Consider these facts from the U.S. Census Bureau:

• The Hispanic population has increased 4 times faster than the total US population.

• There are now 45 million Hispanics in the US — that's 1 of 7 people!

• The Hispanic workforce will increase by 40% in the next 5 years.

Immigration, a younger average age, and higher birth rates will continue to fuel the growth of the Hispanic population. While English speakers may not want to learn Spanish, there are many benefits to learning the basics, especially where needed in the workplace.

Be pragmatic in your approach to Spanish learning.  Realize that it takes time and practice. A tool such as our Click It®, installed on your PC or company network, can an invaluable asset and get people speaking Spanish right away.  Just click - listen - repeat.

Reviewing the chart below can help you determine which approach is best for you or your organization.

Workplace Spanish® vs. Academic Spanish Comparison

Workplace Spanish®	Academic Spanish
- Designed for basic & job communication	- Objective is language proficiency or fluency
- Learn specific terms, expressions	- Learn entire language
- Focuses on effective communication	- Focuses on general language learning
- No grammar, rules or verb conjugations	- Must master grammar, rules, conjugations
- Courses are short in duration	- Takes years of study & practice
- Learn by repetition and role-play	- Learn by traditional methods & immersion
- Intended for time-stressed adults	- Easiest for full-time students
- Produces quick results	- Produces long-term benefits

Workplace Spanish® is designed to help you communicate in Spanish without spending years learning "the entire language" in the traditional academic manner. No grammar - no verb conjugation - no complex language rules. Its purpose is to enable brief, basic Spanish communication in different workplace and everyday situations. Some people call this a "crash course" or "survival Spanish."

But it goes beyond that – Workplace Spanish® is designed to help you achieve specific benefits in a short period of time. For example, a nurse can readily learn to ask to basic patient questions; a banker or retail associate can welcome a customer and ask what they need; a supervisor can briefly explain safety regulations and job rules.

Experts state that it takes 4 to 5 years of continuous study and practice to become fluent in a language.  Once achieved, fluency often must be augmented by learning additional technical terms and expressions for certain occupations. Thus, it's a long road but the rewards are exceptional.

The greatest stumbling block for those striving to become fluent is time. Between job duties, family obligations, holidays & vacations, it's difficult to find the time for the required classes, study and practice.