Learning another language is something everyone should do. It makes you smarter, more worldly, a better global citizen, and can increase your career prospects among many other positive benefits. And yet when you suggest to some Angeleños that they ought to learn Spanish, they are taken aback and can even get angry. The culture of fear includes among its adherents those who believe that if you learn Spanish in California, you're somehow destroying your native language, or perhaps helping along the reconquista. Another common thing you'll hear is that people who speak Spanish only should learn English, in order to convenience the English speakers. In other words, only other people should learn to speak multiple languages. The reality is that if you speak Spanish and English in Los Angeles, there is more for you to enjoy about the city, end of story. Learning a new language isn't easy, but it is rewarding and there is no other metropolis in the United States that you'll be getting more use of your newfound skill.
A startup from New York called Fluent City is offering Level 1 and Level 2 Spanish classes in Santa Monica starting Sept 23. They emphasize their young, cool teachers and affordable prices along with their success with the program in NYC and other cities. If you're interested, use code LATACO at checkout to get a 15% discount. There are many other options as well such as conversational Spanish meetup groups.
