Is Medical Spanish The New Thing In ‘New’ New Orleans?

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]