1. WHY LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE?

2. Spanish, Spanish, Spanish 37 million Spanish speakers in the U.S.  Expected to be 50 million by 2015. Third most commonly spoken language in the world.  387 million speakers If you count only native speakers, Spanish outranks English. Official language of 21 countries

3. Where is Spanish spoken?

4. Where?

5. Country Flags

6. It’s Everywhere With the rising population:  Marry into Spanish- speaking family  Spanish-speaking neighbors  Encounter Spanish speakers at the grocery store

7. Knowledge Expand knowledge in all areas.  Ex: Romance languages Gain greater understanding of English. Appreciate new cultures and societies. Critical thinking skills improve. Stimulates creativity. Helps with communication skills.  Written and Oral

8. Work Becoming a business necessity in the U.S. The ability to speak another language will give you an advantage job searches. Employers appreciate a bilingual speaker to help reach more customers. Work overseas!

9. Health Speaking 2 languages:  reduces the chance of dementia and Alzheimer’s.  Improves memory  Slows age-related decline in mental health

10. Travel Adventure awaits you! Participate in the culture Makes traveling in a foreign country:  More enjoyable  Easier

11. Hobby Presents a challenge Socially connects you with other people Broaden your friend base

12. Opportunity ❝ One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way. ❞ ‒ Frank Smith

13. How do we learn a foreign language? Practice, practice, practice! Maximize your immersion Be patient Keep going  Join a club  Find a conversation partner  Watch movies

14. Sources http://www.ehow.com/facts_5796360_important- learn-foreign-language_.html http://www.ehow.com/facts_5796360_important- learn-foreign-language_.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/31/how- to-learn-a-language-study-abroad_n_2980094.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/31/how- to-learn-a-language-study-abroad_n_2980094.html http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/srawag s-483585-why-learn-spanish/ http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/srawag s-483585-why-learn-spanish/ http://www.aatsp.org/?page=adv_why http://www.studyspanish.com/topten_reasons.htm http://www.donquijote.org/english/whyspanish.asp