The myths of language learning in business
Even in sectors whereforeign languages may seem less relevant, they can make a significant contribution to a company' s growth and success. Language learning in the workplace is therefore a key issue for companies.
However, despite theobvious advantages associated withmultilingualism, many prejudices and myths continue to circulate. These sometimes hinder efforts to train employees in foreign languages.
In this article, we debunkfive common misconceptions and show why they shouldn't be an obstacle to learning at your company:
- Myth 1: Learning a language is only for the young.
- Myth 2: Learning a foreign language is time-consuming.
- Myth 3: Learning a foreign language is difficult.
- Myth 4: You can only learn a language if you're good at it.
- Myth 5: You need to live in a foreign country to learn a language.
Myth 1: Learning a language is only for the young
It's a common misconception that children have an innate ability tolearn foreign languages. However, adults have many advantages when it comes to learning a new language.
Firstly, adults have asolid grounding in theirmother tongue , enabling them to understandlinguistic concepts more easily. Then, to apply them in their new language.
Secondly, adults generally havegreater maturity,concentration and motivation to learn. Three elements that can bevaluable assets in the learning process.
When dealing with an adult audience, however, it's essential toadapt the teaching methods used , rather than relying on the overly academic techniques used in secondary school.
Myth 2: Learning a foreign language is time-consuming
HR and managers alike often fear that their employees won't be able to devote enough hours tolanguage learning while fulfilling theirprofessional responsibilities. However, it's essential to understand thatlearning a foreign language can be effective without requiring total immersion.
An intelligent approach is to :
- Focus on thelevel of linguistic competence required to be effective in one's missions.
- Rather than aiming for total mastery of the language.
For example, an employee may need tocommunicate effectively with foreign customers or read business documents in a foreign language. By focusing on these specific skills, it is possible to learn enough to perform well in a short space of time.
These days, manydigital tools are used to complement a course with an instructor tofacilitate language learning . These resources enable learners topractice the language at their own pace, between lessons. This makeslearning much more flexible and accessible.
Myth 3: Learning a foreign language is difficult
This belief ignores the many modern methods and resources that make thelearning process easier than ever.
Corporate language courses have evolved considerably over the years. Gone are the methods used at school! In-company language courses rely oncommunicative approaches and oral comprehension to enable learners to make rapid progress.
Secondly,motivation plays an essential role inlanguage learning. Companies can encourage their employees by creating awork environment that is conducive to learning. For example, by providing opportunities topractice their language skills in the workplace.
Myth 4: You can only learn a language if you're good at it
Learning a foreign language is a skill that can be acquired and developed by anyone, whatever their initial level. Indeed,determination,practice and theright methodology play a far more important role than innate talent.
It's up to the trainer toadapt his or her teaching methods to enable the learner to progress. He can draw on an arsenal of tools such as :
- Audio, video, digital and paper supports.
- Role-playing.
- Use of professional media.
To enable learners to :
- Feel confident.
- Learn relevant vocabulary.
- Progress quickly and naturally.
Myth 5: You need to live in a foreign country to learn a language.
Many people mistakenly believe thattotal immersion is the only way tolearn a language effectively . While immersion can be useful, there are many otherlearning methods that can be just as effective, including in-company learning.
Individual courses, tailored to the needs of each learner and coupled with online resources, can all make a significant contribution tolanguage learning without requiring total linguistic immersion.
The idea that total immersion is the only route to mastery of a foreign language is therefore a myth. Significant progress can be achieved throughstructured methods and regular practice, without having to leave home.
Conclusion
Language learning in the workplace:
- Not just for young people.
- Not necessarily time-consuming.
- Doesn't have to be difficult.
Adults caneffectively learn a foreign language at any age, using modern methods and focusing on thespecific language skills they need for their work.
Companies that invest inlanguage training for their employees reap numerous benefits such as:
- A more diverse workforce.
- More competent teams, able to work effectively on a global scale.
- Employees who are more open to the challenges of other countries and markets.
- In-house solutions for export development.
It's time to dispel the myths and recognizethe importance of language learning in today's professional world.
The key torapid language progress lies in adapting to the learner. The Speak'Pro method is the answer to all these challenges.Discover it now.
