Why do we learn Spanish?
What is the purpose of learning Spanish?
14 Answers
Why not? Some of us are perfectly bored with the lives we live and have a sense that there is more then we know. It compels us to grow. Others, like myself, have had it thrust upon us, and we accepted the call. What about you? You made the question, so tell us why you are here with us, expanding your horizions. 
Some people when they find out that I am learning Spanish say, "Everyone should know English. That's enough". I find that statement very sad for them because not only will they be unable to communicate with the many Spanish people everywhere, but they are missing out on learning a beautiful language and culture. And a big plus in learning another language is keeping your brain active; it is one of the best things you can do for your mind. It does take a little longer as you get older, but it is worth it.
I am learning Spanish to bridge the gap between differing cultures. Hatred and war and unhappiness come from a deep misunderstanding and fear based on what we don't know. I hope to be one of the billion people in this world that can be a bridge to peace through communication. 
And you sweetie?
It's said that 400 million people speak Spanish. Don't you want to connect with them?
May I refer you to some links?
I am learning Spanish because...
Why do schools make you learn a new language?
What is the purpose of language?
...And so many more. We should create a reference section will all of these posts. 
I know two languages well enough to be able to think in them... I believe that in language itself, the way it is used/constructed is encoded the way people process information about the world surrounding them. One day I hope to be able to have yet one more perspective...
More reasons are:
just to point a few...
I know this is an old thread, but it is worth revisiting. I especially enjoyed the articles Lazarus supplied above.
In addition to the thoughts mentioned above, I had an interesting conversation with two Chileans on Saturday. I was introduced to them at a party because they were visiting the U.S. for the month and apparently no one else in attendance knew enough Spanish to communicate with them. Although, my conversational Spanish is still not the best yet, they were thrilled to have someone to talk to. Fortunately, their English was on the same level as my Spanish, so we worked well together.
The reason I bring this up is that they repeated to me several times how great it was to meet someone who was interested in learning Spanish. In their opinion, many Spanish speaking people either know or are attempting to learn English. However, they have found that most English speaking people feel no real need to learn Spanish. They told me that it fills their hearts with joy when they meet Americans (or any English speaking people) who are taking the time to learn their language. They said that this is why they are always so thrilled to help someone who is struggling to learn. They never laugh or ridicule. It is so amazing to them when they come across an English speaking person who enjoys Spanish, that they will do anything to help and encourage them.
I just thought I would pass this thought along. It was nice of them to share this and maybe encouragement for anyone here whose friends and family think they are wasting their time learning Spanish.
Apparently, point out that individuals who speak two or more languages have a significantly reduced chance of getting Alzheimer's. For this and other reasons, click here.
Here’s the gist: Researchers at the Baycrest Research Centre for Aging and the Brain have published a study saying that in a cohort of 184 elderly patients, 134 showed signs of dementia. But the ones who spent their lives speaking more than one language—there were 25 languages in the group—started showing onset something like four years later than the ones who only spoke one language. ->LINK
So I can talk to people in Spanish.
They told me that it fills their hearts with joy when they meet Americans (or any English speaking people) who are taking the time to learn their language. They said that this is why they are always so thrilled to help someone who is struggling to learn. They never laugh or ridicule. It is so amazing to them when they come across an English speaking person who enjoys Spanish, that they will do anything to help and encourage them.
This is both heart-warming and sad - and yet so accurate! I remember so vividly, more years ago than I'll admit, noticing an elderly lady in the Atlanta airport who looked very lost and frightened. I approached her (in those days one did things like that, without thinking it would frighten anyone) and asked if I could help her. She replied in a torrent of Spanish, and I did manage to tell her I could speak a little Spanish - eventually I figured out she had a ticket but couldn't find her gate. I looked at the ticket and figured out the gate number and led her there. I told the agent that she did not speak English, and he immediately addressed her in fluent Spanish - she was so relieved! But before I left she took my hand and said, over and over, Gracias, gracias.
I knew only a little Spanish, but because of that little, I was able to help someone that day who otherwise might have missed her flight. That made my rather dreary and inadequate high school Spanish classes more than worth it, in my opinion.
I regret deeply that more of my fellow United States citizens are so indifferent to learning any other language.
I live in Madrid.
I want to be able to access the Spanish people, their history and their culture in a way I cannot if I am relying on other people to translate for me. I want to respect the Spanish-speaking people enough to communicate with them in their own language.
I know English-speaking people who are living here, teaching English and hanging out with English-speaking friends. That seems like a really narrow life to me. I want to expand my horizons.
I answer this again, so long after the original thread, to bump it up the forum so newcomers can think about it.
There are many reasons for learning Spanish, and I encourage everyone trying to learn the language, whether for a class in school or on your own, to think about your reasons for learning it. When you feel discouraged, remind yourself of these reasons - it will help you focus again on your learning!
Thanks to all the excellent answers already given, especially the links. This is one of my favorites - though it was mentioned before:
Quiero aprender español para proclamar el evangelio de Jesús Christo a todas las naciones.
Hi my name is Mekalia and I think there are alot of Spanish people in this world that could be very nice and I'd like to find out.Spanish is a commonly spoken language so learning it could help you in life. Plus one day your job could require it.
Olah me nombre es Mekalia Pienso que hay mucha gente española en este mundo que podría ser muy agradable e I' d tiene gusto de descubrir. El español es una lengua comúnmente hablada así que el aprendizaje de ella podría ayudarle en vida. Más un día su trabajo podía requerirlo.
