The world is becoming increasingly interconnected, in many different ways and at many levels. For individuals and businesses alike, knowing more than one language can be an advantage. Even though about a third of the world’s population understands and speaks English, communicating in different languages opens up more possibilities. For businesses, educational and medical institutions, government agencies and non-profits, being able to communicate in major world languages can help to avoid mistakes and deepen collaboration.
While it can be difficult for a single individual to be proficient in several different languages, professional translating services can help. Professional translators can accurately render important technical and legal documents into other languages, and a simultaneous interpretation company can help to ensure the success of lectures, workshops and site visits with an international audience.
What Are the Major World Languages Currently in Demand?
In a rapidly evolving business landscape, accurate international communications are essential. Languages like Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, German and French give you and your business access to growing markets and powerful economics. These are also the languages widely used on the internet, and can help US- based businesses to connect directly with customers around the world.Businesses will also need to communicate with local employees and authorities, translate important product documentation as well as legal and technical material and contracts, and localize websites and advertisements. With these criteria in mind, let’s take a look at some of the languages that are most in demand in the business world today.
Chinese
Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world, with a billion speakers. The Chinese economy is growing rapidly and is set to overtake the US as the world’s largest economy. These two facts make a knowledge of Chinese a major asset in the business world. Mandarin, one of the major dialects of Chinese, is the second most-commonly used language on the internet.Arabic
Arabic is spoken in 28 countries in the Middle East and Africa. Many of the Arabic speaking countries have significant economic ties with the US and Europe, and there is a strong demand for translation as well as localization services.Spanish
Spanish is spoken in Latin America and there is a substantial Spanish-speaking population in the United States as well. With 495 million native speakers, Spanish is the second most spoken language after Mandarin Chinese. It is the official language of 21 countries. Spanish is also widely used on the internet, in third place behind English and Mandarin. The number of Spanish-speaking internet users continues to grow rapidlyGerman
German is spoken in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland. All of these countries are economic powerhouses. Germany has the largest economy in Europe, and it’s also a leader in research and technology. In addition, German is the fourth most commonly used language on the internet, with some 210 million speakers. While many Germans speak English, being able to communicate with German businesses in their own language is an advantage.Portuguese
Portuguese allows you to connect with some 215 million native speakers. in Portugal, Brazil, and parts of Africa. Along with Spanish, it’s a gateway to Latin America, besides being the fifth most-commonly used language on the Internet. The strong Brazilian economy makes Portuguese an important language in the business world.French
With 75 million speakers in 39 countries, French is one of the most commonly used languages in business. It’s an official language of several international organizations, including the United Nations and World Trade Organization.Japanese
Even though it’s a small country, Japan has the third largest economy in the world. This makes it an important language for global communication. And with130 million Japanese speakers, it’s the sixth most commonly used language in the internet. Further, Japanese industry is the world leader in robotics, which is the wave of the future. Learning Japanese is the to success in a world where much of manufacturing will be done by robots.Russian
Russian has 155 million native speakers, and it is widely used on the internet. Russia has a large economy and a strong scientific and IT sector, which makes it a leading player on the world economic and political stage.Any business or organization that wants to grow and communicate with a worldwide audience needs several languages. These give you access to the society and the people in a way that you cannot achieve by communicating only in English. Whether it’s translating important legal and technical documents, or carrying out simultaneous translations for conferences, visits and phone calls, a professional translation service can help you connect with the world.