Spanish is America’s second language. Isn’t about time you became cool enough to schmooze in more than one language? It’s good for business and you will also astonish your friends. Think about it. More US citizens speak Spanish as a first language than even live in New York City. If you travel on business, its almost becoming a must. The Spanish-speaking world is a huge global market. If you speak Spanish, you can build market share for your business or company among the fastest growing population in the US. Even if its just not business that makes your brain hum, learning Spanish as a second language helps you travel in a way that takes the ugly out of The Ugly American. (You wont get rid of that spare tire unless you work at it, though.) And lets not forget one of the most important reasons you’ll love learning Spanish: It’s great fun. Especially if you’re single.
Here are some great ways to habla Espanol pronto!
1. Visit Spain. Ask strangers for directions and see how fast you can pick up the basics. If you get lost, thats just part of the adventure and youll have to learn new words quickly or find yourself with a problema. I wouldnt try this in a bad neighborhood in Barcelona, however. Whats Spanish for: “If you put down that knife, you can have my wallet”?
2. Read Mexican newspapers while vacationing in Baja. With your new language skills, you can make a real estate deal, and live the expatriate life in style. Don’t take no for an answer. Make them say si to your final offer.
3. Get active in politics and ask to work among Spanish-speaking voters. These days youll be able to look for votes not just in LA and San Diego but just about anywhere in the US, including Iowa.
4. Get a job with a Spanish language radio or TV station. You’ll learn by osmosis. These people may even be hiring. Or at least watch the Spanish TV channels. Their soap operas are funnier than the ones in English and youll catch on to the slangthe most enjoyable part of any language–fast.
5. Read poets Federico Garcia Lorca or Octavio Paz in the original by using a bi-lingual edition. Your Spanish vocabulary will fill up like an overstuffed pi