Learning to Speak the Language: New Spanish for Business Course Offered at TLU

Did you know that Spanish is the second-most commonly spoken language in the United States-or that the U.S. has the second-largest Spanish-speaking population of any country, behind Mexico? In Texas alone, nearly 7.8 million people speak Spanish at home. That's why it's never been more important for college graduates-regardless of their field-to be equipped with a strong grasp on the language. "Learning how to interact professionally in Spanish is very important for our students' career goals," said Assistant Professor of Spanish Dr. Fernando Varela, who is teaching a new Spanish for Business course this semester at Texas Lutheran University.

The course is different from other Spanish classes offered by the university. "Whereas courses such as Spanish 1, 2, and 3 provide an expansive and gradual introduction to Spanish, Spanish for Business is a more intense introduction to the language that submerges students to specific scenarios related to commercial exchange," Varela explained, adding that while the course is open to all students, it is primarily targeted at those with a basic or intermediary knowledge of Spanish.

Varela says the course includes an introduction to vocabulary, grammar, and culture as it relates to the Spanish-speaking business world. "The course's main goal is for students to learn how to interact professionally with Spanish-speaking businesspeople by developing adequate communication skills and appreciating cultural differences. Moreover, students also learn about some of the most important companies in Latin America and Spain, and how they have become commercially successful."

Students looking to step into most any field post-graduation can benefit from the course, so all majors are welcome. "One of the most innovative aspects about this course is that, while focused on themes pertinent to the business world, it is by no means limited to students who major or minor in business," said Varela. "Because commercial exchanges permeate all layers of public life, this course is open to all students from across the university. Whether they'd like to become a nurse, a coach, or a teacher, this course will prepare them with the adequate vocabulary and grammatical rules in Spanish to engage in conversations about business and finance in their respective fields."