In today’s globalised world characterised by technological progress and advancements in various industries, the English language has always been at the centre stage in terms of impacting businesses and governments. However, now, with rising global businesses, and knowledge of other foreign languages too have become equally important to service countries, their governments, and the economy.
Skills in foreign languages, especially with the growth of economic associations across the world, such as BRICS, G8+5, G20, ASEAN, BIMSTE, and so on, have created a huge demand for interpreters to bridge language barriers. As economies expand into various foreign markets, the role of interpreters for different languages have become crucial.
In fact, one’s ability to speak multiple languages, is becoming valuable tool and skill for modern employers. India and China are home to the biggest education institutions in the world and with all five BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations committed to scaling up efforts to offerquality education. This will help millions of students who will benefit from improved learning systems.
Demand
Helping one-to-one interaction and bridging the language barriers serve as a tool to also bridge intercultural gaps and contribute to a mutual understanding. English continues to remain a key asset. In distinction, understanding of languages written by trade partners or adjacent countries will settle on a competitive edge. Foreign language such as Arabic, French, German, Spanish, Chinese and Russian has gained increased significance. In this view, the foreign language skills that immigrants bring are significant too. 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.
Why English no longer dominates world trade:
English and globalisation have spread hand-in-hand and its role as a sole language for the Internet and world trade has drastically dipped, as other foreign languages are increasingly being used. The most relevant example that holds true isChinese — its importance for trade relations has grown significantly.
Many businesses seek employees with language skill. Needs for German and French in sales and trading roles considered for 16 % of needs, demonstrating the strong command for linguistic working in various markets.
Employers 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.
Intercultural skills
Languages and intercultural skills are strategically important in a challenging economic environment. Graduates must develop their language ability to remain competitive in today’s workforce. The perception that everyone speaks English is enough, can be easily challenged. Use of different foreign languages on the Internet has dramatically changed, for international communication and for commercial purposes. Social media giants such as Facebook, Twitter, are allowing their audience to communicate through local languages. Lack of knowledge of foreign language may deter businesses in reaching out to global markets.
A labour market study says that languages continue to be critical to the success in every sector. The numbers of those who take-up learning foreign languages must be encouraged to ensure that the continued demand can be met.
The writer is the President of Manav Rachna Educational Institutions
