🇪🇦 Introduction to Spanish language by Paula

* スペイン出身パウラさんのスペイン語紹介記事。日本語版は近日公開予定！

　Many readers will know the Spanish culture and Spaniards for their cheerful and relaxed attitude towards life. Spanish fascinating culinary culture also counts with internationally well-known dishes, such as paella, tapas and ajillo. Others are fascinated by Spanish historical past and its majestic architecture, with masterpieces such as La Sagrada Familia and La Alhambra. Spain also counts with very cosmopolitan cities, such as Barcelona and Madrid, which attract millions of visitors each year, and with ancient traditions and festivals, such as Tomatina and bullfighting. All these elements have made out of Spain a very attractive country and the world’s second most visited destination, according to the World Tourism Organization, with 82 million visitors in 2018.

　In the last years the Spanish language has also become a very attractive option for those wanting to learn a new foreign language, as Spanish has become the second most spoken language in the world, surpassing the English language in the number of native speakers worldwide.

　Spanish is spoken in Spain and in the majority of South American countries, such as Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Cuba, Chile, Venezuela, El Salvador, Guatemala, Bolivia, Honduras, Panama… and a really long list of countries and territories!

　El Instituto Cervantes is one of the main centers of reference for those who want to certify their Spanish language competence. The special ward of Chiyoda-ku, in Tokyo, houses El Instituto Cervantes, a center where you can obtain your DELE diplomas (Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language). This center also offers Spanish language courses for those who want their Spanish study to start taking off.

　However, learning a language should not necessarily mean an extra-cost. Nowadays you can find many cost-free options and online resources to learn Spanish, so you can easily motivate yourself to start with your study now! The BBC and the NHK also offer free courses to learn Spanish. This website will also provide you with a course to learn this fascinating and attractive language! ¿Empezamos? (Shall we start?)