The Importance of Spanish in the Czech Economy

Abstract

This thesis explores the growing relevance of the Spanish language in the Czech economy, with a focus on its role as a strategic asset in business, trade, and the labor market. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data, the research examines the integration of Spanish into Czech commercial dynamics and assesses its competitive value compared to other foreign languages, notably English and German. Statistical analysis of job offers across major employment platforms reveals a steady rise in demand for Spanish, particularly in sectors such as international trade, tourism, customer service, and corporate relations with Spain and Latin America. Complementary interviews with language education professionals offer first-hand insights into the motivations, challenges, and opportunities surrounding Spanish language learning in Czechia. The study applies theoretical frameworks from linguistic human capital, Bourdieu’s concept of linguistic markets, and Grin’s economics of language to interpret these trends. Findings indicate that while English remains the baseline for employability and German retains technical importance, Spanish is emerging as a differentiating competence with strong potential in niche markets. Its limited supply among Czech professionals enhances its strategic value, particularly for companies engaged in Ibero-American markets. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of targeted educational policies and corporate training initiatives to align language skills with evolving economic needs, thereby maximizing the socio-economic benefits of Spanish in the Czech context.