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News
release | 30th October 2001
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Language
skills
wasted
by
world's businesses
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According
to the Languages at Work 2001 survey, language skills are begin
wasted by the world's businesses. Amazingly,
there is a massive untapped talent in the workplace, with around
50% of respondents having language skills that they are not using
at work. These are primarily French, German, Italian and Spanish,
although a quarter of respondents speak other languages that are
being wasted. Many can speak two or three languages on top of English.
The
Languages at Work 2001 survey results will be revealed at the London
Language and Cultural Learning Show 2001. The full survey results
will be available for the business day at the event in London on
2 November 2001. Respondents came from over 30 countries, speaking
over 80 languages.
According
to the Languages at Work 2001 survey on languages at work by languageadvantage.com,
English is still the world's language for business. But people are
using other languages at work alongside English - mainly French,
but also Spanish and German.
Three-quarters
of respondents are employed in multicultural and multilingual workplaces
across the globe. Sarah Carroll, founder of languageadvantage.com
explains; "Languages are part of everyday work; they aren't
just for export. Languages are important for all organisations,
all sectors, all job roles, whether you're operating globally or
locally, wherever you are in the world". It is not surprising,
therefore, that up to half have come across language and cultural
barriers, and 15% actually admit to losing business due to difficulties
in communicating with people from different cultures, speaking different
languages. One Managing Director admits, "The fact that I was
not able to communicate very well lost me at least £500,000
of business every year."
Over 50% of
respondents are learning a language and Spanish has overtaken French
as the favourite language to learn. Some are currently learning
two or three languages. Businesses and international organisations
across Europe and the rest of the world should reflect on whether
they are using the languages talent in their workforce to its best
advantage.
The London Language
and Cultural Learning Show forms an integral part of the campaign
to promote positive attitudes to language learning and cultural
awareness. This is the UK's only exhibition and conference dedicated
to the promotion of languages, culture, language services and new
technology for language learning and teaching.
The event takes
place on 2nd and 3rd November 2001 at the Novotel London West Exhibition
Centre, for further information and a copy of the conference programme
contact Brintex on 020 7973 6658 or www.language-show.com
Any
questions? Like to talk to us about Languages
at Work 2001?
Have suggestions for future surveys? For more information or any
feedback, please contact us.
To find out more
about Languages at Work 2001
and other language surveys, click here>>
Notes to editors:
63% of
respondents are wasting language skills at work; this breaks down
as follows:
63% are wasting one language
28% are wasting two languages
9% are wasting three languages
French is being wasted by 27%
German is being wasted by 18%
Spanish is being wasted by 15%
Italian is being wasted by 11%
57% of respondents
are learning a language and Spanish has overtaken French as the
favourite language to learn; this breaks down as follows:
57% are learning one language
16% are learning two languages
4% are learning three languages
26% are learning Spanish
19% are learning French
12% are learning Italian
10% are learning German
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