KAMMS’ Language Learning Collection (Spanish on the Job and English on the Job) now available through our new global partner, Franklin Electronics Publishers, Inc. KAMMS joins Franklin’s other distinguished content providers such as: Merriam-Webster, Oxford University Press, Bertelsmann, EncyclopediaBritannica, HarperCollins, Larousse, Langenscheidt, The Princeton Review. Check it out at this link!http://www.franklin.com/handhelds/language_learning/kamms/
Hispanics constitute the largest minority group in the United States.
Over 45 million Hispanics/Latinos live in the United States.
States with the largest population of Hispanics: California, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois, Arizona, New Jersey, New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada.
North Carolina, Arkansas, and Georgia were among the states that experienced the greatest growth in their total Hispanic populations.
The Census Bureau estimates that of 8.7 million unauthorized migrants were living in the U.S. in 2000, 5.4 million (62%) were Hispanic, and 3.9 million (45%) were from Mexico.
The Census Bureau predicts that whites and minority groups overall would be roughly equal in size by 2050, with the Hispanic and Asian populations tripling by that time.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the projected Hispanic population of the United States in 2050 is 102.6 million people, 24% of the nation’s total population on that date.
Hispanics population growth- 3 percent a year, vs. 0.8 percent for everyone else.
“Over 400,000 documented Latino immigrants enter the US every year. This is the highest flow of Spanish-speaking immigrants in the history of the U.S. Most of these immigrants are filling low-skilled, blue-collared jobs.” Pew Hispanic Center
Even though Hispanics make up only 14% of the U.S. population, they are currently 22% of the nations workforce. This number is expected to increase to 55% by the year 2050. Now you know why the Spanish on the Job and English on the Job series are so crucial for our nation’s workforce.
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Basically, there are two ways we experience language: input and output. “Input” is what we take “in”, i.e. reading and listening. “Output” is what we put “out”. For example speaking and writing. Input is the most effective way to learn (internalize) a new language. When you are first learning a new language, concentrate on listening and reading everything possible in the target language. Once you feel confident that you have internalized the new vocabulary, then start to use “output” and speak and write what you have learned.
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Over 500 million people in the world speak Spanish. It is in the top four most common languages spoken on the planet, along with Mandarin Chinese, English, and Hindustani. In the U.S., over 45 million people speak Spanish and over 6 million more are learning it. There are more Spanish speakers in the U.S. than speakers of Chinese, French, Hawaiian, and the Native American languages combined. We are the second-largest Spanish-speaking community in the world, only following Mexico. Chances are very good that you work with or come into contact with Spanish-speakers every day. Wouldn’t it be great to communicate with them? You don’t have to be completely bilingual to do it. Here’s a little secret: most Spanish-speakers in the U.S. know some English. About fifty percent of Spanish-speakers report that they speak English well, but many more know a little English. If the Spanish-speakers you’re meeting aren’t talking to you in the English they know, there could be a simple reason. It’s possibly because of a language theory called: Language Ego, originally defined by Guiora in 1981.
The general idea of the Language Ego theory is that we feel we have a different personality when we speak in a different language. We also feel less confident speaking in our second language. This is the reason most people prefer to speak in their first language. They’re afraid they will look stupid or will say the wrong thing. The reality is that when someone tries to speak in a second language the listener is usually very patient and thrilled that they are trying to communicate. They’re not concerned at all if it comes out perfectly.
So what can we do about this conundrum? It’s really quite easy; we can speak a little Spanish. It’s like offering an olive branch to a Spanish-speaker. You’re saying: I want to communicate with you and I’m willing to use the limited Spanish I learned to make a connection with you. You’ll be amazed how this will break the ice. You’ll instantly put the other person at ease to speak English with you. Then, before you know it, you’re speaking a little Spanish and they’re speaking a little English. The flood gates of communication will be open!
It really is that simple. People complicate the issue by trying to instantly become fluent in a second language. They try the time-consuming and boring language learning programs that teach the entire language with grammar lessons. Those are great for people with the time to dedicate months and years to learning Spanish. For the majority, this is too difficult and they give up quickly. The key is to start communicating with short and simple phrases. It’s like anything else, the more you do it the more you’ll learn.
You don’t have to become fluent to improve communication with your Spanish-speaking neighbors, customers, co-workers, etc. All you have to do is learn some common Spanish phrases that apply to the situation and voila-you’re communicating. Why not start today? Next time you meet a Spanish-speaker say: Mucho gusto. (moo-ch? goo-st?) It means: It’s a pleasure to meet you. Go out there an offer a Spanish olive branch!
If you want to learn more common phrases for specific jobs and situations, check out www.spanishonthejob.com
Illegal immigration in the U.S. comes up on the radar every so often in the political arena. There is no question that we need a solution in order to make sure all of our citizens are documented. The bigger issue, that everyone seems to be missing, is the way the immigration debate is influencing people’s perceptions about immigrants, in a negative way. I believe that it is affecting the unity and strength of our country. I’m not saying that illegal immigration itself is causing this breakdown. It’s the fact that the issue has become intertwined with other issues that are completely independent of the immigration debate. We all know that America is considered the melting pot. Most people accept this description and are proud of it; until one ingredient seems to be dominating the pot. Then we get worried. Then we start to worry that our way of life may change. Right now, Hispanics are causing this worry for many, because they are the largest and fastest growing minority group in the pot.
One of the biggest concerns for people is that Hispanics are not learning English. This is simply not true for the majority of Hispanics. Across the country, English as a second language classes are overcrowded and have waiting lists backed up for months. Additionally, millions of English language programs for self-paced learning are sold in stores each year. They are learning English in schools, in libraries and at home.
Among the many arguments discussed in the ongoing debate over immigration, there is at least one on which most agree: learning English is crucial to economic and social success in the United States. Speaking and understanding English means obtaining a better job, better communication with doctors, improved relationship with teachers, etc.
Regardless of your stand on the immigration debate, it is really an independent and separate issue. The majority of Hispanics are willing to work hard, learn English and contribute to society. They come to America for the same reasons all other immigrants came here throughout history; they are looking for opportunities and a better life for themselves and their families.
Helping Hispanics achieve this success, will benefit not only Hispanics, but our entire society . The Latin American Dream site was created to provide Hispanics the free information they need to improve their lives in the US.