There’s really no way of telling. What we do know, though, is that nearly two years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Big Easy, New Orleans’ population has taken on a considerably browner hue. The droves and droves of Latino laborers coming in from Mexico and Central America have created a rising demand for tortillas and salsa music in the land of gumbo and jazz; their work- (and play-) related health issues have also encouraged local doctors to pick up some Spanish—fast. Have no fear! Medical Spanish Made Incredibly Quick! is here. Some highlights from the spiral-bound reference guide take you through a typical day at the hospital:

Say “Ahhh.” — Diga “Ahhh.”

You’re going to feel a little prick. — Sentirá un dolorcito.

I’m going to examine your testicles. — Le voy a examinar los testículos.

Stay still. — Quédese quieto.

You need an enema to relieve constipation. — Usted necesita un enema para aliviar la constipación.

I’m going to insert the tube. — Le insertaré el tubo.

Hold the solution inside for as long as possible. — Mantenga la solución adentro el mayor tiempo posible.

[Ed. Note: Learning these phrases with a convincing accent does not qualify you to practice medicine in the state of Louisiana. Yet.]

Latino workers’ changing New Orleans profile [Taipei Times]
Medical Spanish Made Incredibly Quick! [Wolters Kluwer / Lippincott Williams & Wilkins]
Image [Robert Gauthier / LATimes]