Not everyone speaks the same language - that's what makes each of us special! Learning how to communicate with people who do not speak English is important because it helps validate them and provide a sense of belonging. It also allows us to meet new people, make friends, and ensure everyone feels comfortable. This is relevant not only for the school environment, but also society in general.
The chart includes frequently used phrases in Spanish, as well as a pronunciation guide. Knowing basic phrases can help communication improve greatly!
Some basic information can be really helpful when learning to communicate with non-English speaking people. Here are some of our best tips!
1 . Download a translator on your phone. Google Translate works fine, and it's a great way to quickly engage in conversations with people. This can help you ask how someone is doing, if they need help, etc.
2 . Familiarize yourself with basic greetings. Understanding that "Hola" means hello in Spanish might make someone's day!
3 . Be compassionate. If someone looks like they need help or might not know where to go, reach out to them. Help out your fellow human beings and recognize that providing them with support is a great way to make a difference.
4 . Recognize that not every culture is the same as yours. In some cultures, for example, it is disrespectful to look others right in the eye. Be mindful that the way someone responds might tell you more about who they are and the support they need than their feelings about you as a person.
We constructed all of these tips by consulting with our talented ESL teacher Ms. Kirk and our amazing Spanish teachers Ms. Caplan and Ms. Carson.