“Yes” Yo Comprendo

Being fluent in English is one of the most important qualifications in looking for a job. While it's possible to find employment with Spanish as the only language, the opportunities for career advancement are very limited. Most employers expect workers to speak English, even if they don't need to do so to do the job.

While there's no official language in the U.S., America is largely an English-speaking country. Even if you live in an area where Spanish is the predominant language, it helps to be able to communicate clearly in English, as well as Spanish. Not only do you need to speak the language, but you must also be able to read and write grammatically.

Because of immigration, a large proportion of the U.S. workforce is bilingual. Being fluent in two languages can significantly expand your job search options, as companies value bilingual employees. If you're looking for a management position, a strong command of the English language is essential. You may be in charge of workers who only speak English. You'll also have to write reports in English.

Some bilingual workers speak Spanish and English. Others speak French and English, or Russian and English, or Cantonese and English. English is the common thread that lets you communicate with the greatest number of people.

Learning English doesn't mean that you must fully assimilate into the mainstream American culture. It's simply an extra skill that will improve your chances of career advancement. It may even improve your Spanish. People who are bilingual often have a better understanding of their mother tongue. Studying a new language helps you understand the way language works. Learning English will make you more literate, as well as more employable.