A globalised economy has scaled-up demand for foreign languages with lucrative options, says Dr Prashant Bhalla
In today’s globalised world characterised by technological progress and advancements in the information and communication industry, English has always been at the centrestage which no other language has been able to make its reach and impact businesses and governments globally. However, things are changing now.
Skills in foreign languages, especially with the growth of economic associations across the world like BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), G8+5, G20, ASEAN, BIMSTE, servicing importers and exporters amongst others, have created a huge demand for interpreters that is helping bridge language barriers. The role of interpreters has become crucial.
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 nations committed to scaling up efforts, they have the potential to become leaders in 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.
Moreover, languages are an essential tool at the international level for developing businesses and for exploring new markets. Helping one-on-one interactions and bridging language barriers — foreign languages serve as a tool to also bridge intercultural gaps and contribute to a mutual understanding.
Though English continues to remain important despite countless regional and minority languages, skills in a foreign language like English, continues to be a key asset. In distinction, understanding of languages written by trade partners or adjacent countries will settle on a competitive edge. Foreign languages like Arabic, French, German, Spanish, Chinese and Russian have gained significance. 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. Although the platform provided for developing foreign language skills in these countries appears to be well documented, less is known about the demand side.
Why not Englishij
English and globalisation have spread and its role as a sole language for the Internet and world trade has drastically taken a dip as other foreign languages are increasingly being used. The most relevant example that holds true is for the Chinese language. The importance of this language for trade relations has grown.
It is not English alone that is used in international business relations. It is due to the tendency of companies to use local language based on their markets or one of the major languages like German, Spanish or French. Investment in the learning of the language, both by the Governments, educational institutions or private sector organisations, necessitates a methodical examination of languages that can bring more benefits.
Demand
Businesses in a wide diversity of sectors keenly seek employees with language skill. Need for German and French in sales and trading roles considered for 16 % of all needs, demonstrating the strong command for linguists working in various markets. The sales and trading sector accounted for one-third of all available vacancies. This was followed by IT, administrative, finance, and project management positions.
Responses from various recruitment agencies indicate that employers are looking for people with linguistic skills. Their clients seek workers who know a foreign language but not necessarily expert linguists. This is a very positive message for graduate linguists.
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 will have an edge over a similar graduate with no language skills. Foreign languages are reported to be the skills in relation to which employers are most dissatisfied.
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 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 Google are allowing their audience to communicate through local languages.
lack of knowledge of the foreign language may deter businesses from reaching out to global markets. For companies proactive in their exports, in order to meet to the market needs, they give higher importance to language skills that help them scale up businesses and exports. More importantly, universities and institutions must invest in languages to remain competitive.
language learning in higher education can offer returns on investment that students will inevitably seek. There is a huge demand for foreign languages and inter-cultural skills from employers. Employers are looking for individuals with active language skills, who can work on an international diaspora. They look for a wide range of languages, across sectors. More importantly, research has enabled the higher education language community and others interested to make progress in quantifying the labour market for language and inter-cultural skills.
The writer is President of Manav Rachna Educational Institutions