In an ever changing multicultural and multilingual world where global travel has never been quicker and easier, the ability to speak a language has become more of a necessity than ever in recorded history. Our European counterparts can not only speak their native language but are often fluent in two or three others as well.
Are we Brits really the language dunces of Europe ? A 2008 government directive allowed schools to drop GCSE language courses from the curriculum due to the funding crisis despite the fact that Business leaders constantly tell us of their particular frustrations claiming that one in ten companies continue to lose contracts because of employees’ inability to speak a foreign language.
The language of world commerce may be English in its various forms, but the language of real success and lasting trade relationships is a clear understanding of the language of the country you are looking to do business with and sell your product into. The day of turning up to a meeting with your printed information and your own ability down to a few words of greeting are no longer enough. Your competitors who have taken more time and trouble by learning the language of their client and showing that necessary respect will win that order. Those companies and organisations that are not preparing for increased cultural and linguistic globalisation will be increasingly marginalised.
Which languages do you speak?
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