Survival Spanish for Library Survival Spanish for Library StaffStaff

Instructor:Bertha Huertero

An Infopeople Workshop2006

AgendaAgenda Courtesy Body Language Spanish You Know Making Your Spanish Friendly Pronunciation Basic Words Phrases Library Situations Computer Term

CourtesyCourtesy

Addressing the Patron

• Sr, Sra, Srta

• Tu vs Uds.

Body LanguageBody Language

• Hand Gestures

• Height

• Eye Contact

The Spanish You KnowThe Spanish You Know

How many of these words do you know?AccidenteHumorAnimalAutoCriminalInformacionImportantePresidente

Make your library Spanish Make your library Spanish friendly…friendly…

• Hispanic population rose 58% in the U.S. this past decade.

• Spanish is California’s second language.

Remember:Don’t be intimidated by GrammarDon’t be intimidated by PronunciationDon’t be intimidated by Native Speakers

Pronunciation BasicsPronunciation Basics

Spanish Words are Spanish Words are Pronounced Exactly as Pronounced Exactly as

They are WrittenThey are Written

Examples…Examples…

adulto

libros

devolver

nuevo

comprar

bueno

guía

gobierno

baño

daño

llevar

estampilla

You don’t have to understand You don’t have to understand every word a patron says. If every word a patron says. If you get a few key words you you get a few key words you can still help them.can still help them.

Words & PhrasesWords & Phrases

What? Where? When?– be familiar with frequently asked question– have prepared answers

Patrons will often ask the same questions and request the same services.

Como How

Donde Where

Quiero I want (to)

Tengo Do I have (to)

When patrons ask…When patrons ask…

Library SituationsLibrary Situations

You know the needs of your library

What common situations do you encounter daily?

ComputersComputers

Library technology is computer driven!

Library computers are used to…– search the catalog– place holds– review their library records– and more

For For “Spanish that Works”“Spanish that Works” visit:visit:

www.thelearninglight.com

El Fin(The End in Spanish)