1. Why study a foreign language? (Spanish)

2. English is spoken the world over so why should I bother? CIA World Factbook: 5.6% of the world’s population speaks English as their primary (1 st ) language… English = world’s lingua franca (common tongue used for basic communication purposes by people who speak different languages) Superficial, routine communication *Baggage claim vs. getting the contract with a client *Soda or lunch vs. authentic experiences in off-the- beaten-track establishments

3. Top 5 languages spoken in the world 1. Mandarin Chinese (1.1 billion) 2. English (500 – 550 million) 3. Spanish (350 – 420 million) 4. Hindi / Urdu (330 – 450 million) 5. Arabic (200 – 400 million) (includes Primary and as-a-Second-Language)

4. So why should I care as a student? 1. Research shows it makes you smarter. Higher test scores achieved on college and graduate school entrance exams. (Results from many studies done!) Higher test scores achieved on college and graduate school entrance exams. (Results from many studies done!)How? Knowledge of other languages improves understanding of your own. Leads to stronger vocabulary skills, better understanding and use of the language, improved literacy in general. Enhanced listening and memory skills.

5. 2.FL study improves your future - Entrance to colleges & universities - Keep up globally: * 52.7% of Europeans are fluent in both their native tongue and at least one other language. *Only 9.3% of Americans are fluent in 2 or more languages. *Only 9.3% of Americans are fluent in 2 or more languages. - Job opportunities, higher pay Teachers, health professionals, lawyers, small business owners, business people, gov’t intelligence …

6. 3. It deepens your potential experiences and adds a lot of FUN to your life! 3. It deepens your potential experiences and adds a lot of FUN to your life! - travel (school opptys, later life) * deeper experiences * Can knowing Spanish help in Africa or China? - friendships now and later - music - music

7. 4.You can make the world a better place. - cultural understanding and appreciation - better understanding of yourself - Programs to participate in: Peace Corp (www.peacecorp.gov) Peace Corp (www.peacecorp.gov) Amigos de las Americas Amigos de las Americas(www.amigoslink.org)

8. www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8QP6w3Mq3w