May 4, 2010
Some people need to learn a foreign language for travel; many study it for school; others, however, take a stab at proficiency for professional reasons. That’s why corporate language learning is such a popular offering among language trainers – it’s a skill that’s very much in demand.
Who takes business-centered language lessons?
If the organization you’re a part of regularly takes on foreign-based service projects, such as when you’re running a call center that handles international customers, then it’s highly likely that people in your organization will require high levels of proficiency in a target language. Same with pretty much any business that regularly interacts with foreign clients, which, nowadays, should include majority of mid- to large-sized firms in most countries.
Business-based language learning does things somewhat differently than other forms of language training. While it seeks to teach the users similar skills as those used for travel or residency, it lays a particular focus on certain aspects of the language that will be more useful for business purposes.
Call center agents, for instance, will need to get a heavy dose of accent training along with their lessons, along with a focus on words and phrases that demonstrate customer service ideals. Sales agents should learn acceptable negotiating etiquette in the target country, along with learning the language. Most any business position where learning a language is required will have some special aspect to focus on as part of the overall training.
It’s for this reason that we recommend using either a business-specific language learning software or a tailored class when you’re looking at learning a language for such purposes. More than teaching the language, these resources give you other necessary skills you will find useful in your actual work.
July 18, 2009
According to many experts who have studied various languages for very specific needs, business is probably the most difficult language to prepare for. Not that business requires a more complex skill set than other industries, but because of the amount of localization that it usually requires.
Ever heard someone make fun of all the business buzzwords, doublespeaks and rather meaningless but lofty terms? You probably have, as English-speaking media is teeming with them. The bad news is, such mangling of the language for self-serving purposes happens in pretty much every country.
As such, there are always new variations of management-speak that evolves, with meanings that are usually miles apart from how you would normally perceive it if you translate the language in a literal manner. If you are an English speaker, you will recognize this same characteristic in terms like “proactively manage the profit line,” “acceptable quality vector,” and “total quality processes”. While those words probably mean something to people inside an office where it is used, they will do nothing but confuse beginner to intermediate language learners. Hell, terms like those continue to confuse me and I grew up with the English language!
There’s really little you can do about the propensity of business language to branch into such a difficult mess. For your part, the best thing you can do is be prepared for them. Some language learning software and tools do include common business-speak with their lesson plans, but it really is difficult to account for everything you may encounter. When you do stumble upon terms that don’t make sense to you during the actual course of business (such as negotiations), be brave enough to ask for clarifications. Many native speakers will be so familiar with the way they use office-speak within their organizations that they usually take it for granted that others may not be privy to the same.
May 1, 2009
More and more businesses are now integrating language learning into their organizations. The ability to adapt to an international market, after all, is one of the defining qualities that could prove pivotal to the success of companies today. By breaking the barrier of language and communication, companies are able to become more competitive, all while staying ahead of the curve.
Language learning is an additional expense. However, whatever cost you lay out will more than pay for itself in the long run.With even a minimal investment in courses and language learning software, organizations can enjoy a multitude of benefits from training employees, including:
1. Better job performance
Employees who undergo extra skills training on the job usually see their morale soar. When a company cares enough to invest in their people, many employees typically respond the same way.
2. Cross-cultural communication
If your workforce consists of people from different backgrounds and cultures, training them in other languages can help them appreciate each other’s differences. More than just picking up a new vocabulary, language learning opens up a window that allows people to take a peek at cultures other than their own.
3. Better client relationships
While you can always rely on an interpreter to liaison between your employees and your clients, better relationships are usually forged when the communication takes place directly. Having the barrier of a third-party between them can often make things impersonal.
April 17, 2009
If English isn’t your native language and you regularly have to work with individuals with whom it is the default medium of communication, fitting in can be difficult. Unfamiliar with the nuances the language entails (even after you’ve completed a language software course), it’s easy to commit mistakes that may cause rifts when unattended to.
There are a few things you can do to guarantee positive interactions, though.
1. Keep it simple
Use straightforward language constructs. Avoid parlance and jargons whenever possible – these things have a way of setting you up in a compromising way, especially when the implications of certain expressions is not 100% clear to you.
2. Clarify points
Since you’re not a native speaker, most people will understand when you take the extra time to clarify if the communication has been understood correctly both ways. In fact, many will appreciate the effort. Don’t be afraid.
After discussions, follow it up with “If I understand what you said…..” and “Let me rephrase what I said to see if we’re on the same page…..”
3. Don’t act like you understand (when you don’t)
If there are things you don’t understand, speak up. Quit acting like everything’s going well. If I was your co-worker, I’d rather explain the same thing five times till you get it, than have to deal with results that aren’t what I’m looking for.
Courteously, ask the speaker, “Can you repeat what you said about…” or “Sorry, but I don’t understand. Can you explain it again?”
4. Write stuff down
When you’re given instructions, write them down. If your co-worker has the time, you can ask them to verify what you’ve written to see if you got everything as it should be.
March 10, 2009
Wherever you are in the world, there are likely one or two second languages you can learn that will help advance your job prospects. English, Spanish and Mandarin, for instance, have all taken spots as widely-used languages in the world. If you find a foreign language to be a frequent requirement in your industry, wouldn’t it be in your best interest to to learn to manage your way around it?
Marketability
Even if you have no immediate plans of using a particular language for a job, having one in your resume should paint a positive picture of your professional character in any employer’s eyes. Taking the time to learn a new language shows initiative, a passion for learning and a desire to advance in their careers.
Overseas Opportunities
More than local job prospects, learning a second language opens up a world of employment opportunities you never would otherwise find. Overseas job placements, translation services and teaching gigs are only a few of the additional avenues that become available to those with a second language as part of their overall skillset.
Learning On Your Spare Time
Like most accessory skills, a second language can be learned in your spare time. An hour a day using a language translation software or a similar learning tool should be sufficient to absorb basic competency over time. Isn’t that a worthy investment for what could be a very useful ability that should serve you well into the future?
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