Since I developed Spanish for Black Girls, I’ve been very pleased to know that so many black women are excited about learning Spanish. The response overwhelms me with happiness at times. Still though, I come across many black women who see no point in taking the time to enhance their language skills. I often hear, ‘Why should I learn Spanish when no one I know speaks it’ or–and this is my favorite one–‘Kaywanda, I’ll be fine with just knowing English’. I try my best to hide my facial expression, but each time I hear these answers a little part of me goes “Girl, it’s 2021!” Then, I go back to sipping my tea. We, as black women, have no time to be complacent when our attempts to expand in life are halted by brick walls and a glass ceiling that remains almost shatterproof in corporate settings. Real Talk: We need to build our own tables and adding a language to our arsenal is never a bad idea. For the Spanish enthusiast and the skeptic black girl alike, here are Five Reasons Why You Need To Learn Spanish now.
Traveling Independently
It’s true that I started learning Spanish out of a genuine curiosity in middle school. But, that doesn’t count. I really picked it up in undergrad when I was studying business. I was mesmerized by how it rolled off the tongue of my professors. I immediately knew I wanted that. I had already had French and Latin in high school so learning another romance language came easy to me. Not perfect. Just easier. (stick with me and I’ll teach you tips and tricks since this is my lane). I’d be lying if I didn’t bring up the obvious point of being able to speak for myself when I decided to travel abroad. As a Black woman in America, I was constantly being misquoted and misunderstood when I was speaking perfect, grammatically-correct English. The last thing I wanted was to get lost in translation while I was traveling in a country where Spanish was the only language spoken. I always tell women who are serious about learning Spanish how freeing it is to be able to navigate a new country they never imagined visiting. Meeting the people of any country is the best way to experience a culture. Translators who are also guides, though helpful, are often told to show visitors tourist traps where prices suddenly spike in cost once a dollar bill is seen. This can limit your ability to see the real, everyday life side of the places your tour to get to see these communities for more than just the pretty pictures on postcards most only see them as.
International Business
The possibility of starting and running your own business is more of a reality for black women than ever before with the digital storefront the Internet provides. Space for entrepreneurs who glow like us is altering the landscape of how the world does business–and learning Spanish only enhances your reach, sis. I have personally seen businesses fail due to an inability (or choice not) to reach into a new market that speaks a different language from theirs. We live in an international marketplace with billions of customers eager to pay money for your goods and services. A large fraction of that group speaks what language? Yup. You guessed it. Spanish.
Diversifies Your Resume
Versatile candidates always stand out from the thousands of applicants competing for the same high-paying position. Coupled with your educational achievements, the unique skill set you display for a potential employer. Having the ability to speak and read Spanish will make you a viable commodity in any office space. Becoming the point of business communication means that nothing gets done without your new talent being a part of it. Learning Spanish for the purpose of translating for a company puts you in an unsaid seat of authority. Honey, you will know everything the head of another major company is saying before the CEO of your company understands what’s being said. Think about it. Your unique expertise will guide the decisions of this business for this calendar year and beyond. No better time to get started on your own journey with Spanish than now.
Connects You To More Of Us
In our community, sadly, the inability to communicate with our brothers and sisters who speak Spanish throughout The Caribbean, Central and South America keeps us from seeing and enjoying the full scope of the African diaspora. No matter how many times I travel to Spanish speaking countries where we are en masse, I’m always shocked at how many black travelers miss out on these priceless opportunities to connect with other black folk who don’t speak English. Building with other people across borders broadens your perspective and cultural identity. Knowledge comes with every conversation had outside the comfort zone of your language. Being able to fluently speak and totally comprehend Spanish is empowering. You are able to overcome the colonial barriers of language once used to divide us by using your new ability to speak directly to the people whose country you are visiting. It gives you instant respect and welcomes you to a facet of the world once unattainable to those who are comfortable with just knowing English.
The New Language At Home
The United States of America has the opportunity to be a real melting pot, but our growing indifference to learning another language keeps us living in a salad bowl where everyone remains separated. Sweetie, listen. Unlike women of other races, we as black women do not have the luxury of being left out of any conversation. Learning Spanish is a necessity for us with over 43-million Americans using it as their primary language with English as their secondary method of communication. As much as I’ve spoken about learning Spanish for international commerce and travel, but you need to get the most out of your city. I remember a time when my wanting to fully grasp Spanish was considered a novelty act in my small town. Now, everyone–including my own momma–is trying to learn Spanish due to the burgeoning communities flourishing in their town. Sis, you daydreamed your way through Spanish when you had to take it in high school. Don’t miss out on your chance to learn it now and get all these benefits that come with being fluent.
