By Rina N. Risper
The New Citizens Press
Spanish is quickly becoming the second language of the United States. Keith Phillips believes if you’re contemplating a career in business where Spanish is spoken then you should take his class – Spanish for Business – at Lansing Community College (LCC).
Oftentimes after taking beginning or intermediate Spanish, students aren’t prepared to converse in the international business world. Spanish classes are teaching the basics but having a combination of practical and business experience in Spanish is what Phillips is betting will make his class – Spanish for Business – successful.
Previous experience with the Spanish language is highly recommended before you take the class.
Phillips’ love of language was inspired by his mother who taught French in a foreign language magnet elementary school in Chicago. Three out of four siblings followed in their mother’s footsteps and majored in a foreign language. When he completed graduate school Phillips began working for a study abroad program.
Phillips said, “Even with my Spanish background I could have used more training in doing business in Spanish. It was a learning experience. I knew there was a need for more comprehensive teaching in specialized areas.”
During the class Phillips also deals with words that may have the same meaning but pronounced and spelled differently for example “Dígame.” and “¿Bueno?”, are used to answer the telephone in Spain and Mexico respectively.
The class is diverse and each student has a distinctly different reason why they enrolled in the class.
Jeanette Barron, Spanish teacher at Sexton High School said, “I have to renew my license each year. My husband is also Costa Rican and he is planning on owning his own business. This class will allow me to carry on better business conversations.”
Mercedes Martinez, who is a third generation Mexican, is a student at LCC. “I want to transfer to Michigan State University and major in the child and family studies. I feel that having additional Spanish skills will benefit me and my clients,” said Martinez.
Being able to communicate is important and intra-cultural adaptation in the different Spanish speaking countries involves the shared knowledge and values of each society. Phillips teaches his class individually and collectively while recognizing the unique aspects of each student and Spanish-speaking culture they were exposed to individually.
Business people who wish to expand their career opportunities by understanding another culture and learning and communicating in the Spanish business world would find this course extremely useful. Others who wish to learn practical skills and cultural issues to assist them in a variety of business-related situations would find this class beneficial as well.
Phillips said that most college settings don’t offer a class like the one being offered during the fall semester. He feels as though he has found a niche in the business community. Next semester Phillips will offer Spanish for Health Care.
