervantes. You might have noticed that Spanish is often highlighted as one of the most popular languages to learn. But have you ever wondered why people choose to learn Spanish? In this article, I'll explore the different reasons that many Spanish learners have shared with me during their lessons.
“Se estima que, en 2022, casi 24 millones de alumnos estudian español como lengua extranjera; en concreto, 23.748.298. ”
You don't have to be an expert to guess that some people learn Spanish because they enjoy learning languages or because they want to travel to Spanish-speaking countries for vacation. Others plan to move for work or studies. Some are simply seeking new cultural experiences. While these are common reasons, there are many others that might surprise you. Exploring these motivations can give us insight into what draws people to the Spanish language.
As a Spanish teacher, I often ask my students why they're learning Spanish. The answers I get vary a lot. It's not uncommon for someone to say they're learning Spanish to connect with their spouse's family if their partner is from a Spanish-speaking country. I've also met people living in a Spanish-speaking country because of their spouse, yet they struggle to learn the language. It's easier to communicate in the language you already know, even if it's not your partner's native language. So, even though many people could teach their partners their language, they often lack the patience to do so.
The reasons for learning Spanish can change depending on where people live. For instance, in Europe, especially in northern countries, many learn Spanish to travel to Spain for vacations. Some even own homes there and spend their winters in Spain, going back to their home countries when summer arrives. Similar patterns can be found on the other side of the world, especially in relation to Mexico and Costa Rica.
81% of the Spanish students worldwide are distributed among the United States, the European Union, and Brazil.
El español: una lengua viva. Informe 2022
However, there are unique reasons as well. It is estimated that 34% of Spanish as a second language students are located in the United States, and many of them are doing so not just for travel but for work. I've heard stories of lawyers, waiters, and salespeople learning Spanish, non-profit organization workers, social workers, as well as a significant number of doctors and nurses. These medical professionals want to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients, even though hospitals often have interpreters or translators (as required by Executive Order 13166). They believe it's important to understand their patients, especially when it comes to health matters where clear communication is crucial.
Teachers face a similar challenge. Many find themselves needing to talk to parents who don't speak English at all. Sometimes, they rely on their students to translate, if the students know some English. It's not unusual to hear about teachers working with students who don't speak English at all. This can be tough and often requires extra support.
These scenarios aren't rare. I've met doctors, nurses, and teachers from almost all 50 states who are learning Spanish for similar reasons. Beyond the Spanish language, just imagine teachers dealing with classrooms where more than thirteen languages are spoken! This is the case in places like Providence, Massachusetts, where immigrants arrive and then move to other parts of the country. Learning Spanish in such contexts is a way to help people coming to a country where Spanish isn't the main language.
That said, I remember a young guy telling me he was learning Spanish to move, but when I asked if he was moving to a Latin American country or Spain, he surprised me by saying he was moving to Florida!
Apart from these diverse motivations, there are common reasons that transcend geographical boundaries. People often learn Spanish to enjoy activities like dancing the Bachata, listening to Reggaeton music, visiting places like Machu Picchu or Patagonia, reading their favorite authors in their native language, or simply chatting with Spanish-speaking friends.
As you can see, there are countless reasons to learn Spanish, and each person has their own unique motivation. Some just find joy in the language itself. Yet, these motivations collectively highlight the deep connection between the Spanish language and people's lives all around the world.