The ability to speak a second language has become a necessity for many professionals and businesses alike, and this trend will not end in the foreseeable future. Even though English will likely remain a dominant global language by 2050, the prominence of other languages rising in their level of importance is a trend to keep an eye on, especially in the economic sector. Businesses operating in different markets or looking to expand their services across new states, regions, and countries will need to be prepared to clearly and effectively communicate in a wider variety of languages to understand and engage with partners and customers. The demand for multilingual speakers is a natural result of today’s globalized world, and it’s here to stay.
Katie Hedrick is the Community Inclusion Coordinator of the City of Roanoke’s Community Engagement department in Virginia. One of her responsibilities is to run a Bilingual Incentive Pay Program to address the concerns and needs of Roanoke’s diverse 100,000 residents.