THE SPANISH LANGUAGE

Why is it good to learn the Spanish language when living in Tenerife? especially when there are so many ex-pat's residing on this island and a lot of the local people speak English. 

Ok, this is correct and English is the most commonly spoken language in the world, (music has influenced our language, to be a leader), so it seems ideal to just carry on using this one language. Well let us look into it a bit further from a different perspective and see why learning the Spanish language can bring so many other opportunities to your door.

Why has the Spanish language overtaken French and German and now the popular choice?

The language is currently a favourite choice for students and professionals (especially in the United States). A report by the British Council has identified this language is the most important language to learn for the future for the people of the UK.

There are over 400 million native Spanish speakers in the world; making it the second most widely spoken language (21 different countries). In addition to this, it is estimated 60 million people use it as their second language.

So now that we know the facts to support that Spanish is a fast growing language of the future, how can we adapt our way of thinking, change and embrace the new opportunities that sit at the open door!

If you have made the brave and bold decision to live in Tenerife or Spain, well done! it must be an exciting opportunity to learn new ways of life, culture, food and above all, the art of mastering the language. Accents play a part on how you will pronounce words, for example a person in mainland Spain will pronounce Spanish words in a different dialect from those from the Canary Islands. You will be noticed by what part of Spain you have 'picked up' the language or have studied, by the way you speak it.

Cultural, historical and geographical areas can result in grammatical and linguistic differences for the Spanish language. Some will make a difference but some may not be noticeable. With so many Spanish speakers, world wide, determining the proper dialect for interpreting, can be seen as very difficult.

Castilian Spanish

Developed and spoken in Madrid and Northern Spain and its name comes from the former kingdom of Castile. Letters pronounced with 'ci' or 'ce' as a th sound when they are together. There is other forms of Spanish types of pronouncement such as Latin American and Caribbean which will be immediately noticeable when in the company of mainland Spain or the Canary Islands.

Traditional Tenerife Style Costume

Opportunity Knocks...

So if we know that the Spanish language has rapidly increased amongst the young students and business people, it is in your best interest to study hard and add this new skill to your list of qualifications. If you decide to work in Tenerife, do not fall into the trap like many English ex-pats, where they are limited to work in the tourist areas only. There are well paid employment in large hotels, marketing, advertising and sales if you have the ability to interpret both Spanish and English language. 

Take the plunge, especially if your children go into a local Spanish school, there are classes available for the parents to learn the language too (usually free). This way, you open so many doors for more job opportunities, widen your scope of new friends and you can even participate in helping your children with their homework.

Now you know the facts, have some fun and add learning Spanish to your 'to do list'. Even if you do not intend using it everyday, take yourself out of the 'traditional English mode' or whatever nationality and add some 'change' into your life.

Happy studying!