One of the most valuable investments companies can make in today’s globalized economy is to improve their employees’ language skills in another language as well as their cultural awareness. There are a plethora of language training and development programs to choose from for businesses who are seeking to improve their workforce communication skills and effectively collaborate with diverse clients and partners. With so many options, how do you determine the right solution for your organization?
Roanoke, VA is a growing city with a population of around 100,000 people. Approximately 10% of its residents have limited English proficiency and face challenges accessing city services. To address this issue, the Community Engagement Office of Roanoke began offering information and resources in Spanish, the second most widely spoken language in the city. They also established a bilingual incentive pay policy for current and prospective employees who demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English who can assist non-English speaking residents in accessing basic resources and services, such as health emergency services, education, and legal support.
Learning a new language can be a challenging and rewarding experience. With the advancements in technology, it has become easier to learn a language through language apps such as Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone. These language learning apps have gamified the language learning process, and they make it convenient to learn at your own pace. However, as you progress on your language learning journey and grow your learning streak, it’s a good idea to ensure that you’re truly making progress. One way to do so is through language proficiency assessments.
Are you a bilingual or multilingual professional trying to obtain more flexibility in your daily life while earning money from the convenience of working from home? The wide variety of remote work positions out there may bring you the life/work balance that you are searching for.
The future of multilingualism in the workforce is bright. There is a steady need for employees who have the ability communicate across different languages and cultures as globalization continues to grow. Companies are recognizing the value of having multilingual professionals and are vigorously seeking to hire candidates with world language skills to fill the language skills gaps in their organizations. The use of technology, which is constantly being updated, also allows for more cross-border communication and commerce, creating even greater demand for multilingual employees. Thus, being multilingual is increasingly becoming a valuable skill in the workforce and you can be part of that great upward trend.
This is the last in our three-part series of blog posts focused on tips for success with each component of the AAPPL. This post’s focus is the Interpretive Reading and Listening components. The IR/IL components of the AAPPL test your ability to understand written and spoken language. Here are a few pro tips to help you prepare.
Studies show that multilingualism will continue to be an important aspect of the world economy in the future. Globalization and digital connectivity are the order of the day when it comes to doing business. Interactions involving people or businesses from different countries are now increasingly common. Companies capable of communicating effectively with customers and partners in their native or preferred languages will have a competitive advantage.
“Multilingualism is good for the economy, researchers have found. Countries that actively nurture different languages reap a range of rewards, from more successful exports to a more innovative workforce,” (Hardach).
Working remotely has become “the norm” in different fields. After the pandemic, most employers have acknowledged the importance of adapting to another way of developing long-lasting working relationships, building trust with their customers, and advancing their businesses in a diverse economy. Nowadays, many employees don’t have to transport themselves to a designated office, and the impact of this new modality is inevitable. This way of doing business may not be suitable for all industries, however, the change is here to stay. The global economy has made companies aware of the growing need to rely on clear and effective communication tools more than ever before, and hiring multilingual professionals who work from home is a practical and effective recruitment strategy in today’s business world.
As we enter the highest testing season of the year, this three-part series is focused on tips for success with each of the components of the AAPPL. This month’s focus is the Interpersonal Listening and Speaking (ILS) component. The ILS portion of the AAPPL tests your ability to have a conversation with someone. Here are a few pro tips to help you prepare.
Are you looking for the best ways to practice and improve your language proficiency? Continued learning of a language, especially as a grown-up, can be a challenging task. However, it is an incredibly gratifying experience. Whether you’re looking to improve your language proficiency for professional or personal reasons, there are a wide variety of resources and strategies that can help you achieve your goals.