not as differentiating as in the past. Mastering what has become the most widely spoken language in the world is now part of most curricula.
Thus, for example, one in three job offers requires a foreign language and in 92% of cases that language is English, according to a recent Adecco study. Given this homogenization, how can we stand out?
Speaking another language is a cognitive and intellectual benefit, but also an economic one. It opens up opportunities both to respond to intellectual concerns and to obtain economic benefits.
More and more companies are asking for a second language, although it is usually for specific reasons, as for a position that requires dealing with different markets. And since it is something rare, this adds a lot .
Also when it comes to asking for a salary increase.
What language do you study?
But in the face of absolute command of English, what other language do you study? The decision answers, first of all, the motivations of those who want to return to the classroom.
A language can be studied by the attraction generated by the culture of a specific country, by the family tradition or by the simple pleasure of breaking borders, speaking as many languages as possible.
The most common reason, however, is the desire to progress professionally. And the higher up the work hierarchy, the more frequent the need to learn another language. In 55% of job vacancies for management positions, companies are asking for a second language.
There is no other language that, like English, permeates the entire labor market: it is the language of business, but also of science and the digital world, besides being essential in sectors such as tourism, pharmacy, marketing .
Choosing which second foreign language to study will depend, in each case, on the industry and even on the company to which each one wants to direct its steps. The German appears as first option, because it is still the strongest country in Europe and it is very difficult to find someone who dominates.
Studying a second foreign language not only adds another line to the curriculum, but also demonstrates interest in continuous learning and adds other valuable skills. The more languages are known, the more the brain acquires greater plasticity and more capacity for concentration and memory. We also learn to think and make decisions faster. All these are skills that are linked to language learning and that companies value. It is a very important competitive advantage.
Another option is to look at emerging economies and learn Russian, Chinese or Arabic, with the most relevant, but with increasing strength.
To these we can still add an alternative to take into account: The Hindi. It is interesting for demographic and economic reasons. India will be the country with the most inhabitants of the world and that is why this language will be very important in the global context.
