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Why should I invest in learning a language?

1/4/2020

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Language is how we communicate and has been important from the most basic of communication since man first started to grunt and make sounds to get a message across.  On modern day earth there are some 6,500 spoken languages that allow some 8 billion people to communicate.  Language is clearly Important.
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You are reading this article in English, it has become the language of business, but it is not the most spoken language in the world. Mandarin is the most spoken mother tongue language in the world with some 1,213,000,000 people speaking it, English in comparison has only 360,000,000 speakers which gives rise to why learning a language is a great investment.
There is something powerful and magical about learning a language and investing in learning a language which opens doors both in life and business that no other tool can. In a world where technology is bringing cultures closer, language is still the most important tool. Sure, anyone can type a message and have Google Translate it, but have you ever tried translating the translation back into your original language?  Tone and emotion are lost and very often the meaning is not what you really wanted to say.
Investing in learning a language allows you to use your human mind to converse with emotion and meaning. The value of this alone is worth more than many imagine, and from it comes a level of respect that few people will ever understand. The emotional power of being able to speak another language is worth more than any investment you could make elsewhere.
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The real value of investing in learning a language today must surely be business.  Finding a way to give you the edge rather than your competition is the goal of every business today. Language creates more than just one step better and affords improved long term and sustainable relationships just because communication is improved.  For this reason, people looking for a better paid job with more prospects become valuable resources to any company if they have invested in learning a language. ​
There is very much a win-win result in business today when someone can speak an extra language. Companies investing in their employees to learn another language is on the increase because they understand the value and importance of vocal communication and cultural understanding and tolerance.
Investing in learning a language has another benefit over and above being good for business and job prospects. Speaking a second or even third language allows a person to get under the skin of another country, its culture and people. Having invested in learning a language, any business trip gains a new dimension and vacations become that bit more off the beaten track.  As was stated at the beginning, language is the key to opening many doors and in reality, adds extra zest and enjoyment to life in way that nothing else can.
If your only reason for investing in learning a language is just because, then do it and you will see a whole new world open up around you.
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This is THE site you need to know for International Business.

24/3/2020

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We found this great site Gengo.com that has made conducting international business easier than ever. This interactive guide provides information for over a dozen countries on cultural norms for the workplace including how to approach a manager with a problem, how to socialize with your colleagues outside of work, and how to impress a client. Best of all, you can compare how your culture stacks up with the country you plan visit including the work/life balance, the dress code and more.
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For example, if you are headed to Japan, karaoke is the best way to get to know your colleagues. Say yes to every karaoke invitation, and be prepared to use this casual atmosphere as a way to discuss things off the record. Need to impress your client? Pick a high-quality whiskey over a flower.  Check out this smart guide to business cultures before your next trip. It is also valuable to learn the language before you go! Make the most of the self isolation and contact us for more information on a language course you can do from the comfort of your own home. 

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Business in Japan: is it all about the bow?

11/3/2020

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Japan is a country steeped in tradition and culture, and ensuring business etiquette is met in Japan in line with the traditions and culture is often the biggest fear for any person doing business with the Japanese. A great deal of the etiquette is common decency and politeness, but having some knowledge of what should or should not be done in a meeting, goes a very long way toward cultural acceptance.
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Perhaps the most common of all known elements of Japanese business culture, is the bow.  It is common courtesy. Some people would say that it is better not to bow at all than to bow badly, but, the Japanese are very forgiving.  If it is your first time doing business in Japan I am sure you will be respected. In communication prior any meeting, it is well worth while indicating this so when you do bow your client or host will understand and respect the fact that you are nonetheless aware of custom and are at least trying to conform. Do not offer a handshake immediately on a first time meeting and rather wait for the handshake to be offered to you, most people will offer one.

Another curious point about doing business in Japan is the seating.  If your host is seated, do not wait to be asked to sit, it is considered polite to sit with your host. If none of your hosts are seated, do not break the ice and be the first, there is a certain hierarchy that is followed, the host or more senior of your hosts must sit first and then others will follow.

Much of the culture around business is common sense. Don’t rush and take your time, and with everything, being conservative is recommended. Don’t be brash, forceful or demanding as this can be disrespectful, and never dress in flash clothes or use expensive pens to make you look good, better or wealthier. Just be yourself. The Japanese are not easily impressed by money and showing off.  And a little secret, only ever sign in blue or black ink unless instructed to do so otherwise.

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Once you have settled in with your host or client, you will need to make conversation. Many Japanese businessmen speak very good English, but, speaking Japanese, even just a few phrases can make a tremendous impact on the person you are with.

Having an understanding of culture and etiquette is one thing but being able to converse in Japanese is something entirely different.



The Japanese language may seem a challenging language to learn but in actual fact it is not, English as a second language is by far the most complex and your Japanese counterpart is having to or has had to work a great deal harder to learn English than you have Japanese. Speaking the language creates trust and confidence. Your host will tell you things he or she would not it they were speaking another language with which they struggled, merely because they do not know how, or how to say it correctly. So much can be lost in translation but taking the time to learn the language and just do a little bit of research into doing business in Japan goes a very long way.

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    These blogs are about learning a foreign language and utilising that skill to forward your professional path.  

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