School of Language, Culture, and Society

"There are so many reasons to study Spanish, including strengthening connections to your cultural, linguistic or ethnic heritage; augmenting your employability; tapping into parts of your brain that help you think more creatively; increasing your awareness of other world views and your own; increasing your ability to connect with a wider range of people in a wider range of ways; opening the door to learning other languages; keeping up with the global economy of polyglots."

"There are tons of practical reasons to learn Spanish - connecting with family and friends, impress potential employers, communicating with your future students, patients or constituents - but even if you never plan to use the language in your daily life, Spanish courses can give you something to be proud of."

“There are so many reasons to study Spanish, such as building cross-cultural communication, being able to communicate with more than 400 million Spanish speakers, learning about the diversity of the Spanish speaking world and having the ability to travel and connect with people from 21 Spanish-speaking countries. Language learning is a process that takes time but allows us to become more aware of our world and society.”

“Knowing Spanish allows you to travel a huge part of the world and connect with people in their native language. Sure, you can get around Barcelona or tour Mexico City without knowing Spanish, but your experiences will be much more rewarding if you know the language. You’ll be able to connect with people in a way that shows that you’re genuinely interested in their cultural and linguistic heritage. Had I gone to Spain without knowing Spanish, for example, I probably wouldn’t have met the people that I did or developed friendships that have lasted beyond my travels.

Aside from that, knowing Spanish allows you to more fully participate in our multilingual society here in the United States. Indeed, there are more Spanish speakers in the US than in any other country in the world, with the exception of Mexico. Wouldn’t you like to speak their language?”

“I can provide a thousand reasons why you should study Spanish, but in the end, it is up to each person to find a personal reason that motivates them. I love the Spanish language, the culture and I love my wife (she is Mexican); however, my own passion for the language is not enough to motivate everyone else. Learning a language is a long process and it is important to have a reason that keeps you going when you feel like your Spanish level is not improving. Do you need Spanish for your job? Are you connecting with your Latino roots or your local Latino community? Do you dream of traveling to one of many Spanish speaking countries? What is your personal motivation for learning Spanish?”

“Learning another language, any language, has many advantages. It forces your brain to think differently. It teaches you about people in a unique and fun way. Language and culture are intrinsically connected, so by learning a language you will learn about cultures. Spanish has many cultures, so by studying it you will open the door to learn about many exciting cultures. Food, traditions, great people.

Why Spanish? Spanish is spoken by almost 580 million in the world. And that number grew by three million just last year. In the US alone, about 43 million people speak Spanish. Learning a language is a great commitment, but it is also very rewarding. By learning Spanish, you will be able to talk with Spanish speakers all over the world; you will have a richer career; and you will multiply your opportunities in life. Have fun. Study Spanish. El español, una lengua preciosa.”

“Your choice to learn Spanish is likely motivated by a variety of factors. Our ideologies about language and language “use” are multiple and they range from the personal and familial to the career-driven and utilitarian. But no matter what, to commit to the study of Spanish at Oregon State is to do so in friendly cohorts and trusted learning communities. We commit to teaching and learning in ways that expand critical perspectives. That is, we honor a responsibility to wrestle with a double-bind: Spanish is at once a colonial, global and often violent force in its reach and conquest, yet it is also a means of communication and connection that gives voice. It is a local language, a language of resistance and therefore deeply personal for many. If you’re reading this, that “many” might include you, too. Join us.”

“Learning Spanish is a lifelong skill that benefits your ability to interact with a wide variety of people from different cultures and backgrounds. With Spanish being the 2nd most spoken language in the U.S., there is always a need for bilingual speakers. Pursing a Spanish option is a great way to improve your language proficiency and cultural competence.”

“Learning a second language has many benefits: improved cognitive abilities, career advancements, boost of self-confidence, etc. For me, the most rewarding aspect of learning Spanish is the ability to connect to others by communicating in their native language. The state of Oregon has seen the Latinx populations grow very rapidly in the last 20 years. Therefore, Spanish language learners will have more and more opportunities to rejoice in the satisfaction of developing friendships or serving the Spanish-speaking communities as they communicate with Spanish speakers in their personal and professional lives. ”

“I am sure you have heard about why it is a good option to study Spanish: it is the official language in 21 countries; it is one of the most spoken languages in the world; almost 19% of the population in the US speaks Spanish; it gives you more opportunities when applying for a job; and the list could keep going. But beyond those reasons, studying Spanish is not just studying a language; it is studying different cultures, learning about the several dialects that exist and studying the history behind them! That being said, I'm pretty sure that taking any of the Spanish courses that OSU offers will motivate you to continue learning Spanish in a fun way and in a diverse class! Every professor and instructor at OSU is unique and they will give you the tools you need to understand and embrace the Hispanic world.”