‘Opportunities for professionals who know foreign languages are increasing’
English language has always been at the centre-stage which no other language has been able to make its reach and impact businesses and governments globally. However, things have now started changing with surge in global economy and rising global businesses, where knowledge of other foreign languages too have become equally important to service countries, their governments, economy and businesses.
The role of foreign language interpreters has become crucial and they are being hired in big numbers for different languages as economies globally are expanding to various foreign markets, thus facilitating deals and businesses.
In fact, one’s ability to speak multiple languages, including English is becoming a valuable tool and skill for modern employers, particularly as aforementioned global bodies, governments and businesses are growing in size, as their economy is moving globally, making languages a crucial subject of importance.
India and China are home to the biggest education institutions and systems in the world and with all five BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations committed to scaling up efforts, BRICS have the potential to become leaders in good quality education. This will help millions of students who would benefit from improved learning systems as it would ensure better skills and knowledge. This will help in transforming economies and societies.
Unfortunately, education institutes and governments seem to be lagging behind. A major challenge for BRICS countries is to enhance quality education and establish Centres of Excellence. Although the platform provided for developing foreign language skills in these countries appears to be well documented, less is known about the demand side.
DEMAND FOR LANGUAGE SKILLS
Businesses in a wide diversity of sectors keenly seek employees with language skill. Needs for German and French language professionals in sales and trading roles considered for 16 % of all needs, demonstrating the strong command for linguistic working in various markets. The sales and trading sector accounted for onethird of all available vacancies. This was followed by IT and technology, administrative, finance, and project management positions. Responses from various employers suggests that they are looking for people with linguistic skills with advanced foreign language skills who can be used in a business context. Their clients seek workers who are extremely capable in languages but not necessarily expert linguists, such as translators or interpreters. This is a very positive message for graduate linguists.
Significantly, language learning encourages international mobility which itself is highly valued by employers. International experience is associated with a strong command of a particular language and increased flexibility. Employers overwhelmingly reported that when applying for a job, a graduate with knowledge of one or more foreign languages would have an edge over a similar graduate with no language skills.
WHY LANGUAGE AND INTERCULTURAL SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT
Languages and intercultural skills are strategically important in a challenging economic environment.
Graduates must develop their language ability to remain competitive in today’s global workforce. The perception that everyone speaks English is enough, can be easily challenged. Use of different foreign languages on the internet has dramatically changed in the last few years for international communication and for commercial purposes. Social media giants like Facebook, Twitter and even Google are allowing their audience to communicate through local languages.
Lack of knowledge of foreign language professionals may deter businesses in reaching out to global markets. For companies that are proactive in their exports and are willing to meet to the market needs give higher importance to language skills that helps them scale up businesses and exports. More importantly, universities and institutions must invest in languages to remain competitive in the global marketplace.
Hence, the numbers of those who take-up learning foreign languages must be encouraged to ensure that the continued demand can be met.
The author is president, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions