Are you talking their language?

Are you talking their language?
By Donna J. Jodhan
Happy New Year everyone!  I’m back and glad to be so.  I hope that everyone had a great Christmas holiday season.
 
It is a well known fact that English is the universal language of business but when it comes to communicating in a country where English is not the first language; there seems to be a growing problem here.  It is becoming more and more important to be able to speak, read, and write in the language of the country in which you are doing business.  This despite the fact that English is by far the language of business globally.
 
More and more countries and consumers whose first language is not English are demanding that communications be carried out in their language.  It is not that they are unwilling to keep communicating in English, but they are seeking to make things easier for themselves; build bridges of communications.  This may not be as catastrophic as you may think; especially so for someone whose first language is English and someone who is doing business in a country where English is not the first language.  I believe that this can only help to build bridges and solidify communications.
 
I have a fantastic reference for you to check out.  One that paints a very clear picture.  Please see below.