[...]... As your ability to understand the workers improves, you can also use your knowledge to help them improve their knowledge of English The Spanish used in this book is standard Spanish that can be understood by any native speaker of the language It would be impossible to cover all the regionalisms found in the Spanish- speaking countries, but once you become familiar with the vocabulary that appears in... not only help you to remember the words, it will help you to use them Introduction xvii 2 You should make it a point to practice and expand what you are learning with the Spanish speakers you encounter They will also be a valuable source of regionalisms from their country of origin 3 The English -Spanish/ Spanish-English dictionary in Appendix C of this book focuses on the Spanish used at home or in home-related... knowing the sounds of the letters in Spanish, you need some knowledge of stress and intonation in order to acquire authentic pronunciation These aspects are covered in Appendix A, The Sounds of Spanish. ” This appendix is geared to beginners and will help you move toward authentic pronunciation xviii Introduction To further ease communication, we have included the phonetic pronunciation of every Spanish. .. etc., of the applicant You’ll need to become familiar with those laws Useful sources are available at your local public library On the application form that begins on page 3, the word apellidos (last names) appears in the plural That is because in Spanish- speaking countries most people use two last names: their father’s last name first and then their mother’s maiden name Married women usually retain their... Appendix C: Dictionary 203 English -Spanish 203 Spanish- English 238 Index 273 This page intentionally left blank Introduction Spanish Around the House is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow book that offers the essential tools for communicating with Spanish- speaking personnel and/or employees The authors have selected some occupations in which you will most likely encounter Spanish speakers and have created... the book The stressed syllable appears in bold-face type Don’t forget that your best source for pronunciation is the Spanish speaker with whom you are communicating Don’t hesitate to ask him or her to pronounce any word or phrase you need Spanish speakers are always willing to help those who try to communicate with them in Spanish Listen and imitate the sounds they make It also helps to listen to Spanish. .. more If you wait until you can say something perfectly, you will never speak Spanish Take chances! You will not only learn to communicate in Spanish, you will also establish new relationships, cement old ones, and learn more about the world around us, here in the United States and Canada and to the south Spanish Around the House This page intentionally left blank 1 Job Application and Interview Solicitud... questions that follow ask information about the applicant that may be sensitive It is up to you to find the right moment to ask them Although it may be sensitive in nature, this information may still be important for you to know 1 Copyright © 2005 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc Click here for terms of use 2 Spanish Around the House Keep in mind that the laws of the United States do not allow you to ask... interested in learning more about Spanish grammar, you can use Appendix B for a more thorough study Going through this appendix in detail will allow you to learn the basics without turning to another textbook When using the grammar section, make sure to read the examples carefully Not only do they illustrate the grammar point, they also show you the differences between English and Spanish, which very often... related to the theme of the chapter We have attempted to use the most generic word, but it would be virtually impossible to cover all the regionalisms found in Spanish- speaking countries Generally, we have chosen a word that is commonly used in America As you read through a section, it is not necessary to learn all the words presented, but obviously the more vocabulary you commit to memory, the more . alt="" Spanish Around the House This page intentionally left blank. José M. Díaz and María F. Nadel The Quick Guide to Communicating with Your Spanish- Speaking Employees Spanish Around the House Copyright. A: The Sounds of Spanish 165 Pronouncing Spanish Vowels 165 Pronouncing Spanish Diphthongs 166 Pronouncing Spanish Consonants 168 General Guidelines for Speaking Spanish 172 Linking Groups of Spanish. 203 English -Spanish 203 Spanish- English 238 Index 273 Contents xiii This page intentionally left blank. Introduction Spanish Around the House is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow book that offers the essential