Numbers Speak as Loud as Words: Insights to Inform the Language Strategy of Your Business

As the global landscape undergoes transformation, organizations must recognize the influential role not only of programming languages but also of spoken languages in leading economies and shaping the future. It is crucial for companies to understand the dynamics of the specific markets and regions where they operate, while also embracing adaptability to emerging markets and the languages they use to conduct business.

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Harnessing Data in DLI Programs to Build Confidence and Sustainability

Measuring and reporting on student progress in Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs can be critical to maintain funding and program sustainability. But how do you know what to measure or what assessment is right for DLI learners? Nationally, language programs are focusing on proficiency, or the ability to use language in real-world, unrehearsed settings. Choosing a proficiency-based assessment can help you understand your program in relation to national proficiency test data and empower your learners as their language develops.   

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Empowering Voices: Advocating for Language Education—Language Advocacy Days 2024

Language Advocacy Days (LAD), organized by JNCL-NCLIS, is an annual virtual event where delegates advocate for language education-related issues with their elected officials. LAD aims to address challenges in language education and promote policies that support language learning. For delegates, attending these events means advocating for legislative changes that can improve language education nationwide. It is also an empowering event as every voice we raise, every policy we champion, is a step towards a more inclusive, connected, and prosperous future. Language is not just a tool for communication; it’s a gateway to understanding, empathy, and opportunity. By investing in language education, we’re investing in the next generation’s ability to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Language Proficiency Remains Relevant for Both High-Skill and Low-Skill Jobs

The job market can and does change. It is influenced by economic conditions, technological advancements, and gradual cultural shifts. However, positions that were in high demand for bilingual employees across various industries a few years ago may continue to be relevant today. These opportunities can be categorized into both “high-skilled” and “low-skilled” positions.

“A skilled job requires certain training, skills, or credentials to be performed properly. The fields and roles of skilled roles vary, and include positions such as plumbers, doctors, and lawyers. Skilled roles may not require a university education, but many do require trade school education, work experience or an apprenticeship. These roles are typically higher paying than unskilled jobs because of the investment of time and money needed to obtain the necessary credentials,” (Indeed Editorial Team).

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The Power of Your Workforce’s Command of Global English to Do Business

In the realm of international business, English has become the prevailing lingua franca (a language used between people not sharing the same native language to facilitate communication), bridging the communication gap among individuals of varying native languages. The primary objective is to ensure seamless collaboration among colleagues, clients, and customers, all in pursuit of achieving desired outcomes or goals. So, how can companies maintain linguistic consistency among their multilingual and multicultural teams? The answer might lie in the application of what’s known as “Global English.”

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Leveraging Language as an Employability Asset in Career and Technical Education

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced February is CTE Month (https://www.acteonline.org/why-cte/cte-awareness/cte-month/), and one technical school in Pennsylvania is launching an innovative credentialing initiative to kick the month off with style.  

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Language Proficiency: A Compliance Issue in Healthcare Amidst Tech Advances

In an era where AI-driven tools significantly influence the healthcare scenario, the following questions arise: Why should healthcare institutions diligently monitor and assess their employees’ language skills? Could technology reduce the need for human intervention in healthcare settings and reshape the landscape of language proficiency testing?

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How Many Spanish Dialects Are There?

How Many Spanish Dialects Are There?

Over half a billion people speak Spanish. Spanish is also the national language in 20 countries and one dependent territory. With its global reach, it’s no surprise that the language has variations across diverse regions and countries. Understanding the number of dialects is vital for native speakers, educators, linguists, and language learners as it impacts communication, culture, and identity.

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Dialect awareness is an essential part of teaching and learning any language. Being mindful of dialects gives you deeper insights into the foundation of a language and makes communication and proficiency between dialects that much smoother. If you would like to understand the significance of how one language can vary, Language Testing International® (LTI) is a key resource for language proficiency assessment and understanding Spanish dialects.

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Language Testing for Interpreters

Language Testing for Interpreters

Language proficiency testing helps individuals start their journey toward becoming certified interpreters. It also helps individuals demonstrate language proficiency to prospective employers and makes it easier for employers to evaluate prospective candidates’ language skills. 

Using a reliable and valid language proficiency test helps companies ensure they hire the most qualified candidates. A language proficiency test is also beneficial for interpreters because it’s the first step to advancing their careers.

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Best Jobs for Bilingual Chinese Speakers

Best Jobs for Bilingual Chinese Speakers

According to Statista data from 2023, Chinese is the second most-spoken language in the world, with more than 1.1 billion Mandarin Chinese speakers.

As a result, the ability to speak Chinese has become an important skill in the workforce — many companies seek employees who can effectively communicate with clients and partners in China or conduct business in China. If you’re bilingual in Chinese and English, you can pursue numerous meaningful career paths with the help of your language skills.

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