Learn a foreign language!Profiency in a foreign language has become an increasingly important asset in an interdependent world, a world in which the economy is now international and different cultures are interconnected by telephone, satellite, and computer terminals. Students who have added a foreign language skill to their résumés have prepared themselves to participate in a world economy in which “the language of business is the customer’s language.”Already in the U.S. approximately one out of every six manufacturing jobs is related to international commerce, and about 20 % of U.S. industrial output is geared to foreign trade.In order for the U.S. to remain competitive in world markets, we will need persons trained in foreign languages. Journalists, diplomats, public relations officers, military personnel, medical, social, and agricultural workers will play an increasing role in international understanding.

Why study a foreign language?Foreign language skills…

Provide you with linguistic proficiency and with cultural awareness, both very important in many professionals and fields;Build practical skills (for travel or commerce or as a tool for other disciplines); and,Contribute to achievement of national goals (such as economic development or national security).

Also…Even a limited proficiency in a foreign language can count as a distinguishing feather in your cap if you present it to future employers in the right light.The study of two foreign languages will make you more marketable yet.

Language study, anyone?SpanishFrenchChineseGermanJapaneseRussianArabic

Spanish

Hispanic Americans now make up the largest minority in the United States.In less than 20 years, 1 out of every 4 Americans will be of Hispanic descent.Spanish is spoken by principle trading partners with the U.S.

ChineseChinese is the language spoken by about ¼ of the world’s population.China is one of the fastest growing economies and one of the biggest trade partners of the U.S.Chinese is spoken by those wanting to work for companies trading in this enormous consumer market.

FrenchFrench parent companies in South Carolina employ over 14,000 people. Companies such as Beneteau, Rhodia, Inc., and Michelin are all present in SC.Those interested in French Language and Literature, Art and History and their integral links to American culture, could teach or do research on a variety of levels.Also, French would be beneficial for those wanting to work in the fashion industry.

GermanGerman is the language of the economic giant of Europe.German is spoken in Germany, Austria and most of SwitzerlandGermany has the deepest and most extensive economic ties to U.S. commerce. In South Carolina alone, German parent companies employ over 20,000 people.

JapaneseJapan interacts economically with every other country in the world.Japan is a world leader in information science and technology.Knowing Japanese would be beneficial to someone hoping to work and compete in the world of business, engineering, and science.

Russian

Russian is spoken by millions of people from Eastern Europe to the Pacific Ocean.Beneficial to those interested in international affairs and business opportunities in the East.Beneficial to those interested in science and mathematics where Russia still leads.

Arabic

The study of Arabic is now a US national priority. Arabic is the language of more than 200 million people in the world. It is also a language utilized by twenty-four non-Arab Muslim countries with a population of about one billion people Students of international business, political science, international law and the humanities can benefit tremendously from studying Arabic. There is world-wide interest in the economies of the Arab countries because of the production of oil and related petro-chemical industries. Two-thirds of the world’s known oil reserves are in the Middle East.

Some international firms in USA by parent company

Australia Austria Belgium Bermuda Brazil Canada Chile China Denmark Finland France Germany Ireland

Italy Japan Korea Luxembourg Mexico Netherlands Norway South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan United Kingdom

The Marketable Skills of Language Majors

Interviewing people of different nationalities.Considering cultural preference in designing commercial products or planning cities.Adapting educational programs, publicity, or advertising to the cultural background of the clientele or audience.

Potential Careers in Foreign LanguagesInternational LawyerTravel ConsultantTour GuideFabric ImporterLanguage TeacherLiterary TranslatorInterpreterLinguistInternational Business FacilitatorForeign Exchange DirectorForeign Language EditorCross-Cultural TrainerInternational Literary ScoutImmigration Lawyer…plus many more!

Because of recent business and social trends (expansion of U.S. companies overseas, as well as international companies in the U.S.) and economic power shifts, the corporate recruitment of bilingual employees has ballooned and they can command excellent pay. Be ready, get skilled, and get a career by choice, not by chance!

In conclusion…

CreditsAdditional information was taken from the following web sites: http://www.cofc.edu/languages/

http://www.mpls.k12.mn.us/departments/tis/world_languages/http://www.arabia.com/

http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html

http://www.sccommerce.com/InternationalFirm.html