Why Learning Spanish Is Increasingly Important In Business

In The British Council's 2013 “Languages of the Future” report, which ranks non-English languages in order of importance for British citizens to learn based on a thorough analysis of cultural and economical factors, Spanish topped the list.There are an estimated 550 million Spanish speakers as a native or second language and 21 million students of Spanish as a foreign language. Spanish is one of the six official languages of the United Nations, and it is used as an official language by the European Union among many other international organizations.With this in mind, it’s no wonder that Spanish is becoming increasingly important and valuable within a business context. Many of the world’s emerging economies are from Spanish-speaking countries. Numerous reports in Forbes, The FT and Euromonitor indicate the stronger players in the Central and Latin American markets are moving forward in terms of infrastructure, import/export markets, sales of luxury goods and a general positive economic outlook.With a spotlight on these markets, Spanish is the second most used language in international communication and a shift towards business activities there has strengthened the need to learn Spanish.So what does learning Business Spanish involve? What can companies, employees and adult learners expect in order to effectively communicate with global commercial partners and clients?Employment searchWhether you’re seeking employment in a Spanish-speaking country or company, chances are you will need to ensure your CV and covering letter meets the criteria set in your chosen country. Your interview skills will need to prove you have a good command of the language as well as fit the job requirements. You will need to be able to justify why your language, as well as experience and education to date, will be what the employer are looking for.Meetings and internal communicationUnderstanding relevant business terminology in your chosen sector(s) is key when attending meetings, be it in person or by video conference. A competent Spanish speaker will be able to provide and request information confidently in various business contexts. Preparing, reading and presenting reports in an important component as is being able to discuss scenarios, outcomes and strategies.Business trips, conferences and trade showsCommunicating in Spanish during business trips requires not only a sound knowledge of the language and confidence to speak fluently, but also awareness of practical Spanish such as Hispanic culture, business etiquette and socialising with contacts and clients.London Spanish Academy has taught numerous students learning Spanish for employment, business communication and growing their business in Spanish speaking countries. With global corporate clients such as the BBC, Admiral PLC, PHS and Atradius, we can help you and your company to achieve your goals and communicate effectively within a specific time-frame.