The increasingly intertwined global connections that drive commerce, ideas, and shared prosperity make it important to understand the many cultures embraced by people around the world. Respecting each culture is a key to peace and understanding, and put those who have the skills to do so at a competitive advantage.
This was put into stark relief when the NFL chose singer Bad Bunny to headline the 2026 Super Bowl. While many in the United States may not have heard of him — even though the Puerto Rican-born entertainer is a native-born American citizen — much of the rest of the world hangs on his every beat. His vocals are in Spanish, so the Super Bowl half-time will be a cultural education for millions of Americans.
With more than a half billion native speakers around the world, Spanish is one of the three most widely spoken native languages (with Mandarin Chinese and Hindi). Howard mission is to prepare students to promote “truth and service” around the world, and language acuity is a key driver of that ability. That’s why the World Languages Department works so hard to help students build their cultural dexterity, including through proficiency in Spanish.
As anticipation builds for Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance, one thing is certain: the global superstar’s presence signals more than entertainment — it highlights the growing influence of Spanish language and Latinx culture on one of America’s biggest stages.
With the halftime show expected to be performed entirely in Spanish, the moment underscores the importance of cultural literacy and language learning in an increasingly diverse nation. At Howard University, Spanish majors (DWLC) see the performance as both a celebration and a reminder of why language study matters.
Cultural appreciation, long considered a cornerstone of American society, often takes a back seat in mainstream conversations. Bad Bunny’s rise — and his Super Bowl spotlight — challenges audiences to engage more deeply with cultures beyond their own and to recognize Spanish not as a niche language, but as a vital part of the American experience.
Howard University’s DWLC plays a key role in fostering that understanding. Through a comprehensive four-year program, students explore language alongside history, film, politics, and cultural analysis. The department aims to prepare graduates not only to speak another language, but to understand the people, traditions, and global contexts that shape it.
In preparation for the halftime performance, the Howard University Spanish Department invited students to reflect on their decision to major in Spanish and to translate lyrics from some of Bad Bunny’s most popular songs, using music as an accessible entry point into cultural learning.
“When I came to Howard, I knew this was my time to really find what I wanted to learn and enjoy,” said Jordyn Maddox, a junior Spanish major. “What I loved was the depth. It wasn’t just vocabulary — it was culture, history, film, wars, major figures. I really connected with the material and the staff here.”
For Mason Green, also a junior Spanish major, consistency and connection were key motivators. “I’m glad I’m doing Spanish because it allows me to continue speaking it and understanding it,” Green said. “If not, I probably would have forgotten by now. It’s easy to lose a language if you don’t keep up with it.”
Senior Spanish major Hailey Burnett encourages students and fans alike to use music as a learning tool — especially when engaging with artists like Bad Bunny.
“I would suggest looking up the Spanish-English translations of songs,” Burnett said. “If you already like the rhythm and the music, once you understand what the lyrics mean, you connect more. It’s more fun — and you might even learn the words and sing along.”
As millions tune in to the Super Bowl halftime show, Howard University’s Spanish majors are preparing not just to watch, but to understand. Through language study, they exemplify how education can bridge cultures, deepen appreciation, and amplify voices that deserve to be heard.
Howard University’s Spanish program remains open to all students interested in expanding their linguistic skills and contributing to a more inclusive and culturally informed community.