The importance of language abilities in international networking
Friday, 5th June 2009
Having an understanding of more than one language in order to conduct business has become inevitable in the globalization of the marketplace.
The ability to facilitate business growth by means of international networking is now a necessity. Communicating with local board members, managers, employees, clients and competing businesses is pivotal to the success of any assignment.
There are four main ways that being multi-lingual/cultured can bring about greater business growth. The first is in the building of multi-cultural teams. If there are a variety of mixed cultures on any one team, there is inevitably more reach to worldwide customers. Secondly, the management of mergers and acquisitions can be handled better by employees who speak and know the culture of the business or product they are attaining. Thirdly, being confident in the language and culture of another country can foster contacts more quickly, especially those who are difficult to pin down. Lastly, the ability to network internationally will help when it comes to assisting in foreign staff relocation.
The global marketplace now places a deep importance on international seminars in order to network. Most business seminars last three days and are comprised of lectures, meetings, and social gatherings. In order to gain an understanding of the presented material and to be able to fully participate, knowing the language and culture for the specific seminar is required.
Using visual aids in order to convey your business manifesto while abroad is sometimes necessary. Making sure your publication, brochure or trade magazine is accurately translated is significant. When something is translated incorrectly, content-wise or grammatically, it loses its authenticity immediately and will not be taken seriously.
A good way to top up your international networking abilities is to continue to e-learn. Information on the web is so current that it continually stays on-trend with business phrases. Since the web is international, it also can help with worldwide product placement.
More on tailor-made language training options for companies and individuals
More on evening courses in foreign languages
Tags: language, part-time evening course, tailor-made, italian, culture, german, french, spanish
Posted by Jessica Wingate under Attitudes to Language Learning,
Permalink
