How the hope of representation inspired ESOL students to overcome language barriers and carry their teacher to victory At Language Testing International, we see the powers of language learning manifest in all different forms, and a person’s decision to improve their language skills can be in response to a multitude of reasons—especially when there is […]
Continue readingMeet a Language Superhero: Gabby Clark
The 2019 survey commissioned by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) titled “Making Languages Our Business,” reveals that the demand for employees with foreign language skills is rapidly growing, and nine out of ten employers rely on employees with language skills other than English (p. 3). As the report states: “A […]
Continue readingMitigating Conflict and Fostering Mutual Understanding with Language Proficiency
At Language Testing International, we have seen countless ways in which language proficiency skills alone have benefited our customers in their professional, academic, and even in their personal lives. However, when a person’s language proficiency skills are combined with cultural competency, the value that person brings to the table grows exponentially. A culturally competent person […]
Continue readingDiversity of Hispanic Leadership
The values and cultural preferences of individuals who identify as Hispanic are unique and distinct. So does the concept of leadership—what it should look like, sound like, and how it should be represented by Hispanic leaders in their communities. The diversity that exists within the Latino population means that leaders must use certain skillsets and […]
Continue readingLeveraging Language Proficiency to Engage Larger Audiences
Community leaders are utilizing language proficiency to engage larger audiences in today’s connected world. Since its inception in 1992, Language Testing International (LTI) has become a leader in administering language proficiency tests in more than 120 languages and in over 60 countries. While LTI has understood the importance of language proficiency skills since day one, […]
Continue reading“My accent is my asset”
There is often a misconception about people who speak English as their second language. If they have strong accents, they are often perceived as having a reduced ability to communicate or their level of intelligence is questioned. Let’s consider instead that if a person speaks with an accent or does not fully command English, that […]
Continue readingMultilingual Community Members Become Community Leaders
Culturally proficient outreach efforts help create equitable pathways for community members to become community leaders. At Language Testing International, we have seen many esteemed community leaders and elected officials utilize their language proficiency skills in their communication and outreach efforts. When combined with integrity, cultural competency, and authentic respect for the communities they are engaging, […]
Continue readingThree Ways to Upskill Your Multilingual Capabilities
Is it really as easy as 1, 2, 3? Ok, it may not be “easy,” but it is doable! To upskill your multilingual capabilities, you need a superpower mindset. According to Marvel Comics writer and artist Jonathan Hickman, “Newfound power leads to new perspective.” So, whether you are looking to advance in your career, enhance […]
Continue readingGetting Back to Business with Language and Cultural Proficiency
One million vaccinations a day was certainly a lofty proposition as we began the year grappling with how to effectively rid ourselves of COVID-19 and get back to business. As a business owner, diversity specialist, and community advocate, I wondered how this would be accomplished because I know there are still so many gaps in […]
Continue readingThe ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test Administered by LTI
As discussed in previous blogs, being able to speak English is not the only skill that employees who work in a global corporate environment need to have; being able to communicate by writing is also essential to remain competitive and gain success. A measure such as the ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test (WPT), administered exclusively through […]
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