Learning Spanish can be very useful and enriching. Here are some of the main reasons why Spanish is a valuable addition to your skill set:

1. Worldwide coverage

• Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world – it is the mother tongue of more than 500 million people.
• It is an official language in 21 countries, including Spain, most of Latin America and some Caribbean islands.
• It is also the second most spoken mother tongue in the world, only behind Mandarin Chinese.

2. Career and business opportunities

• Spanish language skills are valuable in international business, especially for companies working with Latin American or Spanish markets.
• In the tourism and hospitality industry, knowledge of Spanish can expand job opportunities.
• In many professions, such as medicine, translation or education, Spanish can be a competitive advantage.

3. Cultural richness

• Learning Spanish gives you access to a rich heritage of literature, music, cinema and art.
• Famous writers such as Miguel de Cervantes, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Pablo Neruda all wrote in Spanish.
• Original Spanish versions of many famous films and TV series, such as Netflix favourites, are produced in Spanish.

4. Travel opportunities

• Knowing Spanish makes travelling in Spain, Latin America and the Caribbean more enjoyable and authentic.
• You can understand the local culture better and communicate with people more easily.

5. Benefits of learning

• Spanish is relatively easy to learn for people who already know English, as many of the words are similar (English has taken many words from Latin, on which Spanish is based).
• Learning develops the mind, improves memory and increases cognitive abilities.

6. Global significance

• Spanish is one of the official languages of the United Nations (UN) and an important medium of communication in international politics and diplomacy.

Some formal and informal phrases you can learn already:

Hola – Hello!
(The most common phrase, suitable for both formal and informal situations.)
Buenos días – Good morning! / Hello!
(Used from morning to noon.)
Buenas tardes – Good morning! / Good evening!
(Used in the afternoon and early evening.)
Buenas noches – Good evening! / Good night!
(Can be used for greetings and goodbyes in the evening.)
¿Cómo está usted? – How are you?
(Formal question, suitable for formal situations.)
¿Cómo estás? – How are you?
(Informal question used when talking to friends or family.)

If you want to learn Spanish or any other foreign language, contact us! For more information about language courses and to apply, please visit our website www.valodukursi.lv/en, e-mail courses@balticmedia.com or call +371 29 446 845.