Research by the Regional Language Networks shows that 1 in 5 UK companies believe they have lost business as a result of language or cultural barriers. This is because more than 60% of our trade is with countries where over 82% of the population do not speak English as a mother tongue. In the light of this it’s surprising that language skills are given such a low priority. In fact most UK companies do not offer their employees the chance to learn languages. And there is strong evidence to suggest that they should.
A survey recently published by the British Chambers of Commerce showed a direct correlation between the value a company places on language skills and its annual turnover. Companies that were successful internationally were those that encouraged staff with language skills either through recruitment or training. So it seems that some of the best UK companies are using language skills successfully to win business.
So why are languages not taken seriously by more British companies? Perhaps it is because it requires you to be “in the know” like the large, sophisticated international firms. It may be that languages are deemed a bit “intellectual” and we don’t like too much cleverness. Talking football is more our cup of tea!
But the biggest problem we have with our attitude to foreign languages is really a historical hangover from The Empire when we taught the world to speak English and play cricket! We made life easy for ourselves. Now it’s a big culture shock to have to make our way in this big new global market full of other languages.
It is certainly not a problem of aptitude. In fact English speakers have a huge advantage. English contains 30-40% of the words in French, German, Spanish and Italian. Banish forever the idea that we have some inherent inability to learn languages. This is a myth. We can do it as well as other nations if we choose. Besides, many British diplomats, officers and business people have been excellent linguists.
If you really want to learn a language then you can. As a grown up your experience should be much nicer than it was at school. Now, with maturity on your side, you have the capacity to achieve far more. Motivated adults, taught by modern “communicative” techniques, can do very well. Using a professional training provider who knows what they are doing will also help. You may just find that it works and it’s fun!
Remember that language learning is a long-term commitment. Although benefits will be achieved as you progress with your training, language learning is an ongoing process and training is just the beginning. In order to become really proficient in a foreign language you need to get out there and use it.
To reach higher levels of language competence you will need to spend plenty of time living and working entirely in the target language. That’s why people talk about “sink or swim”. Learning to speak a foreign language is very much like swimming one day you will be able to do it without any armbands!
We all know in our heart of hearts that shouting loudly in English is not the right way to conduct our international business. On the other hand learning your customer’s language is widely recognised to be very good business practice and many companies are already reaping the benefits in their overseas trade.
It’s a fact: languages are good for your business! And, although you hadn’t realised it, as an English native you are already a budding linguist, at least as far as European languages are concerned. And Europe is where we do the most business. So, why not try language learning – you may surprise yourself!
Posts Tagged ‘Language Skills’
You Can Speak your Customer’s Language and Win Business If you Wish
January 6th, 2010Language Lesson Plans – Improve Your Foreign Language Skills to Native Level
January 3rd, 2010If you are learning a foreign language, language lesson plans are necessary to keep you on the fast track to your success. The good language lesson plans should not be 1) Complicated; 2) Time consuming; 3) Needing a lot of work. A good plan should be 1) Easy to carry out; 2) Based on reasoning that convinces the learner; 3) Having quick and long-lasting effect. Being able to speak a new language feels good. This is one of the reasons that people are keen to learn foreign languages. But a second thought of learning a large scale of vocabulary that consists of strange new words and pronunciations tends to scare people away. “It is just not for me. ” I have heard many people say that after they have learned a second language for a short period of time. Languages are made for human beings. Everybody with health listening and speaking ability is using their native languages freely all over the world. If you can speak your own language, you can be enabled to learn another tongue. If you are not experiencing success in language learning, I can tell you that the problem is not about the one who learns it. It has everything to do the lesson plans. Just think about the process that a baby learns his/her first language. There are no reasons that we as adults cannot learn foreign languages like that. Language learning is just a natural accumulating process. It is not required to work hard on separate words and sentences, neither to acquire listening and reading individually. So what you are supposed to do is just to search for the right language lesson plans.
Benefits of Learning Foreign Language
December 19th, 2009In the resent trend of our society nowadays, many people are connected all through out the world. As they communicate they have must a primary language to be used and sometimes a foreign language or their second language that could help them express more their feelings and opinions. Many individuals also love to learn foreign language as language skills in a job. In the present situation of our global market and economy, many demands for language skills to continue to grow as many organizations, businesses as well as the governments build links and communication with the foreign language. It is very beneficial in every employment neither communication in very important reasons. It gives careers and chances for them to progress either through building and gaining promotions as well as international travel experience. And also it opens new ideas and employment opportunities. International major organizations such as Red Cross, World Trade Organizations as well as Amnesty International and other worldwide organization will always need people with skills and ability for range of languages in their administrative work to management. They almost need a cross section of foreign language skills and an additional many speakers in the main international language such as Spanish, French, English, Arabic and Chinese. The National Government also demand huge numbers of foreign language speakers for every Foreign Affairs Services Departments and Bureaus. Working with this Foreign Services could give you the opportunity of working abroad and living in an embassy of a certain country. You will be able to listen to intelligence reports in foreign language and translating them and conducting researches in foreign language as well as liaising with other countries as counterpart. Learning Foreign Language is also a big challenge for you but then learning foreign language skills help strengthen applicants profile and knowledge. Other benefit of learning foreign language also makes you good candidate for positions within the tourism and hospitality services and industry. Nowadays, almost of the companies sends their staff to man local offices or fields, which also means speakers of the native languages are well needed. Meaning to say these international companies have the nature of global presence and that staffs with foreign language skills are significant in their day to day operations and future expansions. Good customer service is also good relations through common language. Speakers on foreign language are also needed in hotels, clubs, leisure complexes, restaurants to receive many foreign visitors. Language translators are also needed to deal with written materials and will translate texts from the original language into their own native language. They usually need qualifications or accreditation, but once this successfully passed it is more easy to register with number of translation agencies that are qualified for work to freelancers. After that other translators become specialized in certain foreign language or fields such as law, social sciences, software as well as foreign affairs. Foreign Language Speakers are also good foreign language speakers. They teach not only offers the chance to have sufficient knowledge but also practice it in their daily living. Foreign Language Teachers can work in a variety of different institutions such as private language learning schools, colleges, and universities as well as government institutions. Language can be taught either you are young or old as long as you are eager to learn it. Continues teaching of these foreign teachers may develop their skills they may also gain more qualifications and specializations in areas and fields of their skills. Other related benefits of learning foreign language are finding your friends all over the world. It will also give the chance to meet someone whom you may love and also will love you back. It is not impossible as long as you know her/his native language for better communication and exchange of ideas and opinions and also to express your feelings in a very sweet manner in their native languages. These varieties of opportunities of learning foreign language are just few of the many employment opportunities and career developments. It is just an open door for you to consider in learning foreign language that is more easy and beneficial for you.
