In an article written for Complinet, Karen Higginbottom speaks to Communicaid and investigates the need for globalised financial firms to give their employees language training even if they are English native speakers. She discovered that even if English is the “official language” when it comes to business, an increasing number of firms are wishing to deliver language training courses to their employees.

Looking at the example of the City of London, the world’s most renowned financial place, the importance of language training is evident.

© Cora Malinak

This trend of providing language training is easily understandable. As financial firms increasingly develop their activities overseas, they recognise the importance and value of having employees who can speak different languages. This is particularly true in markets where English is not widely spoken or used or when dealing with junior collaborators who have not mastered the use of English in a professional context.

Speaking another language will help to ensure the success of any global expansion or investment opportunity. Being able to speak the local language is also a good way to show commitment and a genuine will to work with foreign counterparts, even if they are able and willing to speak English. Demonstrating some interest in their mother tongue is a good way to build a fruitful working relationship.

The ability to speak other languages is prized by most companies and can also provide a boost to executives’ careers. Karen Higginbottom quotes a report from the Confederation of British Industry showing that language skills are an important factor for a third of employers when it comes to recruiting new employees. Being able to speak another language is also a plus for expatriation candidates as they will be perceived as more capable of assimilating to the culture of their host country if they know the language. This quick assimilation will help them to be more efficient and operational within their new working environment.

Finally, language training will also help people to understand how they speak their own language to foreign nationals which is also key. Reducing acronyms and being careful about the use of humour will make a huge difference for anyone doing business in the global marketplace.

Providing high quality and tailored training to global organisations and responding to their specific requirements in function of their size, area of expertise and working environment is key for a culture and communication skills consultancy like Communicaid. Language training courses like French Language Training Courses or Russian Language Training Courses can be tailored and adapted to suit any type of requirements, ensuring a maximum return on investment. Participating in a Communicaid language training course is the first step towards learning a language and ensuring you and your organisation make the most of international opportunities.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2010