In an increasingly globalised market, mastering more than one language has become an essential skill for expanding your business. But do you know which languages are most important for business? English might not be the only relevant option. With around 7,164 languages currently in use (according to Ethnologue),  carefully choosing which language to study can empower you and open up a world of opportunities. 

In today’s interconnected world, the importance of language in business cannot be overstated. As companies expand into international markets, the ability to communicate in multiple languages becomes crucial. Did you know that 79% of consumers prefer to purchase products from websites in their own language? This statistic underscores the necessity for businesses to cater to diverse linguistic preferences. 

Moreover, polyglots—individuals fluent in several languages—often enjoy enhanced career prospects and greater adaptability in the global marketplace. With globalisation driving companies to establish operations in different countries, understanding local languages and cultures is essential for gaining a competitive edge. 

Embracing the challenge of learning a second language not only broadens your professional opportunities but also enriches your personal growth, making you a more effective communicator and a valuable asset in the business world. So why not start your language journey today?

Why Learn a Second Language for International Business?

Undoubtedly, the advantages of speaking more than one language far outweigh the possible downsides. Let’s have a look at the benefits of being proficient in another language in business.

• Increased Job Opportunities: According to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), 90% of employers value language skills in the workforce. They indicate that proficiency in a second language enhances job prospects, especially in industries such as healthcare, education, and business.
• Higher Salaries: Research by the New American Economy found that bilingual workers earn, on average, 20% more per hour than monolingual workers. This increase can be attributed to the demand for language skills in a globalised job market.
• Market Expansion: A study by the Common Sense Advisory revealed that 79% of consumers prefer to buy products in their native language. This highlights the importance of language proficiency for businesses aiming to enter new markets.
• Improved Communication: Companies with diverse language skills in their workforce are better positioned to understand and meet the needs of international customers, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction.
• Cognitive Benefits: Research also suggests that bilingual individuals are better at multitasking and problem-solving, which are critical skills in the business environment.
• Globalisation Trends: Businesses that prioritise language learning and cultivate a multilingual workforce are better equipped to thrive in the global marketplace, adapt to diverse customer needs, and foster meaningful international relationships.

Now that we have discussed the many upsides of learning a language, let’s have a look at the 9 most important languages to learn for business.

Top 9 Most Important Languages for Business

1. English: Often dubbed “the language of international business,” English is used by millions of companies worldwide. There are over 1.35 billion English speakers, although only 360 million are natives. As it is poised to remain a dominant force in global business for the foreseeable future, English presents a valuable pathway for unlocking new career opportunities.
2. Mandarin Chinese: Another increasingly valuable language for business, with over 1 billion speakers worldwide, including about 200 million non-native speakers. As China emerges as a global manufacturing powerhouse, the demand for Chinese-speaking professionals continues to grow. Despite its difficulty, the career opportunities available in China’s expanding economy make the effort worth it.

3. Spanish: A top language to learn for international business, it is spoken by around 559 million people worldwide. As the official language in over 20 countries, (including Spain and Latin America) Spanish opens doors in various industries. Its growing prevalence in the U.S. and influence on the English language make it essential for anyone seeking business opportunities. Plus, it is relatively easy for English speakers to learn.
4. Arabic: Arabic is another key language for business, particularly in the lucrative oil and gas industries of the Middle East and northern Africa, where over 400 million people speak it. Though it takes much more than Spanish or English to reach proficiency (for those whose first language is written in the Latin alphabet), the payoff is significant, enabling expansion into new markets.
5. Portuguese: Spoken by over 250 million people across Portugal, Brazil, and Portuguese-speaking African countries, it is an official language in international organisations like the EU, making it important in business and humanitarian sectors. Brazil’s booming economy makes Brazilian Portuguese particularly lucrative. Since Portuguese is less commonly studied, being bilingual in it offers a competitive edge. 

6. German: This useful language is spoken by around 134 million people, primarily in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Germany’s status as an economic powerhouse, home to industries like banking, medical equipment, renewable energy, and automobiles (think Mercedes, Volkswagen or BMW), makes German particularly valuable for business in Central Europe. 
7. French: With 235 million daily speakers across various industries, from Europe to the Caribbean, French is used in diplomacy, tourism, and international organisations like the UN and WTO. It’s the official language of 13 countries, including France, Canada, and Switzerland, and widely spoken across Africa, making it useful for business in diverse regions. French is also relatively easy to learn for English speakers, opening doors to global opportunities and humanitarian career paths.
   
8. Japanese: With 125 million speakers mostly in Japan, learning Japanese can give you a significant edge. Japan is a global leader in industries like automotive, electronics, finance, and pharmaceuticals, making it a key player in international trade. Japan’s innovative technology, influential media, and role as a manufacturing hub make it one of the top business languages of the future.
9. Hindi: Learning Hindi is a smart move for business, especially with India’s rapidly growing economy and vast consumer market. Spoken by around 577 million people, Hindi is the most prominent of India’s many languages. Though challenging for English speakers, mastering Hindi can open doors to thriving industries in one of the world’s largest economies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Language Learning 

Why is Learning a Foreign Language Important for Business?

Learning a foreign language is crucial for business as it can open up both domestic and international career opportunities. Whether a company is a startup or well-established, it will eventually need to work with foreign clients or partners. Successful global operations often rely on employees who can communicate in the native language of their counterparts. Plus, being bilingual in your home country can be a strong resume booster.

What are the Key Language Components for Business?

For success in global business, certain language components are essential. These include professional vocabulary, formal language use, and common business expressions. While full fluency is ideal, you often only need working proficiency for business-specific contexts. The focus on business-related language is more tailored, depending on the individual or company needs. 

What Language Level is Needed for Business?

The required proficiency level varies by role, but most companies expect employees to have at least a high-intermediate to advanced level (B2 or C1 on the CEFR scale). If your job involves presentations or frequent meetings with foreign clients, a higher level of fluency is necessary. For less complex interactions, lower proficiency might suffice. CEFR standards help gauge the language levels needed for various business roles.

How to Learn a Language for Business?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to learning a language for business, but many people find success using apps, online courses, or in-person classes. You can also supplement your learning by reading business-related blog posts, watching videos, or attending workshops tailored to your target language. Whichever method you choose, developing language skills for business will undoubtedly open doors to new opportunities. So why wait? Start learning today!

Conclusion

Having explored the numerous benefits of multilingualism in the business world and the nine most important languages for business, it’s clear that speaking someone’s mother tongue can unlock a universe of opportunities, enhance your career prospects, and broaden your company’s market reach. If you’re considering offering language lessons to your team, don’t miss our article detailing the benefits of corporate language training. Are you ready to embrace this exciting challenge?

References

• “15 Useful Languages to Learn for Business.” GoAbroad, 23 March 2023, https://www.goabroad.com/articles/language-study-abroad/best-languages-to-learn-for-business. Accessed 23 September 2024.
• “The top languages to learn for international business | Thunderbird.” Thunderbird School of Global Management, 19 December 2022, https://thunderbird.asu.edu/thought-leadership/insights/foreign-languages-business. Accessed 23 September 2024.
• Smith, George. “The 9 Best Languages to Learn for Business Globally.” Mango Languages, 30 August 2024, https://mangolanguages.com/resources/learn/general/how-to-learn-a-language/your-learning-language-guide/9-best-languages-to-learn-for-business-globally. Accessed 23 September 2024.
• “Survey of 8709 Consumers in 29 Countries Finds that 76% Prefer Purchasing Products with Information in their Own Language.” CSA Research, 7 July 2020, https://csa-research.com/Blogs-Events/CSA-in-the-Media/Press-Releases/Consumers-Prefer-their-Own-Language. Accessed 23 September 2024.