One tends to think that simply knowing the English language well should be enough in the current global business environment that may or may not be true. This essay will state the importance of learning the language of a culture where one is conducting business.
In the present times of the Internet, language still remains a barrier for most people posted in other countries on business. Most people would conclude that English is the language of international business. However, bilingualism is the new necessity, especially due to the rise of nations such as Brazil, Russia, India and China. (Schultzer, 2011). Due to the rise of these new powers with increasing job and business opportunities in these countries, one cannot afford to ignore languages other than English. Such an approach decreases one’s competitiveness on a global scale where most business professionals are multi-lingual.
Similarly, conducting one’s business on an international scale needs an excellent understanding of various local cultures. One can understand a culture in depth only when one understands and speaks the language. For instance, in Japan, the learning and usage of honorific Japanese language terms such as ‘sama’ or ‘san’ after the last name and a greater emphasis on formality or deference becomes extremely helpful to a business professional. (Hummel, 2009)
The idea, therefore, may not be to achieve a high level of fluency in the language, but to obtain enough language skills so as to avoid blunders that arise due to communication gaps between languages and cultures. Therefore, one must learn a second and even a third language, if possible. As our world shrinks further due to the Internet and other technologies, not learning a language of a country with which one is conducting business can prove to be a major handicap for a business professional. In order to gain a complete understanding of the underlying work ethic, culture and to feel accepted, at least to some extent, a business professional must learn the language of that country as well, instead of relying on English to communicate.
In conclusion, one must be at least reasonably acquainted with a language of the country where one intends to establish a business or work. Such an approach helps a person adjust and settle better while giving key insights into the local work culture and approach.
Reference
Schutzler, M. (2011). Language Learning Helps Businesses Compete Globally. Forbes Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/ciocentral/2011/05/27/language- learning-helps-businesses-compete-globally/
Hummel, D. (2009, June 8). Why Culture is Important in International Business? International HR Forum. Retrieved from http://internationalhrforum.com/2009/06/08/why-culture-is- important-in-international-business/
