Proficiency in foreign languages can significantly impact businesses, government agencies, and contracts in diverse sectors, especially when dealing with international partners or regions where multiple languages are spoken, both domestically and internationally.

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Your Workforce’s Language Skills Can Propel Your Business to the Next Level

On the one hand, demonstrated fluency in two or more languages can streamline communication and negotiation processes, reducing the risks associated with serious misunderstandings or cultural clashes that can adversely affect your business endeavors. On the other hand, prioritizing language proficiency can foster rapport with potential clients, cultivate trust with future partners, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations to mitigate legal risks within the U.S. and abroad.

Many organizations, companies, and government agencies face language gaps that need to be addressed, prompting them to create and implement innovative strategies. One notable example is the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program, which provides opportunities for college and university students across the nation to learn languages through weeks of intensive instruction aiming to develop America’s global connections. “The U.S. Department of State sponsors and oversees the CLS Program, including CLS Spark, as part of a larger U.S. government effort to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering foreign languages that are critical to our national security, economic prosperity, and engagement with the world,” (CLS Program). Initiatives like the CLS Program align with recommendations to employers highlighted in the survey conducted for ACTFL, emphasizing the importance of designing multilingual programs and creating talent pipelines at the college and university levels to promote foreign language use across various industries.

The Value of Multilingual Employees

Language proficiency and accuracy are crucial for contractors bidding on government contracts and negotiating terms and conditions. Reducing the risk of disputes during proposal exchanges and document transactions is essential for successful outcomes. For that reason, investing in language training programs for employees engaging with clients or partners who speak languages other than English can elevate their language skills and provide insights into local practices. Additionally, professionals fluent in multiple languages within the workforce can serve as valuable intermediaries, facilitating collaboration, establishing long-term connections, overcoming language barriers, and reducing liability.

Lack of accuracy and misunderstandings can lead to significant financial losses for any business—large and small. “The US Committee on Economic Development suggests that American businesses lose more than $2 billion a year due to cultural misunderstandings,” (McCulloch). Similarly, demonstrating respect and commitment by reaching out in languages relevant to the target audience can enhance the likelihood of successful contract outcomes.

Assess Your Employees’ Language Skills Today

Partnering with Language Testing International® (LTI) can help organizations assess and enhance their employees’ language proficiency levels. LTI, the exclusive licensee of ACTFL, offers expertise in ACTFL language proficiency assessments across all industries, providing valid certifications in over 120 languages through remotely proctored and secured assessments for convenience and efficiency. Contact LTI today to elevate your workforce’s language capabilities and to deliver high-quality services or products, effectively and safely.

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

McCulloch, Scott. “How Language Barriers Affect International Business.” Family Enterprise Foundation. July 02, 2019.  https://familyenterprisefoundation.org/resources/resources/our-insights/articles/2019/july/how-language-barriers-affect-international-business/

CLS Program, Program Overview. Critical Language Scholarship. https://clscholarship.org/about

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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