Is Spanish or French Better? (part 3)

Rounds 9-12

Welcome back, boxing fans! We’re entering the final rounds of what has turned out to be a most exciting World Language Federation Championship Title Fight! Our two contenders, French and Spanish, have both impressed in their efforts to earn the title of the Language You Should Take. Click on the links for a blow-by-blow commentary of rounds one through four and rounds five through eight.

Fans will recall that round 5 went to Spanish with its more predictable gender classes. The big upset of the evening came in Round 6 as the two contenders began to show their true technical prowess with the verb ‘to like’. Spanish’s unusual decision to make the item being liked the grammatical subject in this basic phrase gave French an easy win. French solidified its lead in rounds 7 and 8, running away with an easy win in the “To Be” category followed by a definitive victory over the imperative where once again Spanish’s complex second person structure and negative command forms proved to be a liability.

I think everyone agrees French has put up a surprisingly good fight. But with four rounds left, the trophy is still up for grabs.

Let’s rejoin the fight, still in progress.

Round 9 – the Subjunctive

Ding!

Both contenders are showing fatigue as the match wears on. Spanish dances and bobs as French throws the first volley of punches. “Je veux que tu prennes…” Is it? It’s a subjunctive! Spanish rolls, and the punch lands on its shoulder. Spanish throws a right hook “Quiero que tengas…” and French moves into close range. Both contenders are swinging wildly! Il soit! Elle vienne! ¡El sea! ¡Ella venga! Fists are flying! Both contenders move in to rain blows on their opponents. And they’re locked in a clinch! The subjunctive is turning this match ugly as the ref pulls them apart. You never wanna see this, folks. And all over a verb mood that doesn’t really exist in English. Both contenders look spent as they stalk each other around the ring.

Ding!

Round 9 is mercifully over. There’s no clear winner here. It’s a tough call, but I’m going to give this one unofficially to French – only because the subjunctive verb endings are a little simpler. Would that we not see another round like this one!

Round 10 – Speakers in the US and Canada

Ding!

Spanish saunters into the ring. It’s clear it thinks it has the advantage in round 10. Determined to be first, Spanish jogs up to French and WHAM! Spanish delivers a punishing series of body blows! The official language of Puerto Rico! 13% of the US population! Over 40 million speakers in the US! French covers up as Spanish continues the barrage. The US is the 4th largest Spanish speaking country! Offered in 93% of US high schools! The most common second language in the US! Spanish ends with a brutal uppercut and French is on the ropes. But wait, folks, French is not done yet. French fires back and lands a few punches. An official language of Canada! Spoken by 22% of Canadians! Fourth most spoken language in the US! Spoken in Louisiana, and Upper New England! Second most common language taught in US High Schools! Second only to Spanish. Spanish sidesteps that last punch and French stumbles.

Ding!

French made a valiant effort, but Spanish wins round 10.

Round 11 – Speakers Worldwide.

Ding!

French looks ragged as Spanish moves in. And French makes the first move with a quick jab-cross combination. The world’s fifth most spoken language, over 320 million speakers! Spanish claps back with its own jab – cross combination: fourth most spoken language, over 500 million speakers. The crowd gasps. French is fighting on the outside as it brings up the European Union; it’s one of three working languages in the EU and second only to English for language learners in the EU. Spanish takes the hits and swings back: 6% of the world population speaks Spanish. French sways but stays upright. It responds with a one-two-three combination: it’s spoken on five continents and is the official language in 29 countries. French is more standardized, while Spanish’s variety of dialects can cause complication for language learners. Spanish slips that last punch, then moves in with a jab and a right hook: Spoken in 20 countries on four continents. The fighters look tired. They lock in a clinch. The ref pulls them apart. Spanish sags. French falls backwards into the ropes.

Ding!

Round 11 is a narrow win for Spanish. Both contenders are fading fast. Who will go all the way folks?

Round 12 – Professional Value

Ding!

Both contenders are battered and exhausted as we enter our final round. Which language has more professional value? Spanish moves in quick with an aggressive series of jabs. Service industry. Health care. Manufacturing. Hospitality. Education. Tourism. Spanish is dominating this round with its wide influence in the US as French covers up. But wait! It was all a feint as French sidesteps Spanish’s final blow and delivers five powerful whallops of its own. International banking. Aviation. Pharmaceuticals. Art and Architecture. Engineering. French is the second most used language in the European Union and a dominant language in Africa, not to mention its value in any business with Canada. Spanish reels. Is this it, folks? Spanish stumbles but manages to keep its footing. No question, its dominance in the Americas is keeping it afloat in this round.

Ding! The crowd roars! That’s it, folks, that’s the end of the match. I’m going to unofficially call round 12 for French as we wait for the judges’ decision.

And the winner by a split decision is…

You didn’t really think I was going to tell you which one to take, did you? The winner depends on your own goals, priorities, and willingness to take on a challenge.

The best news of all? In this match-up, there’s no loser. French? Spanish? Both will give you skills and challenge you in new, exciting ways. So, are you ready to learn?

LET’S GET READY TO RUMMMMMBLE!!!