How to Teach Women to Speak to Housemaids in Spanish
Many American women hire domestic help from Latin America. These housemaids generally speak Spanish and a communication barrier may exist between the employer and employee. Non-Spanish speaking women can learn basic Spanish, related to housework, and eradicate the communication barrier with some simple gestures and a willingness to learn. You can also choose to further study the language and develop a deeper proficiency after teaching yourself the basics.
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Instructions
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Use non-verbal cues to teach each other the meaning of words. For example, if you want the refrigerator to be cleaned point to it and say "refrigerator" or "fridge". Ask what the Spanish word is for the object and use gestures to help the Spanish speaker understand what you want to learn. Use hand gestures: If you want your domestic help to wipe the counter, mimic wiping the counter and point them toward the task.
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Buy an English to Spanish dictionary. You will want to be able to convey basic commands to your domestic help so that the job gets done effectively. Having an English to Spanish dictionary will allow you to speak basic Spanish commands such as basura, which means "trash" or limpiar, which means "to clean". Purchase an extensive dictionary to ensure that anything you need to say to your helper can be said effectively.
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Purchase a Spanish translation software program or mobile phone app. There are a number of reputable programs that purport to teach a language quickly and easily. If you have the means and the time, pick up a copy of Rosetta Stone or a similar software program.
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Enroll in a basic Spanish class to reach maximum proficiency. Classes may take time and money but they are a helpful way to learn Spanish from native speakers and by studying with other students. Spanish classes are often located at private institutions and local colleges.
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