WORKING LANGUAGE—LANGUAGE THAT WORKS WHEN YOU DO

Most of us learned a second language at school, but few of us have a working knowledge of that language. Sure, we may have spent years on French or Spanish lessons, were able to conjugate irregular verbs, and perhaps even read and appreciate certain works of literature.

But years later, how many of us are able, while visiting a French- or Spanish-speaking country, to converse naturally with the people living there? We’d wonder why our teachers never bothered to teach us practical conversations, like how to make a hotel reservation, order a meal at a restaurant, or ask directions from strangers in a foreign country. But at least, if we wish to do so, we can buy any number of travel guides and phrase books and spend a few hours boning up on essential phrases.

But as we moved from the 20th to the 21st century, with globalization, mass travel and immigration, we live in a world that has suddenly become much smaller. Our neighbours, our friends, maybe even our spouses, may have been born in another country and grew up speaking a different language than we do.

Many of us work in the service industry, where we deal with people from all walks of life and from all sorts of backgrounds and cultures. Some of us may wish we had a working knowledge of another language or three, ‘working’ in the true sense of the word, in that we can use it in our work, as we work.

Maybe you already have a basic command of a second language. Maybe you can speak it more or less fluently in social situations. But you’re completely stumped when it comes to your own work-place, where technical terms are mandatory.

WHO NEEDS THIS? WELL, PROFESSIONALS, for a start...

A doctor or a dentist may wish to take the medical history directly from a patient and not through an interpreter who may be unreliable. A physiotherapist or pharmacist may wish to give very specific instructions. Paramedics need to ask questions that can mean life or death. A realtor may wish to expand her client list and deal with recent immigrants. Social workers and law enforcement officers may wish to establish better rapport or simply communicate better with their charges.

Every year, thousands of professionals volunteer to go abroad, often to third world countries where they donate their time and professional skills to local communities. Interpreters are provided, but often not in sufficient numbers. Having a working knowledge of the foreign language would be very helpful in such situations.

PROBLEM is, healthcare professionals and other professionals have little time or energy to dedicate to learning a foreign language from scratch. In any case, all they need are very specific phrases that they will not find in any language books or CDs. Sure, you could take private lessons, but these are time-consuming and can be exorbitant.

The alternative is: WORKING LANGUAGE—LANGUAGE THAT WORKS WHEN YOU DO

Compilations of essential phrases that working professionals use on a daily basis, THE WORKING LANGUAGE SERIES is a set of practical guides that allow the working professional to speak to a patient or client in the latter’s language from Day 1, on topics specific to their profession.

Compiled by working professionals and professional linguists, each guide comes with an accompanying CD and a simple pronunciation guide that allow repeated study if required, leading ultimately to fluency in essential everyday phrases. It can also act as a reference or an interpretative tool, with the professional pointing out relevant phrases/instructions to the patient or client. Each guide is also available in e-book format for immediate download.

KNOWLEDGE IS MORE THAN POWER...

In many cases, being bilingual or trilingual can give you an edge in getting a job in the first place, may allow you to negotiate a higher salary, and can maximize your earning potential. Surprise your colleagues. Impress your boss. And don’t forget: the goodwill generated when you make the effort to speak to a patient or client in their own language is inestimable. Not to mention the potential of increased referrals, which can result in a significant expansion of your patient/client base. As for the personal satisfaction in establishing relationships with under-served patients/clients, that, of course, is priceless.

THE WORKING LANGUAGE SERIES is aimed at...

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, such as MEDICAL DOCTORS, DENTAL PROFESSIONALS (DENTISTS, DENTAL HYGIENISTS, DENTAL ASSISTANTS, DENTAL RECEPTIONISTS), NURSES, PHARMACISTS, PHYSIOTHERAPISTS, MASSAGE THERAPISTS, CHIROPRACTORS, PARAMEDICS, NUTRITIONISTS, as well as OTHER PROFESSIONS such as REALTORS, SOCIAL WORKERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

NOW AVAILABLE:

WORKING SPANISH FOR THE DENTAL OFFICE
WORKING FRENCH FOR THE DENTAL OFFICE
WORKING MANDARIN FOR THE DENTAL OFFICE