‘…gives a person a wider/more global view and flexibility in dealing with people.’
Languages are not just about communicating – by learning a language, you learn about the culture, history and behaviours relevant to that language which enables the development of deeper interpersonal relationships and knowledge of the country. It broadens your mind and makes you more open to different ways of thinking.’
The Canadian psycholinguist Frank Smith famously said, “One language sets you in a corridor of life. Two languages open every door along the way.” For modern businesses in Barcelona looking to get ahead in today’s globalised world, upskilling your staff with corporate Spanish courses can pave the way for a world of opportunity.
Let’s take a look at some of the most compelling reasons to invest in corporate Spanish lessons for your team.
Learning another language will not only give your team a hugely valuable life-long skill, but it can have a massive impact on many other areas. When we learn a new language, we activate parts of our brain that can help us with other aspects of daily life. Creativity, problem-solving and communication are all positively affected by learning a new language, and studies have shown that learning a new language can help you become better at multitasking, a hugely important skill for a dynamic, modern workforce.
Interestingly, learning Spanish can help you increase your mastery of the English language. As German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, ““The person who knows no foreign languages knows nothing of their own.”
Spanish is spoken by almost 500 million people worldwide, making it the second most spoken first language in the world, and the third in terms of all round speakers.
As Spanish is spoken across most of Latin America, including Mexico, Cuba, Honduras, Colombia, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, to name but a few, having a good grasp of Spanish opens your business up to a whole range of opportunities, with untapped potential in emerging markets.
And it’s not just Latin America where Spanish is spoken. Spanish as a second language is spoken in many countries all over the world, including China, where younger people are increasingly learning the language, making Spanish an increasingly important bridge of communication between two cultures.
Learning another language is one of the best ways to get to know another culture. For those living and working in Spain, learning Spanish (or even Catalan if you’re in Barcelona) will open your eyes to the nuances of the culture, allowing you to make deeper connections with locals and feel like you belong.
For those in a corporate environment, this can be hugely beneficial. The ability to communicate with clients and captivate audiences takes a deep understanding of the particular culture, something that comes with learning to speak Spanish.
With more cultural awareness comes increased empathy for other people and cultures, with a richer perspective on life and work. This in turn makes you a better team member.
A recent survey by the British Academy found that 71% of people believe that language skills have given them a competitive edge over the course of their career. So, it’s no surprise that the best talent is now actively searching out companies that offer language learning opportunities.
Companies that offer corporate Spanish courses attract top talent and develop a culture of innovation, collaboration and diverse thinking. This helps them position themselves as leaders in their field and showcases a willingness to invest in the personal development of their staff – a very attractive quality in modern day business.
Transform the culture of your company and expand your reach internationally, while establishing a competitive advantage in Spanish-speaking markets by investing in a corporate Spanish course for your employees. At Iberia Language Academy, we’ll provide your team with the ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking clients, business partners and suppliers, while enhancing a whole range of soft skills.
With small class sizes (no more than eight) taught by native expert teachers and cultural immersion activities, your team will benefit from one of the best business Spanish courses in Barcelona.
Get in touch with us today to find out more.
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