In our highly-connected world, it can only be an advantage not to learn Spanish. With respect to employment, a second language allows for many additional opportunities, and experiences. The ability to speak Spanish will give you an edge when applying for many jobs. In addition, the study of Spanish allows for one to become more culturally aware, and allows one to reap the many benefits available only to global citizens. Moreover, speaking Spanish will benefit a person by increasing cognitive ability and efficiency which will certainly improve ones life. I’ve personally seen and experienced the many benefits of speaking Spanish, and continue to find the cognitive benefits to be numerous. This is why I have spent ten years developing our Spanish for Beginners - Spanish 101 lessons.

Unfortunately, the public system of education in the USA has placed little value on speaking languages other than English or on understanding cultures other than one’s own. "A pervasive lack of knowledge about foreign cultures and foreign languages threatens the security of the United States as well as its ability to compete in the global marketplace and produce an informed citizenry."(National Research Council 2007). lessons. If our public system of education would only insure that students master the use of common Spanish verbs, this would be a HUGE step in the right direction!

Many years ago, foreign languages were considered more important then mathematics and science, however, the country gradually lost interest in Spanish and other foreign languages. After the events of September 11, 2001, foreign languages have reemerged as a significant concern. The terrorist attack for the U.S. government to review the expertise of its personnel and to reevaluate the need for more and better language skills. It would be foolish, however, to limit our attention to the security requirements of federal government. Language skills, in general, and Spanish language skills, in particular, are urgently needed to address global economic challenges and the competitiveness of American businesses in an increasingly global marketplace. The importance of cultural knowledge and expertise must also not be forgotten.