When we claim we have a worldwide platform with the internet, why not grow our business beyond? If you are limited to one language, you can only market to native speakers. However, knowing the fundamentals of a few major foreign languages may open up a world of opportunity.
Based on the industry and economic relevance, here is a list of the top languages to learn for business.
Top 5 Online Business Languages to Learn
Here are five of the most important languages to learn if you want to pursue international business, clients, or simply improve your resume's chances of success.
1. English is the most often used language in international commerce.
While there is no such thing as a universal language, English is on its way to becoming a worldwide business language. English is spoken by over two billion people, or nearly a quarter of the world's population, with 600-700 million people speaking English as a second language. English has been designated the official corporate language of numerous multinational corporations, including Nokia and Microsoft.
English is more than just the most frequently spoken business language. It is also widely used in academic settings and is the preferred language of the internet. Because English is the official language of South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many other countries, it is frequently referred to as globalization. However, shifting power dynamics and other more major global economies may threaten English's linguistic dominance soon.
2. Mandarin Chinese is one of the greatest languages to learn for international business.
While English has more speakers who use it as a second language worldwide, Mandarin Chinese has roughly three times as many native speakers. China's booming economy has propelled its language to the forefront of global business languages. Learning Mandarin indicates respect for the Chinese cultures and people because much commerce in China is done face to face and based on conventions of etiquette.
Moreover, Chinese is the second most common language on the internet, and it is rapidly expanding as Asian markets get access to the internet. Because China is likely to overtake the United States as the world's top economy soon, investment in language learning today might result in future commercial prospects.
3. German is Europe's international business language.
Europe is a mishmash of countries with a rich language past. German is your best pick if you seek a single international business language to rule them all. Germany is largely regarded as the region's economic powerhouse, and several other European nations, notably Switzerland, Belgium, and Austria, recognize German as an official language.
In reality, German is the fourth most frequently spoken language globally. Aside from Germany being one of Europe's most populous countries, many German speakers live in neighboring countries like Denmark, Holland, and Luxembourg. German is also one of the European Union's only three procedural languages. Therefore, studying the language might provide diplomatic, political, or scholarly professionals an advantage.
4. Arabic is the most rapidly expanding international business language.
You might be surprised to see Arabic on our valuable international business languages list, but don't dismiss it in areas where economies are rising. It is the official language of the large Middle East and Africa area, including Libya, Egypt, Morocco, Sudan, Somalia, and more than a dozen additional nations.
Business prospects exist for people who speak with a native Arabic accent, particularly in the United Kingdom, where Arabic was recently named one of the British Council's five "languages of the future." Some people consider Arabic a difficult language, particularly the writing system. Still, mastering even a few simple words may provide westerners with a doorway into worldwide economic prospects.
5. French is a versatile and powerful international business language.
Answering yes to the question "do you speak French?" will offer you an advantage in the 29 countries where French is an official language. French is also Europe's second most frequently spoken language, after only German. In reality, due to the remnants of centuries of French colonialism, there are more non-native speakers than native speakers.
French may be an extremely useful language to learn in Africa, where some of the world's fastest-expanding economies utilize it to do business. Because of cultural and linguistic limitations, several African nations choose to do business solely with other French-speaking worldwide partners.