Are your language skills attuned to contemporary trends and global demands? Whether you are a bilingual or multilingual professional contemplating learning a new language or aiming to enrich your existing language skills, the question of which language to choose may linger. Some languages are considered particularly valuable to acquire, considering diverse factors. Which languages could lead and shape the future? Do they have equal importance in both the United States and on a global scale?

Choosing a Language to Learn

Predicting the future in the ever-evolving realm of languages is challenging. Nonetheless, certain languages stand out as widely spoken and beneficial due to cultural, economic, and geopolitical factors. In the United States, language preferences may be influenced by immigration patterns, trade relationships, and global business connections. Additionally, language is a living entity, with dynamic tendencies that evolve over time. Hence, monitoring global developments is crucial to discern emerging language trends.

“When it comes to choosing the best language to learn for the future, there are two main factors to consider: interest and strategy. It takes time to learn a new language and it’s important to choose one that intrigues you or allows you to communicate easily and effortlessly in your bucket list destinations. Since over 40% of the world’s languages are endangered, strategy is also important so you can choose a language that will open doors for you in the future,” (Gorga).

Align Decisions to Personal and Professional Goals

In the decision-making process regarding language acquisition or maintenance, aligning with personal and professional goals is of utmost importance. Moreover, keeping abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends is crucial. The sustained demand for foreign languages in the United States, essential for global competitiveness, requires ongoing education. “Numbers of learners will remain stable or rise in the next ten years. The main drivers for this are education, employment, technology, and global mobility. Employers, parents, and learners themselves are driving the need for English language education. They see it as a necessity for success in life, learning, and employment,” (Patel).

Leveraging Your Multilingualism in the Workforce

While many countries incorporate English as a second language, U.S. employers, irrespective of their size, exhibit a significant demand for multilingual staff. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) survey identifies Spanish, Chinese, French, Japanese, German, Russian, Arabic, Italian, Korean, Hindi, and Portuguese as the most sought-after foreign languages in the United States. Interestingly, the top two are more likely to experience a skills shortage among U.S. employers.

In the face of a rapidly changing economy, proactive measures have become imperative. If you want to command more than one language, connect with Language Testing International (LTI) today to get started on your journey towards demonstrating your proficiency in languages spoken in leading economies. LTI, a leader in language proficiency testing across 40 countries, offers reliable certifications in over 120 languages. Benefit from secure remotely proctored assessments for your convenience. Stay ahead by embracing your ability to showcase linguistic diversity in the ever-evolving global landscape.

Sources

American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the Lead with Languages Campaign commissioned Ipsos Public Affairs, with the support of Pearson LLC and Language Testing International. (2019). “Making Languages Our Business: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers.” https://www.actfl.org/uploads/files/general/MakingLanguagesOurBusiness_FullReport.pdf

Gorga, Elizabeth. “What Are the Best Languages to Learn for the Future? Our 12 Top Picks.”  GoAbroad. May 25, 2023. https://www.goabroad.com/articles/language-study-abroad/best-languages-to-learn-for-the-future

Patel, Mina. British Council. “In our rapidly changing world what is the future of the English Language?” 18 April 2023. https://www.britishcouncil.org/voices-magazine/our-rapidly-changing-world-what-future-english-language

Madeline Martínez is a Multicultural Navigator Specialist at URBANDER, a Woman and Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) specializing in transforming businesses to advance humanity. URBANDER’s role is to serve as an extension of Marketing, Diversity, Human Resources, Procurement, Community Relations, and Social Responsibility teams, providing innovative approaches in the areas of strategic marketing, content development, workforce development, community outreach and IDEAS (inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and sustainability). Madeline holds a both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Communications from the University of Puerto Rico and is an experienced copywriter and content developer dedicated to amplifying the voices of URBANDER’s clients. From blogs and articles to social media posts and interviews, Madeline is a skilled writer across diverse topics integrating her marketing, business and academic acumen. Though her earlier work as a Publications Officer at the Inter American University in Puerto Rico, and her most recent performance as a Spanish Interpreter, Substitute Teacher, and Instructional Assistant for English-language learning elementary school students, Madeline has impacted countless families as they have navigated migrating to the U.S. from Spanish-speaking countries. As a bilingual professional, Madeline is also proficient in translating written documents from English to Spanish, and vice versa. She has received LTI issued ACTFL Language Proficiency Certificates in Spanish as follows: Advanced Writing, Advanced Listening, Advanced Reading and Superior Speaking. During her downtime, Madeline loves spending time with her family, and enjoys dancing, movies, photography, and coffee. She considers herself a continuous learner. “A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers”- Helen Keller

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