By William Croyle
Enquirer contributor

COVINGTON - With the Hispanic population in Northern Kentucky more than tripling in the last decade, doctors and bankers say it's time to learn the language.

Twice a week for six weeks during lunch hour, they're gathering for a beginner's conversational Spanish class.

It was the brainchild of Molly Fitzgerald, executive director of Literacy In Northern Kentucky, who sees the world around her changing every day from her Madison Avenue office in Covington.

IF YOU GO

The next beginner's Spanish Class begins in January. Time: Noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Where: LINK, 614 Madison Ave., Covington. Information: 581-7323. Cost: $90 for six weeks.

"I can tell it's changing just sitting here watching people pass by my window," Fitzgerald said. "And when I saw the statistics, I said 'Oh my gosh, we need to do something about that.' "

The Kentucky State Data Center says that over the last decade, the Hispanic population in Boone County nearly quintupled to 1,512 while numbers in Kenton County more than doubled to 1,534. In Campbell County, the numbers almost tripled to 784.

Also attending the LINK class are a funeral director, a lawyer, librarians, and a chiropractor learning the basics, such as the alphabet, numbers, days, months, and common phrases and expressions.

"We have a lot of Hispanic customers and it's hard to communicate," said Laurie Jones, a personal banker at Fifth Third Bank. "As hard as the language is, I think I'll be able to pick up enough in these classes to be able to communicate with them better."

The class is taught by Patricia Fernandez Dietrick of Burlington, a native of Colombia, who works as a Spanish teacher and interpreter.

"There are a lot of Hispanics around here, especially in Florence, and they're here to stay," said Dietrick. "They came here because of the American dream."

Dietrick said how far she goes with the class will depend on how fast her 18 students want her to go. If they continue to pick up the basics as quickly as they have been, she'll spend time increasing the vocabulary lessons and conjugating verbs.

She is also teaching the class about Hispanic culture and trying to address misconceptions that Americans may have about Hispanics.

"You never say to someone 'Are you Spanish?' just because they speak Spanish," said Dietrick. "Are you English because you speak English? It's exactly the same thing."

Gilberto Esparza founded the Hispanic Resource Center in Covington four years ago. He said local businesses and schools are reaching out and accepting Hispanics more, which has attracted more families to the area.

He said what LINK is doing is "a wonderful thing."

"LINK is allowing people to see that the language is fun, and it's also allowing people to see what Hispanics are going through when they apply for a job or have to walk into a doctor's office and try to communicate," said Esparza.

Jim Middendorf of Crestview Hills is retired and taking the class "to keep my mind sharp." He said he's enjoying the class and is learning a lot.

"It's muy bien," Middendorf said.

E-mail williamcroyle@yahoo.com