Language Skills Lead to International Business Success

Published in Small Business

English may be the international language of business, but the savvy global business traveler knows that even a basic knowledge of the local language can go a long way in ensuring business success overseas. Although some people who are learning a language for business reasons do opt for classroom training, many others find it difficult to go to regularly scheduled classes or discover that these programs are not targeted to the business person. Self-study is ideal in this situation. The good news is that the number of self-paced language learning programs has proliferated in the past few years, with updated versions produced by longtime publishers in this field and some innovative new products by more recent entrants to the market.

Tip #1 Review your material frequently. Language researchers have determined that a word or phrase must be repeated up to 45 times before it is retained, therefore constant repetition of what you’ve learned is crucial. If remembering vocabulary is troublesome, get some index cards and make “flashcards” to test yourself on difficult words or purchase a vocabulary development program.

Before purchasing a self-paced language learning program, you need to ask yourself two basic questions. First, do you already have any knowledge of the language you want to learn? Some programs are more suited to the absolute beginner than others, and choosing a good program at the wrong level can be frustrating and unproductive. Second, what is your learning style? Think back to previous classes you have taken. Are you a visual learner? Do you prefer learning from books? Does learning via a CD-ROM interest you?

As for learning over the web, right now the options are somewhat limited. The web is definitely a terrific tool for practicing and improving your language skills, but don’t plan on actually learning a language directly from a website—at least not yet. The majority of the “language lessons on the web” sites are simply not robust enough to teach you more than a few phrases. To really learn a language for business purposes, you either need to use a good self-study program or to take a class.

Tip #2 Speak the language. Talk with native speakers to help your listening comprehension skills and develop your vocabulary. When you’re alone, practice expressing yourself without concern for linguistic perfection. This will enhance your ability to speak and you can perfect your grammar and vocabulary as you continue to learn your new language.

Learn on Your Own

Here are some recommended self-paced programs suitable for a variety of learning styles and proficiency levels. Most are readily available in major bookstores, including online stores such as Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

  • Teach Yourself Business Series (NTC). Available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish, this series offers a traditional book-based learning approach with two accompanying cassettes. This program emphasis written communication, grammar, and reading comprehension.
  • Just Listen ‘n Learn Business Series (NTC). Available in French, German, and Spanish, this is a business-oriented version of NTC’s popular Just Listen ‘n Learn Series. The program consists of three audio cassettes and a detailed workbook, providing an equal balance between verbal and written communication skills. Each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of doing business in a French-speaking country and includes dialogues and practical exercises emphasizing speaking, reading, writing, listening, vocabulary, and grammar. Cultural notes are included.
  • Language Now! (Transparent Language). This program, available in 14 languages, uses a multimedia approach to teach language skills incorporating speaking, reading, and video exercises on a CD-ROM. The series includes a 10,000 word vocabulary, practice quizzed and games, a grammar tutorial, and pronunciation analysis. You can also purchase add-on titles that cover topics such as business, culture, and literature.
  • Into Business Specialty Packs (Transparent Language). This CD-ROM series, available for both Windows and Macintosh computers, is targeted specifically to the business traveler. It’s offered in French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish and provides language instructions combined with cultural advice, business trips, and pointers for Americans on assignment overseas.
  • Language in 7 Days Series (NTC). This series is geared toward the traveler and serves as a good introduction to a new language. The program consists of a color-illustrated book and two audio cassettes and is an excellent choice for beginners or those with limited time to learn the basics. The course is designed to follow the activities of English-speaking visitors to a particular country for a week-long stay. Each of the seven days focuses on specific topics (basic conversation, hotels, transportation, shopping, eating out, etc.) and includes dialogs, vocabulary, and cultural tips. Available in Arabic, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese, Greek, Thai, and Turkish.

Tip #3 Use all your senses to immerse yourself in the language and its culture. Watch foreign films and TV shows, listen to the music of your target country, and taste its native foods. In large metropolitan areas you may also be able to experience this culture by visiting its ethnic neighborhood in your city.

Practice Makes Perfect

If you want to improve basic skills, or supplement one of the above courses with some additional training in a specific area, consider these options:

  • Barron’s Business Travelers: Foreign Language Business Dictionaries (Barron’s). This series, available in French, German, Italian, Korean, Russian, and Spanish is ideal as a companion to an audio- or computer-based language program. Each book offers a list of more than 3,000 business and technical terms as well as detailed information on doing business, important addresses, currency, as well as other topics.
  • VocabuLearn (Penton Overseas). VocabuLearn is one of the most comprehensive vocabulary development tools available. Each program consists of two audio tapes and a word list booklet with over 1,500 words. This is an excellent companion program for those wishing to develop their command of a language. Available in three levels (for beginning, intermediate, and advanced learners), it is offered in Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Vietnamese. VocabuLearn language sets come in a music-enhanced version, designed to create an optimal learning environment through music.
  • Transparent.com. This website offers free dual-language e-mail newsletters for language learners, online quizzes and games, free vocabulary software, and free translations. It’s a great supplement to whatever language learning method you use.

Tip #4 Exploit the web as a tool for enhancing your language skills. You can find thousands of websites in most major languages, including the online version of many newspapers as well as other informational sites related to your target language and its countries. Once you have a good basic understanding a language, try watching business newscasts on one of Bloomberg’s many international live TV sites.

Practice and as much immersion into the sound and “feel” of the language you are studying are the key to success in language learning and also the key to opening once closed doors to you abroad. The smallest amount of advance preparation can enhance any attempt at human communication—and can add enrichment and profits to any overseas trip.