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.  

 

 Are you talking their language?
Coventry Telegraph
ENGLISH is often regarded as the universal business language – but while it may be acceptable to use English if you are buying from another country, ...
Read more at:
http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/business-news/uk-coventry-business-news/2009/07/28/are-you-talking-their-language-92746
 
 
I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day.
Donna J. Jodhan is the president of Sterling Creations
Now you can view blogs and editorials written by Donna at:
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com (Donna Jodhan!  Advocating accessibility for all)
 http://numpadplus.com/blog/?page_id=7 (access and accessibility)
http://www.accessibilitynews.ca/acnews/editorials/donna.php (accessibility issues in Canada)
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com (under the editorials section, an international perspective)
http://www.onestopbookcafe.com (under the café talk link) 
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm (important answers to consumers concerns)
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca (monthly editorial on issues concerning diversity)
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/magazine.html (monthly editorial)
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html (blogs for language professionals and accessibility consultants)