The Merits of Studying Spanish
The Spanish language is one of the most influential, widely-spoken tongues in the world today. It
evolved after the fall of the Western Roman Empire (ca. 5th century C.E.) from the Common Latin
dialects spoken throughout the Iberian Peninsula; as such, it is a classified as a member of the IberoRomance group of languages. Due to the extensive colonization of the Spanish Empire beginning in the
early 16th century, this language (sometimes called Castilian because it has its origin in the Spanish
region of Castile) became prevalent throughout much of the New World, including in Mexico and much
of Central and South America.1 Spanish now has a greater number of native speakers than any other
language in the Western Hemisphere; with approximately 470 million native speakers, Spanish ranks
second among all world languages.2 Spanish is the official and/or primary language of twenty countries,
including most of the countries in Central and South America. As it is a language spoken widely on three
continents (Europe and the Americas), there are many national/regional dialects of the Spanish
language spoken throughout the world. For the most part, these dialects are mutually intelligible.3
At Sierra Preparatory Academy, students will have the opportunity to study Spanish in its Latin American
varieties. This is the most logical course of study due to our geographical situation in the Southwestern
United States. Moreover, many of the nations of Central and South America are experiencing
extraordinary economic growth and an increased global influence. For this reason, an understanding of
the language and culture of these countries would be remarkably beneficial to the student's future.
The study of both the Spanish language and the history and culture of the Spanish-speaking nations
promises to provide students with numerous significant advantages and opportunities. Some of these
compelling reasons are provided below:
1
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Spanish ranks second among all world languages in its number of native speakers. It serves as
the official and/or primary language of twenty countries, including the majority of the countries
in the Americas.
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The United States is home to many Spanish speakers and has strong historical and cultural
connections to its neighbors in Mexico, Central America, and South America. Over 38 million
Americans (13 percent of the overall population) speak Spanish at home.4 In addition to this,
Ralph Penny, A History of the Spanish Language, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002), p. 8.
Nationalencyklopedin, Världens 100 största språk 2010 [The world's 100 largest languages in 2010], (5 December
2014).
3
Judy Hochberg, The Mutual Intelligibility of Spanish Dialects, The Spanish Linguist,
http://spanishlinguist.us/2013/05/the-mutual-intelligibility-of-spanish-dialects, (6 December 2014).
4
U.S. Census Bureau (2007), United States S1601 Language Spoken at Home, 2005-2007 American Community
Survey 3-Year Estimates, (6 December 2014).
2
there are over 12 million Americans who speak it as a second language.5 The United States now
has the second-largest Spanish-speaking population in the world, trailing only Mexico. The
ability to communicate in Spanish would open up a veritable treasure trove of opportunities
within our own country.
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The ability to speak Spanish proves especially advantageous to inhabitants of the Southwest.
Over twenty percent of Arizonans speak Spanish as their first language.6 English-Spanish
bilingualism would avail the student both of improved career opportunities and of a better
understanding of Hispanic-American culture.
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The student will learn about the fascinating histories and cultures of the Spanish-speaking
world. The study of Spanish will introduce students to unique, rich cultures distinguished by
their characteristic literature, music, and art. For example, the students will develop the ability
to read the works of authors such as Cervantes and Marquez in their authors' native tongue.
Students will also be empowered by a new understanding that stems from an in-depth
examination of the customs and values of these societies. Special emphasis will be placed on
Latin America, as an understanding of the culture of this region will also empower the student to
become a better citizen of Arizona and of the United States.
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Spanish-English bilingualism would benefit students in a great variety of potential careers.
American speakers of Spanish are in demand for professional opportunities in many fields, such
as language interpretation, business, education, news and journalism, energy and natural
resources, diplomacy, civil service, immigration and naturalization services, customs, military
intelligence, and law enforcement.7
Mark Hugo Lopez, What is the Future of Spanish in the United States?, Pew Research Center, (6 December 2014).
Modern Language Association, Most Spoken languages in Arizona in 2010, (6 December 2014).
7
University of Louisville Classical and Modern Languages, What Can I Do with a Major in Spanish,
http://louisville.edu/spanish/what-can-i-do-with-a-major-in-spanish.html, (5 December 2014).
6