Spanish is becoming increasingly popular in California. The state has a rich history of the Spanish language due to its roots with Mexico and Spain. Just look at most of the city names in the state and you will see that most of them are in Spanish. For example, did you know that Fresno means Ash Tree in Spanish?

Spanish can now be easily considered to be the second language of California. Many of the different establishments around the state have Spanish translations for their signage while popular attractions such as Disneyland have many of its announcements and characters interacting in Spanish. Government buildings also have Spanish translations on official paperwork which allows non-English speaking nationals to understand all the necessary documents.

In 2015, the Census Bureau reported that 44 percent of California residents over the age of five spoke a language other than English at home; from those who spoke a language other than English at home, two-thirds spoke Spanish.

With the language having such a deep connection to the state, there is no doubt that learning the Spanish language can enhance your life not just professionally but also on a personal level.

Professional Development

Speaking Spanish in California can give you an advantage not only personally but also professionally. In fact, learning Spanish as a California resident will increase one’s value in both the short and long term. In today’s competitive job market, many employers are looking for individuals who can speak another language besides English such as Spanish. For example, California has a high demand for bilingual workers in the job market; in 2017, a study by the New American Report showed that despite it being home to 12.4 percent of the overall U.S. working-age population, California accounted for 19.4 percent of all job ads seeking bilingual workers; the highest share in the United States. Being able to speak multiple languages is valuable and taking the time to become bilingual opens doors and expands your opportunities and, therefore, income. For instance, according to the Economist, studies have shown that speaking a foreign language in the US can increase your salary by (at least) 1.5-3.8 percent.

Personal Leisure

Learning Spanish can also help improve your day-to-day life while living in California. The language is deeply intertwined in society, so when you learn how to speak it, you are connecting with so many communities and people. Plus, when you learn Spanish, you would end up enjoying living in the state even more. For example, learning how to pronounce some basic food names in Spanish would help you take advantage of all the great Mexican restaurants around the state by ordering the food with confidence. Or learning it can also help you be aware of the real meanings of the cities and the street names of the state. For instance, did you know that La Tijera Boulevard’s literal translation is Scissors Boulevard?

Final Thoughts

There is no doubt that Spanish is becoming increasingly important in California. Learning Spanish will enhance your daily interactions with the Spanish-speaking population in the state; plus, it can give you a new perspective about city names and can also give you a competitive advantage when it comes to furthering your career.