Why Americans Should Learn Spanish in 2024
The Time Is Now!
So, I’ve been learning Spanish for a full year.
And it’s been the most life changing skill that I’ve learned since improv — more than ten years ago.
I started learning Spanish again November 29, 2022. At first, I started with Duolingo (which I do everyday).
I watched Youtube videos in Spanish.
And bought basic beginner books in Spanish.
So, why Spanish and why now?
Well, I wanna travel the world. My initial goal was to visit Medellin Colombia soon. And my co worker told me to learn Spanish.
I saw the fun nightlife of La 70 in Medellin on many Youtube videos, and went into a trance. Dunno why I’m pulled there, but I am.
So, my current life goals are to learn Spanish and travel through Latin America.
My journey of learning Spanish has been amazing, because I got a lot of benefits besides travel. Travel is my main goal, but other benefits popped up that I never expected.
I understand different cultures, and business on a deeper level.
When I’m in random areas, I can hear random accents and slang, and know immediately where that person is from. It’s feels spooky like superpower. It feels like I’m Jason Bourne. A secret agent.
I’ve connected with many different people all over America. There are so many Spanish speakers in America. Spanish is the second most spoken language in America.
Benefit #1 — Meet New People and Connect With Different Cultures
Once you start learning Spanish, you’ll realize how big the world is.
Random fact: Mexico is 4.9 bigger than Texas. It has 32 states. I didn’t know that before this 2023.
Did you know that Santo Domingo had upscale shops like Rolex and Louis Vuitton? I didn’t know that either…
Did you know that Medellin, Colombia has the best weather in all the Americas. And rebranded itself from cocaine hotspot to tourist hotspot.
On Italki, I’ve had lessons from many Spanish speakers from various countries. Such as Mexico, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Peru Venezuela. And in those lessons I ask questions about their culture. Especially when I visited Santo Domingo. I asked my tutor from Santo Domingo how it is, the best food, best places to visit, what to do, etc.
I’m very interested in different cultures. So every lesson I ask something about their culture. Or a make an interesting connection with their culture and mine.
This is something you only get if your studying languages. You’ll build strong cultural sensitivity.
For example, I got back Boston. And you wouldn’t know — there is a sizeable Latino population in Boston. There are many Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Colombians, Mexicans and others.
One night in Boston, I went to a nightclub, I met a bathroom attendant who was Puerto Rican. We had a short chat about Boston. It was very pleasant experience. And he even stood up, eyes widen when I started speaking Spanish. He seemed so happy to talk to a stranger in his native language.
How many people like Jamual has he interreacted with?
Most likely not much…
Another night in Boston — I was in Colombian bar and I didn’t hear any English for 3 hours straight. Only salsa music and Spanish.
It felt like I was in Latin America. Holy moly.
Currently, I live in New York City, and I love going to a neighborhood called, “Jackson Heights.” Jackson Heights is in Queens, a borough in NYC. Queens dubbed, “The Most Diverse Borough in NYC.” I’ve been there 4 times in the last couple months. And I like going there to eat various foods from Latin America. Like Colombian, Mexican, Ecuadorian, Peruvian, etc.
I love Jackson Heights because I can practice my Spanish. That area — you don’t hear any English — Ha!
Benefit #2 — Travel
If you want to travel to many Latin American countries — you need to know Spanish, at least basic phrases.
“Buenos dias, hola, como esta? Donde esta el bano?” Etc…
Also, you should be able to read signs on the road. Signs in the airport. In restaurant. In bars. On the street.
When you’re in a Latin American city, please know where you’re going. Especially, if you’re solo.
Knowing the language is paramount for your safety. And safety is #1.
My first Latin American city solo was Santo Domingo, and I was able to get by with a A2 level of Spanish. But I don’t recommend Santo Domingo. Unless you understand Dominican culture, and understand their dialect. Mexico is WAY more welcoming to a higher range of foreigners, and a softer landing.
Benefit #3 — New Skills
I study Spanish everyday. I’m never bored. I always have something new to study.
I’ve learned the alphabet, numbers, months, seasons, days of the week, grammar , etc.
I listen to Youtubers in Spanish, practicing my listening skills — every day. I listen to podcasts such as Doorway to Mexico, Mexitalki, How To Spanish podcast. These are amazing and intriguing.
I watch Mexican movies and television. Anything I can get my hands on in Spanish — I consume it.
I’ve added this to my resume, and has become an talking point in job interviews, in the office, and at home.
That brings into my last point…
Benefit #4 — Better Stories + Confidence
I’ve become a more interesting person. Right now, I’m intermediate in Spanish, and can use my Spanish everywhere. I use it at work, in the street, at bars, restaurants, dates, any + everywhere.
I tell many people about my travels like I’m a old 60 year old retiree.
I’ve branded myself as the bilingual guy that speaks Spanish, loves Dominican Republic and Mexico. And I’m so proud of myself. It took one year and 4 months to become intermediate, and I have so many cool stories that came outta of it.
For example, I vacationed in Acapulco early May 2024, and got to see my favorite Spanish tutor in person! I went to Acapulco and was around many, many people that didn’t speak English. I used my Spanish, it was cool, but folks from Acapulco spoke a bit faster than people in Mexico City. So it was a bit hard to understand, but the people were very nice and warm. And there a skin tone was much like mine. Didn’t know there was a African slaves in Mexico — something new I learned in 2024!
I met a cool guy named Ramon in the gym. He spoke 0 English, but we connected and taught some new moves in the gym. Man, I would never have experienced that if I didn’t start learning Spanish in 2022.
I encourage you to learn Spanish. Especially, if you leave in a major city in the U.S.
Such as New York, Boston, San Diego, Miami, Los Angeles, etc.
Because there are a TON of Spanish speakers to practice and connect with and create stories with.
If you wanna learn Spanish, I recommend italki — it’s how I became intermediate in less than 2 years.
Nos vemos,
Jamual
