It's good to talk: How being multi-lingual can boost your career

In the multilingual, globalised workplace, knowledge of another language can provide a wealth of opportunities – and boost your salary by as much as 20 per cent. Read more

Kathryn Board: 'We know there is more work to be done, but the general mood is excitement and enthusiasm', Chief executive of CILT, the national centre for languages

I feel quietly optimistic about the future of languages. More and more employers are beginning to publicly acknowledge that there is a real need for languages in our globalised world, and that English is no longer enough. Read more

Why Rich Kids Speak The Right Language
Britain's richest young success stories have one thing in common - they speak a second language, new research reveals. Of the UK's wealthiest under 30s more than half (53 per cent) count languages among their skills - with only 14 per cent speaking none at all. Read more

Youngsters set to hit the language barrier

The government is urging young people to consider learning another language after a survey claimed that almost seven in every 10 asked plan to work overseas. A poll of more than 550 people aged 11 to 18 found that some 66 per cent wanted to work abroad. This was despite more than half claiming to possess no foreign language skills at all. Find out more about this survey at SecEd.

Day of European Languages Reveals Differences, Not Diversity

September 26 is European Day of Languages. But what should be a celebration of multi-lingualism in fact highlights a failure in language-learning across the bloc and a lack of attention on minority languages. Read more.

Hoping that someone speaks English is not enough in a globalised world

For far too long Britons have seemed to almost bask in the glory of being dubbed the language "dunces" of the Western world. Our attitude was summed up for me when my (German-speaking) brother and a friend went on holiday to Germany and got involved in an argument with a car-parking attendant. "Come here," shouted the friend. "This peasant doesn't speak English." - Read more.

Good language skills give SMEs the exporting edge

Sterling's weakness against the Euro has made British prices competitive but more small businesses need to use the bridge of language to make the most of these opportunities. - Read more.

To God I speak Spanish, to women Italian, to men French, and to my horse--German.

Well, that is absolutely logical, we should talk to each other the way people understand. As for me I do not know Spanish but I talk to God, I do not know Italian but I do talk to women, I do know French a bit and talk to men, well, if they deserve, I do not know German but I do not have the horse, too. What languages do I know then? Well, Native Georgian, English and Russian. I might have known much more but... Never anything is late. (Calmed myself down) - Read more.

Companies get an F in Foreign

According to PromoLingua, a language and cultural differences consultancy firm, UK companies are missing out on Europe-wide business opportunities because they fail to bridge language and cultural gaps. Read more.

Music to the ears of Sue Clarke, who set up language consultancy Promolingua this year to, among other things, offer in-company language training.

She says: "Slowly but surely the English are realising that it's not conducive to speak slowly and loudly. That they do actually have to speak to their customers or clients in their own language." Read more.

CBI shows demand for language skills

A survey published in April by CBI showed that employers highly value communication skills, with 75 per cent seeing conversational ability in languages as a desirable skill in applicants. Read more.

Does learning a second language translate into business success?

English is said to be the universal language of business so there is little incentive for UK managers to learn a foreign tongue. Read more.

Talking could make or break businesses

On-the-ball companies need to take advantage of a fair wind to avoid missing a ‘staggering’ export opportunity, according to a West Midlands business linguistics business. Read more.

Language skills spark export success

Sales increase for firms with language skills. Read more.

Month abroad for trainee teachers

Trainee teachers who will provide compulsory language lessons in primary schools are benefiting from a month's placement abroad, say inspectors. Read more.

Leading on languages in the business world

European Commissioner Leonard Orban shares his thoughts on how multilingualism is a key advantage in a globalised business landscape. Read more.

Knowing the lingo: Sue's new business venture

A Warwick woman is saying 'hola!' to a new career in linguistics in 2008. Read more.

Sue talks herself into a new business venture

A Midland woman is launching a new linguistics business after working for years translating for businesses. Read more.