You might not be able to understand that Spanish phrase. For a landscaper, not understanding a common command like that given by the contractor might very well threaten the job, the customer?EUR??,,????'???s satisfaction, or even one?EUR??,,????'???s life.

Except the contractor is probably speaking English, as many do not fully communicate with Spanish-speaking employees. Translated: Stay away from that machine!

David Tovar, a licensed arborist and founder of Woodland Tree Service in Greenwich, Conn. has started teaching a class at Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens aimed at correcting this exact problem; he is teaching Spanish-speaking landscapers key words to be able to communicate with their employers and customers. The class consists of 14 landscapers, most of whom were sent by their employers.

Some of his students have worked at nurseries and landscaping companies for several years but speak little English, Tovas said. They can be excellent landscapers, but the difficulty communicating can be very frustrating. ?EUR??,,????'??I would say about 90 percent of the companies, the laborers and supervisors, are Spanish speaking,?EUR??,,????'?? said Tovar. ?EUR??,,????'??It is very important to learn and break away with the barrier of English so they can learn their profession well and be productive.?EUR??,,????'??

?EUR??,,????'??The more we get them comfortable talking both English and Spanish, the better off they are if a customer asks them a question,?EUR??,,????'?? said Mary Jo Bridge Palmer, a partner at Sam Bridge. ?EUR??,,????'??It?EUR??,,????'???s a good review from a safety aspect, but it also helps make them a better landscape technician.?EUR??,,????'??

The first class involved insect identification. ?EUR??,,????'??La hormiga, in Spanish,?EUR??,,????'?? Tovar said, twirling a plastic bug in the air. ?EUR??,,????'??In English, an ant. Say it after me.?EUR??,,????'?? Other topics included proper planting, mulching and pruning practices and following safety rules.

Tovar emigrated from Colombia in 1986 and began his landscaping career speaking little English. Yet after later starting his own company, he wants to educate other native Spanish-speakers. Students will receive a certificate from the arboretum when they complete the course.

Source: The Hartford Courant